From psychology to Human-Computer Interaction: A Journey of passion and purpose
With a background in psychology, now alumna Monaliisa Murs found her true calling in HCI, a field that beautifully combines her love for technology and understanding of human behavior. Now a Customer Experience Specialist at Tele2 Eesti, she continues to apply her HCI expertise in her career, shaping user-centered digital experiences. In this interview, Monaliisa reflects on her journey, the skills she gained, and her vision for the future of HCI.
Monaliisa, you have just finished your master studies in TLÜ and got cum laude diploma in Human- Computer Interaction, congratulations! Tell us please, how did you decide to come and study HCI in the School of Digital Technologies?
During my bachelor’s studies in psychology, I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree but wasn’t sure which direction to take. I had a strong interest in technology but wasn’t keen on becoming a developer. While browsing the programmes offered at Tallinn University, the Human-Computer Interaction programme caught my attention. As I read through the programme description, I realised that this was exactly what I had been looking for—I just didn’t know such a programme existed. HCI perfectly combines my interest in understanding people with my love for technology.
What was the main thing of the study program that caught your eye mostly?
I was particularly drawn to how the programme emphasised understanding human behaviour and using that knowledge to create more intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences. This combination of understanding people and applying that insight to technology was exactly what I was looking for in a master's programme.
Now you have a position as customer experience specialist at Tele2 Eesti. What do you do there?
My role involves supporting various initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience. That includes, for example, conducting user research to gather insights directly from customers, which helps us make data-driven decisions. I’m glad that I’ve been able to put my knowledge from my studies into practice and that I can feel confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to our projects. Being able to see the real-world impact of the skills I developed during my HCI studies has been really rewarding.
Which skills gained from HCI studies do you use on an everyday basis?
The skills I gained during my HCI studies play an important role in my day-to-day work. I consistently apply the principles of user-centred design, ensuring that every project I undertake is focused on the needs and behaviours of users. My HCI studies also equipped me with strong research skills, including user interviews, surveys and data analysis. These methods help me gather insights and make informed design decisions.
Did you work on some interesting projects during your studies? Please tell about them?
My favourite project was the Diagoals app that I worked on with my colleagues Darina Akhmetzyanova, Gulassyl Amirgalyeva and Pjotr Surkov. Diagoals is a goal-setting app specifically designed for youth with diabetes. The app helps users set and track goals related to critical aspects of diabetes management, including sleep, nutrition, mental health and physical activity. What made this project particularly rewarding was the opportunity to create a tool that could make a meaningful difference in the lives of its users. Our goal was to empower young people with diabetes to take an active role in their health management through a supportive and personalised platform. Working on this project not only allowed us to apply our HCI knowledge in a practical setting but also reinforced the importance of designing with empathy and user needs at the forefront.
How do you see your career path in the future?
As I’ve recently gained more experience specifically in service design, I could see my career path focusing on deepening my expertise in this field. However, since I’m at the beginning of my career, I’m also open to exploring other opportunities that may arise. I’m particularly interested in roles that allow me to apply my skills in new and innovative ways and that offer the chance to work on diverse projects and challenges. Given how rapidly the field of HCI evolves, I find it important to stay adaptable and open to new developments.
What problems are there in the digital world today and how HCI professionals can solve them?
I find myself often noticing that many digital products and services still suffer from usability and accessibility problems. This can exclude users with disabilities or those who are not tech-savvy. HCI professionals can conduct user research to understand diverse needs and ensure that interfaces are designed to be intuitive and accessible to everyone. We should advocate for inclusive design practices and create solutions that accommodate various user needs.
Do you have a favorite digital tool?
My favourite is probably Miro, which was used a lot during my studies. It’s great for collaboration, brainstorming and mapping out ideas.
What would you advise to the new students of the Human-Computer Interaction program?
My biggest piece of advice is to take full advantage of the opportunities that come your way. This field is incredibly dynamic and interdisciplinary, so don’t hesitate to explore different areas, whether it’s through projects, internships or collaborations with other departments. Engage with real-world problems, participate in research and connect with industry professionals whenever you can. The more you immerse yourself in diverse experiences, the more you’ll develop your skills and discover what aspects of HCI you’re truly passionate about.