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Shadi Mallak
Principal Designer at Motive Studios (EA)
Professional Background
Shadi Mallak boasts an impressive career spanning over two decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the field of User Interface (UI) design. His diverse skill set and deep involvement in various aspects of UI reflect a prolific journey through graphic design, motion design, game design, and user experience (UX) design. Shadi's extensive experience extends beyond artistic creativity, as he has actively engaged in the technical and operational elements of UI, having his hands in engines and middleware to create seamless user experiences.
Shadi has honed his talents at prominent studios including Motive Studios and Ubisoft. As the Principal Designer at Motive Studios in Montreal, he leads teams with a vision that integrates innovative spatial and diegetic user interactions. His key initiatives involve collaboration across various teams like User Interface (UI), visual effects (VFX), lighting, environment, and audio teams. This holistic approach to UI design has set him apart as a leader in the industry, making him a sought-after figure in the realm of game development.
Some of Shadi's career highlights include directing the UI and branding for the critically acclaimed game, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, and more recently, delivering the cockpits and visual signature for Star Wars Squadrons. These projects not only showcase his design expertise but also his ability to lead teams through complex and high-stakes creative endeavors.
Education and Achievements
Shadi's educational background includes a DEC in Arts & Literature, which he pursued at Collège Marie-Victorin. This foundation not only enriched his understanding of artistic principles but also equipped him with a robust literary insight that he adeptly integrates into his work. This combination of arts and literature has played a pivotal role in his success in design, allowing him to craft user experiences that are not only visually appealing but also narratively engaging.
His professional path is marked by a series of progressively responsible roles where he has refined his skills. Initially starting out as a Graphic Designer at Concept LMA, Shadi climbed the ranks to become a Senior Graphic Designer at Ubisoft, where his contributions significantly shaped brand identities through his vibrant designs. His role as the Art Director for UI & Branding at Ubisoft allowed him to merge branding strategies with User Interface best practices, further solidifying his expertise in both visual aesthetics and user-oriented design.
At Officevibe and GSOFT inc., Shadi served as a Senior Product Designer. In these roles, he refined product concepts and user experiences, demonstrating his ability to bring products to life through exceptional design. His valuable insights and leadership as Lead UI Artist and later Principal Designer at Motive Studios have made him an integral part of the team, where his contributions continue to influence the landscape of contemporary UI design in the gaming industry.
Achievements
Shadi's achievements are noteworthy, as he has played instrumental roles in developing landmark titles that have set benchmarks in the industry. Directing the UI and branding for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag stands as a testament to his exceptional design capabilities, which have contributed to the game's worldwide success and recognition. Similarly, his innovative contribution to Star Wars Squadrons has showcased his ability to blend storytelling with user interface design, creating immersive experiences that resonate with players.
Shadi is passionate about creating intuitive user interactions, which he continues to achieve by fostering collaboration between multiple creative teams. This not only enhances the quality of the final product but also ensures that every element coexists seamlessly, reinforcing the user experience. Shadi’s dedication to enhancing user experiences through refined interactions exemplifies his commitment to excellence in design.
In conclusion, Shadi Mallak's career is characterized by a continuous quest for innovation in user experience design. His achievements illustrate a creator who is not only skilled in the artistic dimensions of UI design but also adept at leading teams to create memorable and engaging experiences. His ongoing collaborations with various teams are a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of user interface design in the gaming industry.
