AI Humanize io vs Walter Writes

The idea of Human-Computer Interaction did not come to me when I was with a computer at hand but rather as I was witnessing my grandmother face one of her lifetime challenges. Although the app she was using was meant to help her in a medical emergency, it turned out to be useless because of poor design. In that situation, she had her needed technology ready, but the design of it deceptive, making it impossible for her to use it. I learned that the development of any technological tool should consider the emotional and cognitive aspects of its users; otherwise, the technology becomes useless.

During my undergraduate studies, I dedicated my time to learning how both technical and psychological factors influence people and technology between them. I managed to find and analyze the points of friction, which happen at the interface of the software with its users. While I was working on developing a mobile application for public transport, I discovered that writing efficient code is only half of the task; communication with users and analyzing their needs is the other half of the work which would make any technology successful.

My goal is to study for my graduate diploma in the field of Human-Computer Interaction in order to find a balance between technology and humanity. I wish to explore the new types of technology such as voice interfaces, multi-modal Artificial Intelligence, or help computing, for example, that can be made inclusive and accessible. At present, with the emergence of artificial intelligence, it is becoming a vital necessity to design the interaction for people, including those who do not have any experience or skills in technology.

Your program is perfect for me as an interdisciplinary field of studies. The combination of user research and technical prototyping will allow me to study how to use flexible interfaces to assist various groups of people in overcoming their disabilities.

My interest in Human-Computer Interaction did not begin when I was in a Computer Lab or coding. It developed from watching my Grandmother have difficulty using a telemedicine app during a time she needed to call for assistance. The technology to help her was available; however, the interface kept her at bay. At that point, as my Grandmother struggled through her own crisis, inadequate contrast, unclear symbols, and confusing pathways turned a potentially lifesaving tool into an impassable barrier. That event solidified my belief that even the most technologically sophisticated tools are ineffectual if they neglect to address the emotional and intellectual limitations of people as well as their diversity.

During my undergraduate education I tried to come to terms with both sides of this issue -- the technological boundaries of software and the psychological realities of users. Through my academic course work and individual project assignments I was continually directed toward the conflict zones (friction) of User Intent vs. Algorithmic Execution. For example, I learned through working together on a mobile application for local transportation that writing good code (efficiently) was only one-half of creating a functional tool; user interviews, user journey maps, and designing new Information Architectures represented the other half. What I also came to realize is that technology should be shaped by the complexities and messiness of human experience, rather than shaping humans to conform to machine-based rigidities.

The reason I would like to pursue a Graduate Degree in Human-Computer Interaction is to develop the connection between computational capabilities and the ability of designers to provide empathetic interactions. I am particularly interested in exploring the opportunities for designing Accessible Interfaces based on Emerging Paradigms such as Voice Interfaces, Multimodal Artificial Intelligence, Ambient Computing. With Artificial Intelligence becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, now is perhaps the greatest opportunity for designers of all disciplines to focus on developing thoughtful, ethically focused, and inclusive interaction designs.

In your program I believe you offer the perfect combination of Interdisciplinary Education that will enable me to further study how Adaptive Interface Design can enable marginalized groups -- specifically older adults and those who lack digital literacy skills. Most importantly, I don't simply want to create Systems that function, I want to create Intuitive and Equitable Experiences for People so that Technology does not represent an Obstacle but instead represents an effortless Extension of Human Ability.