Dharani Perera
Principle Design Strategist, Global Village
With over 15 years of experience applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) across innovation, product, service, and experience design, I bring a deep passion for creating solutions that are empathetic, viable, and impactful. I specialize in blending HCD methodology with product strategy, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring teams through user-centered ways of working. I was Senior Manager of Design Strategy and Research at Grab, where I also later consulted, and previously led customer experience design at Save the Children and nbn. My academic foundation includes a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, exploring inclusive technologies for artists with upper limb disabilities. I’ve spoken at conferences including UX Australia, CHIUXID, and British HCI. In 2023, I founded Inner Light Alchemy (ILA)—a healing space for trauma-informed, embodied transformation. Through ILA, I support people to reconnect with inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and create lasting, meaningful change.
