Martin Alonso Perez Concha: How Studying Interaction Design Changed My Approach to UX
Martin Alonso Perez Concha, an alumnus of the fully online joint Master’s programme in Interaction Design offered by Tallinn University and Cyprus University of Technology, shares how his studies helped him strengthen his research skills, develop a more strategic approach to product design, and apply new knowledge to his professional work.
Why did you decide to choose the Master’s programme in Interaction Design?
Because of both endeavours, I wanted to sharpen my ability to design and build digital products. During a short trip to Estonia in 2023, I visited Tallinn University and had the chance to meet welcoming faculty members who introduced me to programmes like Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Interaction Design. Their deep expertise in the field gave me the confidence to choose Tallinn’s Interaction Design programme over other international options.
What attracted you most to this programme, and how did the fully online study format work for you?
What stood out most was the high calibre of the faculty and the fact that the programme is based in Estonia, one of Europe’s most technologically advanced countries. The fully online format was also a decisive factor. Having had previous experience with remote learning, I knew that what truly matters is the quality of the professors and their feedback.
What did you enjoy most about your studies? Were there any courses or projects that particularly stood out?
Collaborating in team projects with peers from all over the world was an incredible experience. Engaging in discussions with professors who bring immense vision, industry insight, and thoughtful literature recommendations made the learning journey rewarding. Both the Master’s thesis and the Interaction Design project were particularly demanding. They pushed us to synthesise and apply everything we had learned throughout the programme. Delivering the outcomes was something I felt truly proud of.
What were the most valuable skills or knowledge you gained, and how have you used them in your professional life?
The most valuable skill was discernment: knowing which strategic approach or research methodology to apply when defining a product or its features. Learning structured frameworks to frame problems quickly, alongside conducting rigorous literature reviews for design research, completely elevated my workflow.
Professionally, it made an impact:
- At Globant: I started creating AI agents, and that came from university team projects.
- During my internship with an Estonian startup, I integrated AI solutions grounded in heuristic analysis frameworks applied to various platforms.
- In my own startup: Applying structured product development frameworks, research methodologies, and AI-driven workflows has been invaluable.
Ultimately, my perspective on how to analyse and deconstruct problems has matured significantly.
What advice would you give to someone considering the Interaction Design Master's programme?
Keep in mind that this is a comprehensive, rigorous programme that will genuinely challenge you. You’ll be surrounded by brilliant professors and international classmates with diverse perspectives and methodologies.
My biggest advice is to give yourself the time to truly engage: immerse yourself in the assignments, collaborate closely with your peers and faculty, and don't just focus on getting the degree. Dive deep into the projects, critically reflect on your current design practices, and resist the temptation to "pass" the courses. It’s too valuable an opportunity to rush through.
Even with nine years of UX/UI experience, this master’s programme offered eye-opening insights. It is well worth committing the time and focus to enjoy the journey, learn deeply, and reflect on the kind of tech professional you want to become. This programme provides the ideal environment to do just that.
Learn more about the fully online joint Master’s programme in Interaction Design offered by Tallinn University and Cyprus University of Technology.