Nataly Evagorou recently completed her Master's degree in Interaction Design this summer. While her studies were conducted online, she made a special trip to Tallinn University to participate in the graduation ceremony and connect with her teachers and classmates. In our interview, Nataly shares her insights and experiences from this unique program.
How did you start your studies in Tallinn University’s School of Digital technologies?
As a Bachelor’s graduate in Informatics and Telecommunications, I always knew that the opportunities in the field extended beyond just programming. Although I began my career as a software developer, I found myself more interested in how users interact with interfaces. This realization led me to explore MSc degrees that would qualify me in that area. I started researching programs offered by local universities and discovered the MSc in Interaction Design, jointly offered by Cyprus University of Technology and Tallinn University. I knew that gaining experience from two universities would provide a diverse and enriched educational experience, equipping me with a broader perspective and a more versatile skill set. It would also provide me with the opportunity to qualify for a wider range of job roles, allowing me to better align my career with my interests.
What was the main thing of the study programme that caught your eye?
The program offered courses related to Human-Computer Interaction, a field that fascinated me at the time. Some courses, like 'Prototyping' and 'Development of Interactive Systems,' were aligned with my technological background, giving me a sense of familiarity and advantage. Other courses focused on User Experience, a field that has grown rapidly over the last decade. Additionally, it was the most affordable program of its kind.
Interaction Design program is run fully online. What are the main benefits of studying online?
One of the biggest benefits of studying online is the ability to fully adjust your studies around a full-time job. The part-time option of the program particularly allowed me to organize my studies during weekends or after work at my own pace. This flexibility also made it easier to synchronize with my classmates for assignments and provided the opportunity to meet and interact with people and professionals from all over the world.
Interaction Design MA programme is a joint programme with Cyprus University of Technology. What is the biggest plus of studying in 2 universities at the same time?
Studying at two universities allows you to gain knowledge from diverse faculty, benefiting from the unique expertise offered by each institution. Additionally, you have the opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, training sessions, and events, most of which are offered online by both universities, thereby broadening your network. You also gain access to two digital libraries, providing a wider range of resources and knowledge.
Have you worked on some interesting projects during your study years? Please tell a little about them.
In the final assignment of the Prototyping course, we were tasked with designing a solution to bridge the gap between men and women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). I developed the idea of creating a website that would offer online STEM courses for individuals of all genders who are already enrolled in STEM studies, providing additional knowledge beyond university education. The female instructors would share their experiences and stories of overcoming challenges in their fieldwork, as well as offer interview tips. Meanwhile, male participants would have the opportunity to learn from these professional female instructors and read their stories about overcoming gender stereotypes related to their study fields, fostering a greater appreciation for women’s skills before entering the profession. The greatest satisfaction from this project came a year later when I was honored to receive the first award for the most influential gender-sensitive artifact as part of the Festem Erasmus+ project Female Empowerment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Higher Education. The selection was made from a list of student artifacts uploaded on the "FeSTEM Community of Learners" platform. Also I wrote an article about this experience.
In the 'Universal Design' course, I learned that "Accessibility is essential for some people and useful for all!". Through the assignments, we performed web accessibility testing on real websites and provided solutions to resolve the issues. I realized that much of the digital world is not accessible to people of all abilities. I had the opportunity to do my ‘Practise’ course at the Cyprus Interaction Lab, where I experienced the role of a User Experience Researcher, participated in research programs, and explored emerging technologies like AR and VR.
Where are you working now?
Currently, I am employed as a Product Owner at a FinTech company. My primary responsibility is to serve as the intermediary between the business and development team. I engage with stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure that the development team understands these requirements and priorities, effectively translating business and customer needs into functional specifications.
How do you use skills gained while studying in the School of Digital technologies in your daily life?
Design is not just about how something looks but also about the methodology that guides decisions for a product, ultimately impacting the lives of its users. This realization informs my decision-making in my job, ensuring that every choice I make considers the broader impact on users' lives. It also inspired me to enroll in programs related to social entrepreneurship and accessible design, where I can further explore how thoughtful design can contribute to social good.
What problems do you see in the Digital world nowadays and how can we solve them?
One major problem I see in today’s digital world is the lack of understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit people. This ignorance has led to the improper use of AI and the general misunderstanding of its potential. This can negatively impact people's happiness and psychological stability. Many applications already integrate AI at a pace the average user cannot keep up with, making it even more crucial to address these issues.
To solve these problems, we need to focus on increasing public awareness and education about AI, emphasizing its positive applications and potential risks. Users should understand that technology is designed to make their lives easier, not to threaten them. Enterprises, on the other hand, should adopt user-centered strategies that prioritize the well-being of their users. Implementing stronger regulations and ethical guidelines around AI usage is essential to protect users' privacy and data. Additionally, promoting transparency in how AI is integrated into everyday applications can help users better understand and trust the technology.
What is your favorite digital tool?
My favorite digital tools are Axure RP and Balsamiq. They are invaluable in my daily responsibilities, helping me create rapid visual representations that clearly convey project requirements to developers and stakeholders. These wireframes are essential for complementing the documentation and ensuring everyone has a shared understanding of the project's goals.
The admissions for the master's program in Interaction Design at School of Digital Technologies begins on October 7th. The admission period lasts until November 17th, offering interested individuals the opportunity to take a step further into the world of design and technology by gaining knowledge and skills in user experience and interaction design.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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