As someone who comes a long way from the technical side, I might be a strange one who also constantly appreciate the value of design. There is always a question in my mind, “Why are some technology products so fascinating while some are such a pain to use?”. I can tinker around code and electronics. But sometimes even when I DIY something for myself, it does not feel right too.

One of the reasons why I appreciate the value of design so much as a technical person is that I had a special first-hand experience working in a design team. My first job was as an intern at Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) after graduating with MSc in Internet and Multimedia Technologies. Back then, I was in a team led by a designer who is also a graduate from MDes Interaction Design. The team’s main function is to explore some new products to develop. We analysed existing products, made prototypes and tested them with users. Although my tasks back then were mainly programming prototypes, I was also actively engaged in the whole process.

For many years in the technology industry, I have witnessed how technologies could provide possibilities and opportunities in our daily life. Since the first iPhone people have been talking more about design and especially user experience. The technology industry has started to see the importance of design while creating products and services. However, so often we see people just simply using design keywords as buzz words without a deeper understanding.

The same thing even happened in the technology itself when deep learning got some breakthroughs starting around 2012. People use AI to complicate stuff that can be done easily and more reliably with simple programs, just because the marketing team needs that particular keyword to make noise or a brand.

I appreciate the value of design, but I yet cannot produce things with good design. I know there is a missing link I have to connect, something that could push the value of my skillset further. Interaction design is the best fit for me as it has so many theories around human-computer interaction. I could say that I had a lot of experience working on the computer but seldom really considered the whole thing by including human factors. I am already halfway there, and what I need is to complete another half of the journey. I have a strong expectation to myself after completing the master degree. I hope this could enable me to push my thinking and vision to a whole new level with knowledge combined from both worlds.

However, the only interaction design specialism available in Hong Kong is a full-time one. This made me hesitate as I had to take a career break as a trade-off to pursue new knowledge. But this hesitation went away when I came across this fellowship scheme that gave me enough financial support. Now I am good to go to the next level!