Sora Kamigaki, Japan, 12 November, 2024
Choosing design at QUT
I find joy in engaging with people and am fascinated by the ever-evolving landscape of how individuals interact with devices, apps and websites, ultimately shaping our lives.
I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) at QUT because I've always been drawn to the dynamic intersection between human interaction and technology. QUT stood out to me as the ideal university to acquire both practical skills and theoretical knowledge in interaction design.
Building essential design skills
The best part of studying at QUT has been meeting like-minded people who share a passion for creativity and design. Learning in a collaborative environment with others who are equally passionate was incredibly inspiring. The tutors at QUT are very knowledgeable and approachable, providing constant support and feedback that made the learning process enjoyable and fulfilling. Another huge advantage of QUT is the chance to gain practical experience in real-world settings. Through the Work Integrated Learning unit, I gained valuable hands-on experience through an internship, building confidence, refining my skills in web design and communication, and making industry connections that I hope will shape my future career.
My course helped me develop the skill of creative problem-solving through numerous group projects where we encountered challenges that required quick and effective solutions. Regardless of my familiarity with a tool, I learned to adapt quickly, apply new techniques, and refine my designs to meet project requirements. I also strengthened my ability to iterate on ideas, employing critical thinking and adaptability to create optimal solutions for users. Additionally, my degree equipped me with technical skills in design software, strategic thinking, and communication, all of which help me meet evolving project needs and solve problems effectively in the workplace.
My perspective on design has broadened significantly throughout my course. Initially, my focus was on UI/UX design and developing software skills, but as I explored areas like kinetic imagery, critical experience design, augmented reality, creative coding, and the Impact Lab, I developed a deeper appreciation for a well-rounded skill set and a broader base of knowledge as a designer. I also learned that good communication and teamwork are essential for effective design. Collaborating in teams taught me the importance of aligning with others to achieve shared goals.
My pathway to a bachelor degree
My Diploma in Creative Industries provided me with the necessary skills and confidence to pursue a Bachelor of Design. The classes taught me effective communication skills, making it easier to connect with tutors and students. The personalised attention made learning more effective and facilitated personal support, making it easy to discuss my future career with a tutor, and solidified my decision to continue my studies towards a bachelor degree.
The Diploma in Creative Industries allowed me to progress to the second year of the Bachelor of Design. This unique feature permitted me to complete the entire degree in three years, aligning with my peers who initially enrolled in the bachelor program.
I was fortunate to receive a scholarship covering 25% of my Diploma in Creative Industries first-semester tuition fees. This scholarship significantly eased the financial burden at the beginning of my academic journey, allowing me to focus more on my studies.
My capstone project for QUT Design Festival
The QUT Design Festival is an annual event where final-year design students present their capstone projects. This festival is a major highlight of the degree, offering students a valuable opportunity to showcase the knowledge, skills, and creativity we’ve developed over the course of our studies. It’s more than just an exhibition; it’s a meaningful platform to share everything we’ve learned during our university journey and a chance to connect with peers, faculty, and potential employers.
For my capstone project, I designed a wellbeing app called Long-Habits. Long-Habits is designed for university students, featuring a customisable digital pet that acts as your "number one cheerleader," supporting you through your learning journey and challenges. The app provides gentle notifications that help guide your thoughts toward a more positive mindset. It encourages you to reflect on your current feelings and includes AI to help reframe negative thoughts and enhance your physical journaling experience, making reflection a fun and engaging habit. I also created a supplementary webpage outlining the design process and considerations behind the app, including research, brainstorming and visual mock-ups.
For me, the most valuable part of the Design Festival was being able to share my journey as a designer and showcase the results of my hard work. It was incredibly rewarding to see people engage with my project, ask questions, and show genuine interest. Presenting my work publicly boosted my confidence and offered a unique opportunity to receive feedback. I also learned a lot from viewing other students’ projects and gained fresh perspectives and inspiration. The festival was a proud moment, a chance to reflect on my progress and embody everything I’ve learned at QUT.
Advice for future students
For future international students, my advice is to keep an open mind and engage actively with people, both in and outside the classroom. QUT offers a fantastic range of opportunities and resources, so take advantage of them, even if they fall outside your initial area of focus. Learning new skills and concepts will help you design meaningful, functional solutions and grow into a well-rounded designer who truly understands what users need.
Study our Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) like Sora
