Tracy Leung

Why did you choose City St George's?

I chose City St George's for my studies in Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCID) primarily because of the outstanding reputation of its HCID programme. The university's location in central London and the programme's affordability were also a major draw.

Also, what particularly appealed to me was the programme's balanced approach, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. This balance ensures that students receive a comprehensive education, equipping them with the necessary skills for a successful career in UX design.

As someone new to the field, I found this structure particularly beneficial, as it allows me to build a solid foundation while gaining practical experience.

How are you funding your studies – did you secure any financial support?

While I'm self-financing the majority of my studies, I'm also very grateful to have received the Computer Science and Engineering Scholarship from City St George's.

How are you finding studying in the UK?

Being an international student in London has been incredibly rewarding. Its inclusivity and openness to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds made my transition here remarkably smooth.

It’s been fantastic to connect with classmates from all over the world. Additionally, I've noticed that the learning style here is more discussion-oriented compared to my previous experience, which I find very engaging and beneficial.

What does a typical week at university look like for you?

A typical week at university offers a diverse mix of activities and experiences for me. With two full days dedicated to classes, including lectures, tutorials, and lab sessions, I immerse myself in academic learning and practical exercises.

Beyond the classroom, I participate in extracurricular activities involving industry seminars and career events, providing valuable insights into the professional world. Additionally, I make time for exploration and relaxation by exploring museums, cafes, and green spaces.

While the week can sometimes be bustling, I find joy in the vibrancy and the opportunities it presents for personal and academic growth.

What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?

My favourite module thus far has been Interaction Design. This foundational course delved into the user-centric design process, offering a blend of theoretical concepts and hands-on methodologies.

A highlight was the group project, where we applied these principles to enhance a library experience through facilitating and deepening user engagement. Our group designed a multi-channel strategy for the Welcome Library, featuring an interactive touchscreen kiosk with

a personality quiz. This was paired with a mobile application that provided users with tailored activities within the library, facilitating exploration and discovery of materials that best suited their personality and interests.

Despite its challenges, the project was immensely rewarding and enjoyable, providing me with a tangible case study to enrich my portfolio. The course was well structured with a supportive learning environment, encouraging experimentation and creativity, allowing me to explore various design strategies.

What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?

The coursework has provided me with a multifaceted skill set crucial for careers in UX design or research. In addition to the Interaction Design course, which cultivated my understanding of user-centric design principles, other modules have enriched my knowledge across various domains.

From Information Architecture to Inclusive Design and User Research, each module has contributed to building a robust foundation in UX. Additionally, electives such as web development and virtual reality development have supported me in diversifying my skill set and staying updated on the latest UX applications, particularly in the VR space.

What opportunities and experiences has your School offered you so far?

In terms of academic offerings, my professors have been remarkably passionate about their subjects and have been consistently supportive of students.

They structured classes with a mix of lectures and tutorials, providing opportunities for hands-on application and practice, which greatly enriched my learning experience.

Beyond the classroom, I really appreciate the social events the School hosted throughout the academic year, fostering connections between students, faculty members, and alumni.

Additionally, the School regularly arranged industry seminars, exposing me to current trends and developments in the field, and providing me with insights into my future career paths.

What opportunities and experiences has the rest of City St George's offered you so far?

I've had the privilege of participating in the Professional Mentorship Programme, which paired me with a highly experienced UX designer. This mentorship provided me with guidance on career goals, feedback on my resume and portfolio, and access to job opportunities, significantly enhancing my professional network.

Additionally, I attended the Immersive Design Sector Forum organised by the University at the beginning of this year. This forum brought together professionals from diverse backgrounds in immersive design, offering a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge in training new immersive creators, further preparing me for the evolving landscape of the industry.

What are your career plans and how has City St George's prepared you for them?

After completing my studies, I aim to pursue a career as a UX designer here in London, and City St George's has played a crucial role in preparing me for this transition. The programme has offered numerous guest lectures featuring alumni and industry leaders from renowned companies such as Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Diabetes UK.

These sessions have not only provided valuable insights into the industry but also facilitated networking opportunities essential for my career advancement. Additionally, the portfolio review sessions have been immensely beneficial in ensuring that I possess a strong portfolio to highlight my skills and experiences during job applications.

What advice would you give to someone considering a degree in your subject?

Don't be afraid to jump in! The HCID program is packed with opportunities, so make the most of them. Work hard for every project, network at events, and pursue volunteer opportunities. The more effort you invest, the greater the rewards you'll reap.

Also, prioritise effective time management to ensure you make the most of your academic and extracurricular pursuits. If you want to secure an internship or placement, start working on your portfolio early. Once you're here, stay open-minded and embrace new experiences.

Don’t get too stressed out by your studies; take your time to enjoy both your academic journey and the vibrant city life.

If you could do any job related to your subject in the world, what would it be and why?

I'm particularly drawn to the potential of AI within the realm of design. I believe that AI can serve as a potent tool for designers if we learn to leverage it effectively. I'm eager to see how it will shape the design landscape in the future and how I can be a part of that.

I envision myself involved in crafting optimal human-AI interactions and exploring seamless integration of AI into design processes. Additionally, spatial design fascinates me greatly. With cutting-edge technologies like Apple's VisionPro on the horizon, I foresee abundant opportunities for innovation and creativity in spatial design for a wide array of applications.