Digital Society: A Path to Feeding My Curiosity
This month marks the beginning of my first semester studying in India, where I’ve embarked on a thrilling academic journey exploring my master’s degree major, Digital Society with user-centred design as my specialization. This interdisciplinary graduate program delves into the fascinating intersection between information technology and social science.
During my time here, three classes have captured my attention profoundly: HCI (Human-Computer Interaction), Technology and Society, System Thinking and Qualitative Research. Each of these courses presents intricate and stimulating connections to the user experience.
Social complexity has emerged as a stark reality, and I’ve come to appreciate the value of streamlining problems, a concept I find integral to the field of social science.
For someone with an engineering background like myself, accustomed to finding definitive solutions, the realm of social science has introduced me to the challenges of uncertainty. It’s a shift from prioritizing generalizations, judgments, and resolutions to embracing the complexities of human interactions. This change in perspective has been both enlightening and daunting.
Among these classes, I’ve particularly enjoyed the HCI course, perhaps because of my previous studies in graphic engineering and my extensive experience in IT and design. HCI delves into the intricate relationships between humans and computing technology, exploring not only contemporary applications but also other technologies like calculators.
One unique aspect of my experience here is the scarcity of similar departments in other institutions, especially in Indonesia. As I navigate this academic terrain, I’ve decided to document my learnings and experiences. My goal is to share this knowledge with others, serving as a resource for future reference and fostering a dialogue with curious readers. I look forward to maintaining this spirit of inquiry and engaging with fellow enthusiasts.
