reflection at the end of the semester

What am I learning in the School of Informatics?

In the classes of this semester, and the HCI/D master program so far, I am in the journey to explore the answer for the question: what design is, from both theories and practices. I try to answer it after I read, write, think, attend lectures and talk with others, and for many times, I destroyed the answer in my mind by myself right after it was formed. The answer was revised again and again, and more and more issues get involved. I am in the painful and happy journey of the exploration.

Terms, from creation to sustainability, decorates the way of the exploration. Although I learnt the theories and methods to evaluate and test the usability of a design, I still believe that the focus of the study of the first semester was on creation. From the interfaces of a thermostat and online quiz system to public transit design, I arbitrarily promoted my creativity, although I was following the themes and rules. It was the first step of the exploration of the HCI world.

With the concept that design is everything, I began to learn usability, feasibility, rationality, functionality and aesthetics. And from this semester, another set of new terms emerged. User-centered and interactive design was enhanced by experience and sustainability. On the other hand, feasibility, market analysis and financial plan were learnt from both theoretical and practical aspects.

From the movie, “Hole In The Wall”, I suddenly understood that sustainability is concerning not only environmental issue, but also social responsibility. And this is why Eli told us to design for the future in my understanding. As human beings, we should think and do things in a higher level than individual needs.

“Studio Culture” became an learning and working environment which we studied in. And it was so familiar when I saw the sketches all over the walls in the design school in Stanford University. There was one second that I wanted to tell people we did same thing in our school.

I draw my first sketch in my life. When Eli asked me where my diagram was, I was confused because I believed that diagram was not sketch, although I don’t deny that both diagram and sketch are good way to talk with my own mind, maybe diagram is better to help me think further.

It is so nice for this class to remind me to build my professional portfolio site. From the portfolio assignment, I understood the course which is for my success of the program and my future career rather than only one course. Honestly, I really appreciate the stand point of this course. And also, I guess that is why we had a team project which continued for a whole semester with a real partner: to work on a great project to build portfolio.

The text books are really good. I am going to read some of those book again in the summer.