Designing with Islamic Art–From Pattern to Prototype

Dr. Ahmed Kassab is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at Effat University and a leading expert in industrial design, often called the "Godfather of Industrial Design in the Middle East." With over 20 years of experience in product, automotive, furniture, and industrial design, he has significantly shaped the industry through consultancy and education.
As Vice President of the Industrial Design Division at the Saudi Umran Society and founder of Saudi Industrial Design Week, Dr. Kassab champions innovation and collaboration within the design community. His contributions to global design education include developing bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs at top universities.
Passionate about mentoring future designers, Dr. Kassab continues to inspire and consult on cutting-edge projects, advancing the design field throughout the Middle East and beyond.

Dr. Asghar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Design at Effat University, Jeddah, specializing in product design, cross-cultural semantics, and user-centered design. With over 12 years of experience in academia and professional practice, he has mentored students in design research, digital fabrication, and prototyping techniques.
Dr. Asghar holds a PhD in Design from Loughborough University, UK, where he explored cultural influences on product semantics. His expertise extends to furniture design, material innovation, and the integration of Islamic art into contemporary design. He has also conducted research on ergonomics, accessibility, and design psychology, earning recognition for his contributions to human-centered design.