Mission Statement
Driven to improve digital and physical accessibility, I use empathy and evidence to ensure inclusive design reflects real human needs and empowers people of all abilities to thrive.
Biography
Arno Papenheim is a psychologist with a strong background in user research, human-centered design and psychotherapy. His experience spans psychological assessment, behavioral research, and service design, with a focus on understanding user needs and behaviors. He has worked in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with designers and developers to apply research insights to improve digital and physical services, products and environments. Arno’s work focuses on improving usability and accessibility in digital and physical environments by integrating scientific evidence with design innovation. He has contributed to countless projects on acessibility, wayfinding, human-computer interaction and usability testing, and is a recognized thought leader in UX research. His expertise aligns closely with MADres’ mission to leverage design as a transformative tool for a more inclusive and sustainable future in Europe.
Questionnaire
Where do you want to foster change and why?
I want to foster change where accessibility is never an afterthought but a core part of planning, so inclusive environments are created from the start for everyone to access and benefit.
What or who influenced you during your professional career?
All my teachers, colleagues and teams who shared their passion, enthusiasm & knowledge with me.
We all have those significant moments or situations (success or failure); which one was yours, and what did you learn from it?
There are certainly significant individual moments in my life, but the most inspiring come from hundreds of encounters in my dual roles as a researcher and psychotherapist. These experiences taught me to cherish the diversity of needs, struggles, and desires of people and to always stay open and curious.