MILWAUKEE— Mount Mary University kicked off a new program this fall in hopes of bringing more women into the tech industry.
Students are now able to major in UX design which stands for User Experience Design. These students are learning to design the interfaces for apps and programs that we use everyday.
Malaika Powell is one of those students. After earning an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at MATC, she felt it would be a good fit.
“Graphic design sounded fun, but I wanted to do something that has more to do with tech, so when I applied to Mount Mary and I heard that they had UX design. I said, 'oh this is perfect'. It’s the perfect combination of art and technology and also something that helps people,” said Powell.
Her class is currently designing mock interfaces for apps of popular brands.
While still in the early stages of their designs, Powell and her classmates got into groups to show each other’s progress. For her project, Powell chose to redesign the Pick 'n Save’s app.
“Placing a pick-up or delivery order is such an involved process, so many buttons to click. It’s confusing, so I thought I could simplify it,” said Powell.
Francesca Mason is an assistant professor for UX Design.
She explained there are many practical applications from designing apps and websites to airports and theme parks.
“It’s a human centered design process. You can use this design process to design digital products or physical products and all sorts of experiences,” said Mason.
Mason said she is thankful that Mount Mary University is empowering young women, especially women of color to seek careers in the tech industry.
“I was really excited to bring UX design to help develop the program here because we get to give back to the community and allow them the resources to get to the tech industry and to get to places where you don’t normally see us represented,” said Mason.
Bob Schwartz is the university’s Dean for the Arts & Design and Business Schools.
He says a 3 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation for Hispanic serving institutions helped bring UX design to Mount Mary.
“Employees are clamoring for more diversity," said Schwartz. "They are clamoring for more women in these kind of professions like user experience design. Mount Mary is the perfect incubator for those kinds of professions and so we brought that here and we know that employees will immediately take hold of our graduates and hire them."
Powell looks forward to taking on a career where she helps people in a practical way.
“Technology is a part of our everyday life. I use it to make doctor’s appointments, to order groceries, to connect with my friends. It’s not going anywhere so we need to make it easier for everyone to use, especially when it’s a part of our healthcare, our food, even paying rent,” said Powell.
She expects to graduate in 18 months and she feels that Mount Mary will put her in a position to succeed.
For more information about the program click here and to learn more about the advantages of majoring in UX design, click here.