Digiblog

Alumni stories: Diana Miftakhova

Diana Miftakhova is an alumna of the Human-Computer Interaction Master's program, having completed her studies in the spring of 2024. She has since returned to her home country, Ukraine, where she is currently working as a UX designer.

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I pursued my bachelor's degree in Printing and Publishing because of my deep love for books and the influence of my mother, who studied a related field. After graduation, I began working as a Graphic Designer, and gradually transitioned into Web Design. Since my bachelor's studies included computer science courses, this shift was relatively smooth. However, I soon realized that I wanted to deepen my knowledge. With a strong desire to pursue my master’s abroad, I began preparing to apply to universities in Estonia. Initially, I considered applying to the University of Tartu to study multimedia technologies. But after critically evaluating my career and the path I wanted to take, I found myself increasingly drawn towards Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

I had to overcome two major misconceptions about HCI. First, I initially thought the program was solely dedicated to web design. While web technologies are indeed an integral part of the modern tech stack, HCI encompasses so much more—ethics, haptics, service design, AI, VR, web accessibility, and beyond. Another myth I held was that the program would primarily teach me how to design. While design is a component, the program is heavily research-focused, making it ideal for those aspiring to become UX researchers, service designers, or even entrepreneurs looking to launch their own startups.

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HCI at Tallinn University offers a fantastic sense of community. The network of teachers, students, alumni, and their colleagues is extensive and supportive. As an HCI student, you gain valuable connections within the tech industry and academia, as well as receive support for your projects. For example, during the Interaction Design Workshop course, I spent four months working on an accessibility research project for SEB, a major bank—a project I’m still proud of today. One of my groupmates even successfully launched their academic career at TLU. Our lab frequently hosted HCI meetups, where we had the opportunity to attend expert lectures and enjoy informal gatherings afterward. 

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During my master’s program, I participated in two exchange programs: a short-term exchange in Maribor, Slovenia, and a long-term exchange in Helsinki, Finland. While in Finland, I simultaneously worked on my thesis, which limited my involvement in exchange studies. However, I still met incredible people and expanded my network. I highly recommend engaging in exchange studies for the new experiences they offer, along with the financial support available to make it possible.

After graduating, I returned home to Ukraine, where I now work as a UX Designer. My education helped me secure a 50% salary increase. In Ukraine, the field of web accessibility is still emerging, providing me with ample opportunities to apply my acquired knowledge. The HCI degree is rare and comes with a certain level of responsibility. I understand how to create sustainable, efficient technology, and now I must consider how best to apply this knowledge.I highly recommend the HCI program to those who are passionate about technology and eager to learn how to apply it for sustainability. I look forward to meeting you at HCI meetups!

My studies in Tallinn began in 2022, a challenging year marked by the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. I am deeply grateful to Tallinn University for its generous financial support, which has made my education possible. This support has not only contributed to my future success but also significantly benefited my mental well-being during this difficult time.

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