Hatim Lachyab is a first-year student in the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) master’s programme at Tallinn University’s School of Digital Technologies. With a background in computer engineering, he joined the programme to better understand how technology can be designed around real people and real needs. In this interview, he shares what motivated him to apply, how his thinking about design has changed, and which projects have been most meaningful for him so far.

What motivated you to apply for the Human-Computer Interaction master’s programme at Tallinn University?

I come from a technical background as a computer engineer, but during my professional experiences, especially as a QA, I have always felt that technology should be designed around real people, not only technical requirements. I wanted to learn more about how users think, how context matters, and how every small detail needs to have a purpose, and how design decisions affect behaviour, trust, and everyday life. After deep research, Tallinn University stood out because the programme is international and full of opportunities. I noticed this already after only one semester. It gives you room to develop, no matter what your background and goals are. It is practical, and it just felt like the right place to grow into a more user-centred professional. 

How have your first-year courses changed the way you think about designing technology for people?

My mindset mainly shifted from “how we build it” to “who is this for, in what situation, and what impact will it have”. I think more about research, accessibility, culture, and the small details that shape the overall experience. The courses also made me more aware that design is not only about usability, but also about responsibility and ethics.

Is there a project or assignment you have worked on so far that you found particularly interesting or meaningful? Why?

One of the most meaningful experiences for me was the Wise hackathon, because it pushed us to take what we learn in class and apply it in a real situation. We didn’t just build features, we had to understand the user first, define a clear problem, create personas and user scenarios, and then prototype and iterate based on that. It was a good way to put HCI thinking into practice under real constraints like time pressure and teamwork.

I also found the democracy project really interesting, because it focused on understanding people and their needs in a different way. We designed activities and workshop materials to help people participate, express opinions, and feel included. It reminded me that HCI is not only about screens. It’s also about designing experiences that support real human interaction and different perspectives.

What do you enjoy most about studying Human-Computer Interaction so far?

What I enjoy most is that HCI makes me look at technology through a very human lens. I catch myself noticing small things in daily life, why an app feels frustrating, why a sign is confusing, or why a process doesn’t work for some people. I really like the feeling of taking an idea, turning it into a prototype, and then improving it based on real user needs instead of assumptions. I also enjoy learning with an international group, because different perspectives often make me rethink my first instinct and design more thoughtfully.

What would you say to someone who is considering applying to the Human-Computer Interaction master’s programme at Tallinn University?

If you’re curious about how people really use technology and you want to design things that feel clear, human, and meaningful, this programme is a great fit. You don’t need to be a designer already. What matters most is curiosity and a willingness to learn. You’ll learn how to understand users, prototype ideas, test them, and think critically about the impact technology has on everyday life. And because the programme is international, you also learn a lot from different perspectives.

Learn more about Human-Computer Interaction Master`s programme