Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento is an industrial and strategic design thinker with over 14 years of experience in product design, experience design, and user research. He has worked as an independent consultant, advisor for the government sector in Colombia, director of research and innovation departments, and lecturer at various universities. Currently, he is a PhD fellow at Delft University of Technology focused on developing future scenarios and concept products through design. His professional focus is on environmental and social responsibility.

1. visual-thinker Lateral-thinker Innovative Thinking
Creative Facilitator Innovation Management Creative Strategy
Sketching Concept Design Technical Project Leadership
Team Leadership Teamwork Industrial Design
Social Entrepreneurship Creativity User Experience
Product Development Product Design
Delft University of Technology / TUDelft 02 / 2014 - Present
R I C AR D O ME J I A S AR MI E N T O
http://jrms.pktweb.com/
http://www.coroflot.com/jrmejias
http://jrms.pktweb.com/?cat=58
+31648657262
SUMMAR Y
I am an autonomous Industrial & Strategic visual-design thinker with more than fourteen years of experience using
various types of strategic, creative, product-design, experience-design, and user-research techniques. I appreciate my
own aptitude to manage complex problems in research & vision, strategy & concept, design & development and
planning & management of products, spaces, services and strategies, with special interest in the creation of a culture of
design.
Designer with experience as an independent consultant, as an advisor for the governmental sector, as director of
research development and innovation departments in the private sector and as a researcher and lecturer at different
universities. Ricardo worked as a consultant on R&D+i for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in
Colombia; he gave professional advice to the management of SMEs, within the Vice-Ministry of Business Development.
Now, he is a doctoral fellow at TUDelft; his work is about the construction of Future Scenarios and Concept Products
through design.
My professional projection is framed for the environmental and social responsibility at work. I am interested in creating
radically innovative new projects, products and services particularly as a social entrepreneur. I firmly believe in the
need of permanent updating, team work and constant experimentation.
Specialties: Concept Discovery such as context, stakeholder, competitor, product and interaction analysis, business and
product portfolio deconstruction, cultural probes, observation and ethnography; Concept Design such as context,
interaction and product conceptualization, generative and creative sessions, rapid sketching, future scenarios, personas
and prototyping; and Concept Development as usability tests, business strategy planning and implementation, business
plans, branding and marketing plans.
SKILLS
EXPER IENCE
PhD fellow at IDStudioLab IDE TUDelft
The project focuses on approaches/methods/techniques/strategies/tools that can bring such a user-centered vision to a
group of collaborating parties regarding future scenarios and concept products, services and (or) systems.
http://www.studiolab.nl/ and /// http://www.io.tudelft.nl/en/organisation/personal-profiles/phd-candidates/mejia-
sarmiento-jr/

2. Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism 07 / 2011 - 02 / 2014
Stichting Help Manuel 02 / 2008 - Present
Bogota Chamber of Commerce 01 / 2010 - 02 / 2014
Universidad de los Andes 01 / 2012 - 12 / 2012
Universidad de los Andes 12 / 2010 - 07 / 2011
Universidad de los Andes 07 / 2010 - 12 / 2010
Freelance
R&D+i advisor and Design expert (National Design Programm leader) of the MCI&T Colombia
Design has been recognized at government level in 1994 and features in the portfolio of the Ministry of Commerce,
Industry and Tourism (MCI&T). The Ministry, through the National Design Program (NDesP), promotes design in
Colombian industry. The National Design System, defined by the Colombian Government, is coordinated and lead by
the NDesP, as part of the MCI&T, with the intention to promote design as an innovation driver for MSMEs through the
development of activities, projects, workshops and giving information in this field.
Among this project, the Ministry contributes to discover scenarios and synergies to cooperate and to work in the offer
and demand of design in the country as an ecosystem that provide spaces to improve the companies competitiveness
and to increase the quality level of products in the country considering the development of the design sector in the
process.
The NDesP works in three strategic lines (see projects), like: 1. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER ABOUT DESIGN. 2. VIEWING
AND PROMOTING SUCCESSFUL DESIGN CASES. 3. PUBLIC POLICIES AND STRATEGIC PLAN.
Main responsibilities:
Responsible to manage the National Design System from 2011 to 2013 Responsible to give professional and expert
advice to the direction of SMEs within the Entrepreneurial Development division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry
and Tourism. Develop a strategic plan -and a road map- to create a “culture of design” and tent to decrease the existing
gap between professional designers and SMEs. Define a set of policies for design and its implementation for the SMEs
in Colombia. Advice the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia in the development of those policies
trough the SMEs division of the Ministry. Develop a set of presentations, publications and events to visualize and
socialize the effect of a pertinent design project in the SMEs.
Designer & social innovation consultant (founding member)
Help Manuel foundation. NGO that provides advice and consultancy in sustainable new product development processes
for the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) communities.
Design+i advisor and Experience Prototyping expert of the BCC
The BCC brings formality to economic activity, strengthens business development, ensures public access and legal effect
to organization´s relevant information and contributes to a better quality of life in Bogota.
Teacher part time
Responsible to coach students in Design, including topics like: Products & Visual Culture, Innovation and Sustainability
and Product Communication at the Design Department within the Architecture & Design Faculty. www.uniandes.edu.co
Designer, researcher, consultant & teacher in social innovation & design in BoP markets
Responsible to coach students in Design, including topics like: Products & Visual Culture, Innovation and Sustainability
and Product Communication at the Design Department within the Architecture & Design Faculty. Researching about
mobility in BoP markets and social innovation. www.uniandes.edu.co
Teacher part time
Responsible to coach students in Design, including topics like: Products & Visual Culture, Innovation and Sustainability
and Product Communication at the Design Department within the Architecture & Design Faculty. www.uniandes.edu.co

3. Freelance 07 / 2010 - 12 / 2010
Universidad Nacional Colombia 01 / 2010 - 06 / 2010
MOTIO Development 01 / 2009 - 07 / 2009
Oce 2009 - 2009
IDOM 08 / 2008 - 09 / 2008
Urbanimal made by humans Ltda 01 / 2005 - 07 / 2007
Universidad de los Andes 01 / 2005 - 07 / 2007
Designer
Consultancy and advice in topics like: transportation for the bottom of the pyramid, design and social innovation in
BoP markets and design in SMEs.
Teacher full time
Responsible to coach students in Designing for Emerging Markets, including topics like: Transportation for the bottom
of the pyramid, design and innovation in BoP markets and desing in SMEs at the Industrial Design Department within
the Engineering Faculty. http://www.unal.edu.co/english/
Industrial Designer (Intern)
Awarded design studio that works in the field of transportation and product design. Its portfolio consists of interior and
exterior parts and both products with size varies from complete car design to a restyled components. My role: was to
plan and facilitate the working-process of the project following a novel approach from the Delft University of
Technology (TUDelft) called Vision in Product Design which its basic proposal is that design is about looking for
possibilities, and possible futures, instead of solving present-day problems; products are a means of accomplishing
appropriate actions, interactions, and relationships. In interaction with people, products obtain their meaning. The
appropriateness of an interaction is determined by the context for which it is designed. This context can be the world of
today, tomorrow, or may lie years ahead. Offer support in the selection of tools, strategies and techniques in each step
of the process; concluding and summarizing ideas in a coherent and presentable process; managing the project
overview, strategic design and vision of the project. And develop the concept discovery, concept design and concept
development; including the strategy, conceptualization, design and development of the product-system.
Océ Research Competition - Winning Team
From 25 to 27 November 2009 Océ organized a technology business course, the Océ Research Competition. During
those three days 12 top level students with a technical background visited Océ to participate in this major event. During
the workshop students were working in multidisciplinary teams on a real-life and very challenging case. The teams had
competed against each other and have to use their strategic, creative and technological skills to succeed. The Océ
Research Competition offers participants the opportunity to become acquainted with the many challenging aspects of
Océ Research and Development. Participants had the chance to meet Océ researchers, see its latest products, learn
everything about its technical challenges and meet other students. More info online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=kPXSIGuPCR8 and http://global.oce.com/careers/researchcompetition.aspx
Innovation Consultant
(Intern) IDOM Innova is the Innovation and Technological Development department that regulates all the know-how,
technical and management skills of IDOM in the area of innovation and R&D. Barcelona, Spain.
Designer & engineer (associated)
Agency dedicated to develop interior design projects to export to USA. Bogotá, Colombia.
Professor part time
Department of Design. Bogotá, Colombia.

4. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana 01 / 2001 - 07 / 2007
Professional freelance 01 / 1999 - 12 / 2005
Prospekt Design 01 / 1999 - 07 / 2005
Kassani Design S.A. 01 / 2004 - 02 / 2005
Delft University of Technology 2014 - 2018
Delft University of Technology 2007 - 2009
Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas 2001 - 2002
Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas 1992 - 2000
Universidad Nacional de Colombia 1994 - 1999
Professor & researcher
Department of Industrial Design. Coordination of emphasis in "technology & innovation". Manager of the area of
professional services. Researcher in technology and R&D + innovation. Lecturer and teacher in different fields. Bogotá,
Colombia. Part time 2001 – 2002 and 2004 – 2007 and full time 2002 - 2004.
Social Entrepreneurship
Consulting, inspecting and auditing services. Bogotá, Colombia.
Designer (founding member)
Organization devoted to create, design, develop and manufacture products and interactive scenarios. Bogotá, Colombia.
Research & Development Director
Industry devoted to design, develop, manufacture and install furniture for public and private spaces. www.kassani.com.
Bogotá, Colombia.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) , Design
Full doctoral scholarship (Francisco Jose de Caldas) from the Department of Science Technology and Innovation –
COLCIENCIAS that is operated by COLFUTURO.
MSc. , Strategic Product Design, variant Automotive design / Graduated Cum Laude (with Honours)
Graduated with honours Cum Laude, Automotive (Strategic Design) Specialisation, Full scholarship supported by the
Program Alßan, Organizer of “Help Manuel” Workshop with Base of the Pyramid (BoP) communities in Medellin Delft
University of Technology & EAFIT University in Delft The Netherlands and Medellin Colombia
Postgraduate , Projects Management
Part scholarship.
B.Sc. , Industrial Engineering
Industrial Engineering
B.A. , Industrial Design
Art, Architecture and Design

5. BOOK (PAPER): “Mobility at the first and last mile of the IPT in a European Megacity” 11 / 2010
MAGAZINE (PAPER): Txatarra: transitional housing in public transport buses. 2011
PROCEEDINGS (PAPER): Memories of the VIII Congress “The research in the Pontificia
Universidad Javeriana”: From Ergoecologic Method of Analysis to MiDiPP.
2005
PROCEEDINGS (PAPER): Access Of The Industrial Design In The Chains Of Production / Practicing
design for developing small business at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Industrial Design
HONOR S
Full PhD scholarship Francisco Jose de Caldas, COLCIENCIAS, 2013 - 2017. First place Oce Research Competition. OCE,
Netherlands 2009. Finalist Hybrid Tuk Tuk battle team Maqina. ENVIU, Netherlands and India 2009. Best Concept
Award, TEN! Design Competition, Design & Emotion Society, Netherlands 2009. Graduated with honours (Cum
Laude), Strategic Product Design, Netherlands 2009 Creative facilitator, 11 Mostra Internazionale di Architettura. La
Biennale di Venezia, Italy 2008. Full scholarship supported by the Program Alßan, 2007-2009. Jury in 3rd academic
award of design PAD 2006 Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, 2006. Finalist VIII Lapiz de Acero 2005 competition -
furniture category (Food court), Second prize in VII Lapiz de Acero 2004, competition - concept category (Sonorama).
Magazine of Proyecto Diseño. Colombia 2005 and 2004. First prize in the 3rd international competition of ideas +A
ways of seeing in cement. Magazine of Architecture and Design +A Cemex Colombia-Mexico, 2003.
PUB LICATIONS
LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento · https://www.morebooks.de/store/gb/book/mobility-at-the-first-
and-last-mile-of-the-ipt-in-a-european-megacity/isbn/978-3-8383-8844-1
ISBN-13: 978-3-8383-8844-1 / 100 Pages / Germany. After a human-centered design process crucial conditions were
identified in the changing-process of development and growing of the European Megacities, these situations created an
ideal scenario for the author to identify design opportunities in order to contribute to the sustainable development. A
set of three basic steps was completed following a novel approach from the TUDelft called Vision in Product Design. A
literature research was conducted with the intention to define the mission statement of the system and the vehicle and
a set of design-oriented user research toolkits were used. The final result is ITO that is a family of fully low floor,
modular and light-weight cyber cars, minibuses and buses with electric propulsion for a flexible range of passengers.
Using existing infrastructure this set of cars can fill the gap between private vehicles and public city buses offering an
uplifting journey in a comfortable vehicle that is part of an efficient and flexible i.p.t. The interior design answers the
entire passenger's needs and expectations creating a unique experience thanks to different and sophisticated
communication systems.
Journal of Architecture Universidad de los Andes · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento, Juan Pablo Arenas, Juan Jaramillo Carling ·
http://dearq.uniandes.edu.co/
ISSN-2215-969X / Page 80-87 / Bogota, Colombia / 2011. This analysis of the Casa Linda project sets out a conceptual
exploration into sustainable environments through the reuse of public transport buses, which would otherwise be scrap.
While rethinking the process of shaping the material environment, the inadequacies of traditional methods became
clear. In this traditional approach it is normal to use raw materials that are shaped depending on the projects
equirements, in standard ways, and for previously defined ends. Approaching a project starting from recycled objects
and materials (scrap) of different sizes and in uneven condition, generated a process characterized by the impossibility
of anticipating or controlling the construction procedure and final result.
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento, Martha H. Saravia, Barrero G.E., Rincón Ovidio, Daza C.
ISBN: 958-683-803-X Page 46 / Bogotá, Colombia / 2005.

6. Career
2003
MAGAZINE (PAPER): RADISON: An irreverent proposal of a fresh design for the industry. 2003
CHAPTER IN BOOK (PAPER): Responsibility of the design into the new territory 2003
PROCEEDINGS (PAPER): Methodology for product development and processes design in the
context of the MIPYMES (micro business, small and medium business) in Colombia.
2002
THESIS: Design of artificial scenery for a cinematography film of science-fiction 1998
BOOK (PAPER & DIGITAL): Guia d'innovació en el desenvolupament de nous productes
MAGAZINE (DIGITAL): Industrial and strategic design as key of social innovation in humanitarian
crises. Case: earthquake on 12th January 2010 in Haiti
01 / 2011
Memories of the XII Event Betriebswirtschaftliche tagu zu Schwering, Germany. · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento
Access Of The Industrial Design In The Chains Of Production / Practicing design for developing small business at the
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Industrial Design Career / Mejía J.R. / Memories of the XII Event
Betriebswirtschaftliche tagu zu Schwering, Germany 12: 56-70. / 2003.
Magazine “El Mueble y la Madera” · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento, De los Reyes D.P.
RADISON: An irreverent proposal of a fresh design for the industry / De los Reyes D.P. and Mejía J.R. / Magazine “El
Mueble y la Madera” 40: 81-87. / Bogotá, Colombia / 2003.
Memories of the workshop Artificial Landscapes · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento
Responsibility of the design into the new territory / Mejía J.R. / Compiler: Estevez A. / Memories of the workshop
Artificial Landscapes 20: 11-17. / Barcelona, España / 2003.
Memories of the event: International Congress of Design of ALADI in Argentina · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento
Methodology for product development and processes design in the context of the MIPYMES (micro business, small and
medium business) in Colombia. / Mejía J.R. / Memories of the event: International Congress of Design of ALADI in
Argentina 3: 49-56. / Buenos Aires Argentina / 2002.
Thesis to obtain the Industrial Designer degree · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento
Design of artificial scenery for a cinematography film of science-fiction / Cedeño R. and Mejía J.R. / Thesis to obtain
the Industrial Designer degree / Universidad Nacional de Colombia / Bogotá Colombia / 1998.
ACC10 · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento, Marta Albertí, Menno Veefkind, Mercedes Masip, Xavier Ayneto ·
http://www.anella.cat/web/portal/eines/-/custom_publisher/6UgO/27050041/Guia-d-innovacio-en-el-desenvolupament-de-nous-productes
Guies d´innovació i internacionalització Guia d'innovació en el desenvolupament de nous productes Autor: ACC1Ó
Format: Llibre Idioma: Català Pàgines: 152 ISBN: 9788439381037 01-10-2009 2959 visites Amb un conjunt molt
pràctic i estructurat segons les fases del procés, en capítols de lectura independent, aquesta guia pretén ajudar a
l'empresa a reforçar la seva capacitat de desenvolupar nous productes. Dins de cada fase s'aprofundeix en les darreres
tendències i tecnologies relacionades (ecodisseny, etnografia, PLM, …),
This document is intended to explain one of the many ways in which industrial and strategic designers have the ability
to formulate strategic plans working together with governments, NGO’s and private corporations that includes the
proposal of specific programs and the development of projects (designing products and services) thus giving innovative
solutions for humanitarian crisis.
Considering that the general overview after January 12 -2010 about Haiti, the students who were following the course
called “Design and organization” within the Industrial Design Department at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in

7. PROCEEDINGS: El diseño industrial y estratégico como clave de la innovación social en el
transporte.
04 / 2011
Spanish ( Native or bilingual proficiency ) English ( Professional working proficiency )
Palmira, had mapped the context that makes possible the formulation of the plan “Haiti 2010” raised through three
programs (housing, education, and transport) in nine projects interpreted by three-students working groups and that
may be implemented in the short, medium and long term responding to the Development Goals of the New Millennium
made by the Organization of the United Nations.
The text concludes with the presentations of the three projects-conclusions, as case studies. Each one of them in a
particular term and in a different program, exposing concrete solutions to this humanitarian crisis in particular,
showing the role of design in these circumstances.
http://www.cid.unal.edu.co/siiga/ponentes/general/ · Authors: Ricardo Mejia Sarmiento, Andrés Gutierrez Espada, Francisco Escobar Araque
INTER ESTS
Theatre, design, photography, arts, future-scenarios, swimming, trips & trekking.
ASSOCIATIONS
ALADI. Latin-American Association of Industrial Design / Latin America.
LANGUAGES