Glimro was founded by Lua Flannery, a designer and researcher working at the intersection of design, sustainability, and placemaking. With a focus on socially engaged practices, creative technology, and research, Lua brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to her work. Lua began her academic journey studying Fine Art with a specialisation in Creative Media at the National College of Art & Design. She furthered her expertise with a postgraduate qualification in Design Thinking for Sustainability at UCD's Innovation Academy and recently earned a Master's in Digital Art, Design, and Cultures from the University of Galway. Currently, Lua is pursuing a practice-based PhD with the Centre for Creative Technologies in collaboration with UrbanLab at the University of Galway. Her research explores creative and equitable approaches to civic participation in the context of sustainable urban development. Passionate about the transformative role of spaces and places in shaping societies, Lua is dedicated to creating systems and tools that democratise access and enable co-creation for healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable futures. While dedicating the next three years to her PhD, Lua will continue to operate Glimro on a part-time basis, offering her skills and expertise to a select number of external projects committed to positive social and environmental impact.
In the design process, we leverage design thinking research methods to deeply understand users and their needs. By combining techniques like user interviews, empathy mapping, journey mapping, and usability testing, we ensure that each design is user-centered and problem-focused. This iterative approach allows us to create intuitive, impactful, and accessible experiences that resonate with real user behaviors and goals
In the ideation phase of the design process, we use design thinking techniques to generate creative solutions and explore a wide range of possibilities. Through brainstorming, sketching, mind mapping, and collaborative workshops, we encourage innovative thinking and rapid idea generation. This approach helps us identify unique, user-centered concepts that address core problems while pushing the boundaries of design.
In the design phase, we turn ideas into tangible solutions by creating wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs. Using an iterative approach, we focus on usability, accessibility, and aesthetics to craft intuitive user interfaces. By continuously testing and refining designs based on feedback, we ensure that the final product delivers a seamless, engaging experience that meets both user needs and goals.