From UX/UI design to Data-driven Design: how alumnus Deniz is broadening his horizons

Deniz chose to study ICT & Media Design at Fontys ICT because he finds it interesting to collaborate with different people during the design process. From interviews and surveys to testing and validating solutions: it is precisely this interaction that appeals to him. He also enjoys the fact that, as a UX/UI designer, he can work in a wide range of sectors, such as sport, the financial sector and film.

One project that particularly stood out for him during his studies was his graduation internship at Demcon Johan Sports. There, he worked on a project aimed at optimising the performance of football teams; a great combination with his own interest in football.

Alongside his regular study commitments, Deniz was active in the Fontys ICT Media Crew. There, he helped document various events through photos and videos, gaining experience in photography, videography and content creation.

From design to data
After his graduation, Deniz wanted to delve deeper into the technical side of product development. He therefore opted for the Master’s study programme in Data-driven Design. This study programme tied in with his background in UX/UI design and offered him the opportunity to gain knowledge in areas such as data science and machine learning.

“As a UX/UI designer, I also wanted to broaden my knowledge into other fields of expertise, so that I could be a valuable point of contact between different departments when it comes to product design and development.”

During the Master’s programme, Deniz learnt, amongst other things, to use Python to analyse datasets and identify patterns. He can use these insights to better substantiate design decisions. He also learnt to look beyond user testing and consider a product’s long-term impact.

He found Data Science particularly challenging at first. After a period of practice, he began to gain more and more confidence in his skills. He discovered that he could carry out data analyses independently, without always having to rely on data scientists.

Master’s thesis with NS
One project Deniz is particularly proud of is his Master’s thesis, carried out in collaboration with NS (Dutch Railways). For around eight months, he worked on ‘Transparency in Journey Planning for Cycle Travellers’.

The project was prompted by the fact that it is unclear to passengers travelling with their bikes on the train how many bike spaces are available. This can lead to unexpected changes to travel plans or even unsafe situations when there is insufficient space.

Deniz developed a feature for the NS app that predicts how busy a train is likely to be. This gives cycle travellers a better understanding of expected crowding and enables them to plan their journeys more effectively.

The project brought together his knowledge of UX/UI design and data analysis. At the same time, the master’s programme broadened his perspective on the design process. He now considers not only users’ needs, but also the technical possibilities and the wider impact of a solution.

The next step
Deniz has now completed his master’s degree and is looking for a new challenge. He is open to career opportunities in the Netherlands or Bulgaria. With his combination of design knowledge and technical skills, he would like to play a bridging role between different disciplines, such as design, front-end development and data science. Product management also appeals to him.

Advice to students
His advice to Fontys ICT students considering a Master’s degree is clear: go for it and make the most of it.

“During my Master's, I discovered things about myself that I didn't know before. For example, I realised that I'm not only good at design, but also at the technical side, such as data analysis”

Looking back on his time at Fontys ICT, Deniz particularly values the friendships he built with classmates and the experience of working on projects together. He also remembers his involvement with the Fontys ICT Media Crew fondly, where he developed new skills and made valuable connections.

And what best describes Deniz? In his own words: “Constantly looking for new knowledge.”

Author: Suzette van Deelen