In the summer of 2018, in my third year pursuing a Bachelor's in Computer Science (CS), I

found myself uncertain about my career path within the vast realm of CS. The turning point
came when I enrolled in an elective course, 'Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)'. Designing
a physical prototype of a banking app and conducting user research with my group members
revealed the significance of usability in everyday life. Searching more about HCI online, I
found myself diving into a rabbit hole that encompassed the vast and intriguing world of HCI.
My perspective started transforming, prompting me to actually scrutinize the user interface of
the apps, social media, video games, and e-learning platforms I used.
Inspired by my newly-found passion for HCI, my final-year project focused on assessing the
usability of top-ranked university websites. The experiment protocol followed a mixed-
methods approach with 31 students from three universities participating in the usability
testing of the websites of renowned universities such as Harvard, MIT, and the University of
Cambridge. The results highlighted Harvard's website as the most favorable, leading to the
formulation of user interface (UI) design patterns after which a final web design of a mock
university website was made. The challenges encountered, including coordinating with
students from different universities and coding the final website, were invaluable learning
experiences.
After graduating in 2019, I aimed for a UX design internship or job. However, the COVID-19
pandemic altered my plans. Concerns about my father's (65 years old) health and the loss of
close relatives led to my family's isolation throughout 2020 and the first half of 2021.
Utilizing this time, I earned certificates through online courses and decided to pursue a
Master's in Computer Science (MS-CS). The choice to pursue a MS-CS was twofold. I felt
that too much of a gap had passed between my undergrad graduation in 2019 to where I was
at in 2021. I would also be specializing in software engineering (which was my field of
interest after HCI). Moreover, this opportunity would not allow me to enhance my academic
and professional profile. It would also allow me to do a research thesis in the field of HCI and
possibly publish it.
My graduate research thesis centered on evaluating the usability of popular video
conferencing tools from an educational perspective. Intrigued by the global shift to online
education, I investigated the impact of tools like Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
on students' education and grades. Employing a within-subjects experimental design with 77
participants, the research identified usability issues, formulated UI design patterns, and led to
the creation of a high-fidelity prototype in Figma. This research paper, currently under review
for publication, explores the potential of video conferencing tools for educational use.

My plan is to still ultimately obtain a Master’s degree in HCI to elevate my career in either
UX design or research. Lack of confidence in my Bachelor’s GPA meeting admission
requirements led me to approach graduate school very seriously and obtain a GPA which
better represented what I knew I was capable of. Ultimately, I was vindicated for the decision
as it turned out to be a fantastic experience. After obtaining the degree, I now feel adequately
prepared and more motivated than ever to tackle my ambitions with renewed fervor.

The decision to pursue a Master's in HCI stems from the absence of such programs in my city
or country. Indiana University's MS-HCI/d program in Bloomington stands out as an ideal
choice to fulfill my aspirations. Renowned for producing graduates excelling in UX design
and research, the program aligns with my goal of pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the
HCI field. Particularly drawn to the subarea of Social Computing, I am intrigued by Professor
Colin Gray's work on pedagogy, offering a unique perspective for my research area. For
example, his paper, "Critical Pedagogy and the Pluriversal Design Studio," addresses the
impact of COVID-19 on studio pedagogy. It would be a fascinating opportunity to discuss
research ideas aligned with my interest with Professor Colin to, for example, bridge the gap
between face-to-face, studio-based, and online learning learning while assessing COVID-19’s
impact on these forms of learning.
Confident in my ability to meet the demands of the program, I believe Indiana University will
provide the best environment to gain knowledge, conduct research, and develop the skill set
necessary for a career in UX design or research. Beyond academic and professional
ambitions, this opportunity promises personal and social growth as well. Eager to contribute
to campus communities, I envision immersing myself in the unique local culture and
experiencing the vibrant city of Bloomington.
Looking ahead, post-graduation, my goal is to secure a job in UX design or UX research in
my country. With ambitions to progress to a senior position within 5-7 years and eventually
establish my company, I aspire to infuse a culture focused on UX in my workplace. This
journey of obtaining a Master’s in HCI marks a significant step towards realizing my dream
of a career in human-computer interaction, and I am excited about the prospects it holds.