What I've learnt through my design journey
So…how did it all begin?
As the culmination of my Masters of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts (MIDEA) journey ends, writing this feels like a whirlwind of experience. The last 1.5 years have both been challenging yet incredibly fulfilling.
I remember being intrigued by the word 'UX Design' back in my undergraduate years, yet felt that it wasn't a place for me. I came from a completely unrelated background; Speech Pathology to be specific. Although I enjoyed art and web design when I was younger, I never considered myself to be the very 'artistic' type. Yet, my last 3 semesters have taught me that design has a place for everyone, and ultimately our diverse experiences and backgrounds can ultimately create a richer experience.
PREVIOUS BACKGROUND
The transition from healthcare to design.
EXPECTATIONS
A mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Prior to joining the course, I was set on learning how to code as well alongside design. I was excited about the flexibility of the program that enabled me to tailor my electives towards the more technical side as I had previously done a little bit of coding during high school. I envisioned the course to be a transformative experience that equipped me with creative and technical skills.
However, the rapid shift in industry demand when I started last year made me question the stability and relevance of my career path. I recognised the need to be adaptable and to develop a diverse skill set that would allow me to navigate an increasingly competitive landscape.
KEY LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Transformative moments that shaped my journey.
Working with clients
Working with 2 client-university collaborative projects has been an insightful experience that allowed me to engage directly with real-world challenges.
Key Learning:
Engage with clients early as this fosters rapport and builds trust. It also encourages a co-creation approach, where clients feel invested in the process and can provide feedback that enhances the final outcome.
Delving beyond screen based interactions and towards experience design
My time during design thinking and experience studio designing where I have the opportunity to design interactive installations, or solutions that were more service-based solutions, has forced me to consider the multifaceted nature of user engagement.
Key Learning:
These experiences have taught me the importance of adopting a more holistic mindset, how users interact with not just the technology, but the space as well. By considering more than just functionality, I learned to prioritise the emotional and physical context of the user experience.
Working with emerging technology
Experience Design Laboratory was a new experience uncovering the biases and hallucination with AI image generators.
Key Learning:
Whilst AI can be helpful during the early stages of the design process, and as a brainstorming tool, it is important to be aware of the biases. Relying too heavily on AI can hinder creative thinking and reduce the human element that is vital in user-centered design.
SKILLS
From theory to practice: What skills have I learnt?
THEORETICAL
Design Thinking Methodology
The first semester learning about Design Thinking has transformed my perspective about problem-solving, particularly the Double Diamond approach. I initially approached design with a more linear mindset, often focusing on aesthetics. However, immersing myself in the double diamond framework helped me understand the significance of a more iterative and user-centric process.
THEORETICAL
HCI Principles
I took the elective 'Usability Engineering' which broadened my perspective about Human-Computer Interaction principles, reinforcing that effective design must prioritise the user. This elective not only equipped me with practical skills in usability testing but also enhanced my ability to create interfaces that truly resonate with users, ultimately leading to more successful and engaging interactions.
THEORETICAL
Futures Thinking
Through my Experience Laboratory unit, I've come to explore new frameworks, such as Design Fiction and speculative approaches to gain insight how people engage with emerging technology. By creating narratives that envision possible futures, I learned to consider the broader ethical implications of technology, challenge assumptions and provoke critical discussions about user interaction.
PRACTICAL
Reflection as a means of becoming a better designer
In addition to gaining the technical skills, I have also come to appreciate the broader aspects of what it means to be a designer. Lifelong learning and reflection is something I have come to appreciate not only as a healthcare professional, but also a designer as it allows me to continually improve myself, and in turn deliver meaningful solutions.
PRACTICAL
Prototyping and wireframing
Whilst this is still an aspect I am continually improving, MIDEA has been a great stepping stone for learning not only how to use tools such as Figma, but rather how to approach design with a strategic mindset. Beyond mastering software, I gained insights into the design process itself, including the importance of collaboration, user feedback, and iteration.
PRACTICAL
Pitching designs
Prior to starting the course, I underestimated the importance of pitching designs, as I thought the design would speak for itself. However, through practical projects pitching to clients, I've learnt the importance of pitching to show design process and business value. This experiences necessitates the power of storytelling to advocate for my work, and engage stakeholders.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It doesn't just end here.
Ultimately, design isn't just about the flashy interfaces or creating product, but rather a way to problem-solve. If I didn’t make the decision to click 'enrol', I would have missed the chance to discover how my background informs my design practice.
I’ve learned that design is an inclusive process, enriched by varied perspectives. Although the challenges were steep, they pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated, and I'm eager to continue my journey as a designer.