Driven by a relentless curiosity, Lamees Alfadhel, a budding Saudi product designer, embarked on a journey of creative exploration, unveiling hidden marvels within the mundane. Her brainchild, Qitmeer, is a testament to her innovative spirit, ingeniously crafting vegan leather sheets from discarded dates.
Qitmeer, born as Alfadhel's graduation project, emerged from her diverse academic pursuits and a profound fascination with the intersection of science, creativity, and how people connect with the outside world. Alfadhel, a successful Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University graduate in product design, reflected on her experience and noted that, after high school, she realized how fascinatingly many disciplines come together in product design.
Fueled by a deep-seated passion for tradition, ecology, and a desire for a more environmentally conscious future through design, Alfadhel chose to delve into Saudi’s natural leather industry. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry, particularly the famous date palm trees, she identified two pressing challenges plaguing the industry: chemical damage from traditional leather processes and the staggering volume of wasted dates.
In response, Alfadhel designed Qitmeer, a ground-breaking device that tackles these issues and promotes sustainability. By grinding and mixing dates with additives, Qitmeer initiates the transformation process, ultimately yielding vegan leather sheets ready for manufacturing clothing and accessories. Alfadhel's emphasis on the high fiber content of dates shows her commitment to using local resources for innovative sustainability.
Qitmeer has received widespread praise, symbolizing hope for the Kingdom's ingenuity and resourcefulness. Alfadhel's success epitomizes the growing creativity in Saudi Arabia, supported by cultural advancements and forward-thinking economic and social agendas.
Beyond Qitmeer, Alfadhel's portfolio boasts diverse projects, including an interactive game promoting teamwork, showcasing her versatility and creativity. Her accolades extend to being featured in prestigious exhibitions, such as Tanween's "Graduation Exhibition," where her work stood out among peers from across the Arab world.
Equipped with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Fusion 360, Alfadhel's creative process is a meticulous blend of digital innovation and artistic finesse. Her penchant for the color green underscores her conscientious approach, with each hue chosen thoughtfully to align with the purpose of her designs.
As Alfadhel progresses in the design field, her strong commitment and vision make her a powerful force, ready to make a lasting impact globally. Currently serving as a graphic designer and marketing specialist in Riyadh, she harbors aspirations of nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for young Saudi creatives to thrive and evolve.
