Usability Research was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my first semester at KISK. It turned out to be exactly what I had hoped for, providing a comprehensive and well-structured introduction to a wide range of topics within the discipline. What I particularly appreciated was how the course balanced theoretical foundations with practical applications, making the learning process both engaging and insightful. The relaxed, cooperative, and self-pacednature of the course made it an enjoyable experience, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the subject without unnecessary pressure.

One of the standout aspects of the course was the lecturer’s expertise. Being a professional researcher, she brought real-world insights, credibility, and practical knowledge into the classroom. Her firsthand experience in usability research added significant value, as they could share case studies, personal experiences, and industry best practices that made the concepts more tangible and relevant. This aspect of the course made a huge difference in my understanding, as I wasn’t just learning from textbooks but also from someone actively working in the field.

If I were to mention one challenge, it would be the team-based project format. While collaboration can be valuable, it sometimes proved difficult to manage due to the varying focus areas and schedules of different students. Coordinating tasks, aligning expectations, and ensuring everyone contributed equally required extra effort. Personally, I feel I would have benefited more from an individual project, where I could have managed my own time and focused on the aspects of usability research that interested me the most. That said, the team experience did offer insights into group dynamics and project coordination, which are also essential skills in research and professional environments.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It provided me with a solid foundation in usability research, equipping me with the ground rules for conducting successful studies. The knowledge and skills I gained will undoubtedly be valuable for future academic and professional projects, and I look forward to building on what I’ve learned.