Hi! I’m Mowa
A creative technologist with five years of cross-disciplinary experience in digital design, software engineering, and product innovation. I specialise in crafting intuitive, human-centred digital experiences that blend design elegance with technical precision.
My passion lies in transforming complex problems into simple, engaging solutions that make a positive impact on people's lives.
Hi! I’m Mowa
A creative technologist with five years of cross-disciplinary experience in digital design, software engineering, and product innovation. I specialise in crafting intuitive, human-centred digital experiences that blend design elegance with technical precision.
My passion lies in transforming complex problems into simple, engaging solutions that make a positive impact on people's lives.
Reflection on MIDEA Journey
Reflection on MIDEA Journey
Professional
Background
Professional
Background
My journey into the Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts (MIDEA) was deeply influenced by my professional background as a Frontend Engineer.
I primarily worked in the MarTech and FinTech space in Sub-Saharan Africa for about 4 years prior to beginning my masters.
The emphasis was always on scalability, security and speed however, "User-centered" was often an afterthought. My main motivation for applying to the MIDEA program was to step beyond these constraints and enter a realm of creativity and innovation where the user is at the centre of the creation process—not KPIs or projected financial outcomes.
My journey into the Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts (MIDEA) was deeply influenced by my professional background as a Frontend Engineer.
I primarily worked in the MarTech and FinTech space in Sub-Saharan Africa for about 4 years prior to beginning my masters.
The emphasis was always on scalability, security and speed however, "User-centered" was often an afterthought. My main motivation for applying to the MIDEA program was to step beyond these constraints and enter a realm of creativity and innovation where the user is at the centre of the creation process—not KPIs or projected financial outcomes.
Expectations
Expectations
My expectations revolved around gaining a deeper understanding of designing with the user at the centre and expanding my creative horizons to explore how technology can profoundly improve daily interactions. Having worked as a software engineer, I knew I needed a more holistic approach to understanding users—not just coding solutions for their needs but also creating systems that resonate emotionally and ethically with them. I was especially eager to engage with design from both theoretical and practical perspectives, using research to guide my creative choices and applying design principles to tackle real-world problems
My expectations revolved around gaining a deeper understanding of designing with the user at the centre and expanding my creative horizons to explore how technology can profoundly improve daily interactions. Having worked as a software engineer, I knew I needed a more holistic approach to understanding users—not just coding solutions for their needs but also creating systems that resonate emotionally and ethically with them. I was especially eager to engage with design from both theoretical and practical perspectives, using research to guide my creative choices and applying design principles to tackle real-world problems
Key Learning
Experiences
Key Learning
Experiences
User First
The most important transformation in my thinking was embracing a user-first perspective. In my earlier roles, user needs were often considered late in the development cycle, but the Master’s program flipped this approach, requiring me to empathise with users from the very beginning. I participated in projects that taught me to use user interviews, persona development, and usability testing to inform each design decision. These experiences sharpened my ability to put myself in the user's shoes and consider every aspect of the interaction journey from their perspective
The most important transformation in my thinking was embracing a user-first perspective. In my earlier roles, user needs were often considered late in the development cycle, but the Master’s program flipped this approach, requiring me to empathise with users from the very beginning. I participated in projects that taught me to use user interviews, persona development, and usability testing to inform each design decision. These experiences sharpened my ability to put myself in the user's shoes and consider every aspect of the interaction journey from their perspective
Research Driven
My previous projects as a frontend engineer often prioritised speed and functionality over thorough user research. However, the MIDEA program placed strong emphasis on research—collecting data, analysing findings, and then iterating on prototypes. I learned that well-grounded user research was not a one-time task but an ongoing dialogue between users and designers
This approach allowed me to see the profound value of insights gathered through different methodologies. These research activities were crucial during our major design projects, as they informed how we iterated on our solutions, ensuring they addressed actual pain points rather than perceived ones.
My previous projects as a frontend engineer often prioritised speed and functionality over thorough user research. However, the MIDEA program placed strong emphasis on research—collecting data, analysing findings, and then iterating on prototypes. I learned that well-grounded user research was not a one-time task but an ongoing dialogue between users and designers
This approach allowed me to see the profound value of insights gathered through different methodologies. These research activities were crucial during our major design projects, as they informed how we iterated on our solutions, ensuring they addressed actual pain points rather than perceived ones.
Design Think Make Break Repeat Framework
The "Design Think Make Break Repeat" framework introduced by the University of Sydney significantly impacted my design approach. This framework emphasises iteration and resilience—designing prototypes, breaking them down, and making improvements in a continuous loop.
Applying this framework, particularly during group projects, made me realise the value of flexibility in problem-solving. The iterative cycle encouraged me to embrace change and breaking as a natural part of the design journey rather than something to be avoided.
The framework’s insistence on iterative learning helped me build not just better products, but also a better mindset towards design. I learned that every iteration, even those considered unsuccessful, added layers of understanding and brought me closer to the best possible solution.
The "Design Think Make Break Repeat" framework introduced by the University of Sydney significantly impacted my design approach. This framework emphasises iteration and resilience—designing prototypes, breaking them down, and making improvements in a continuous loop.
Applying this framework, particularly during group projects, made me realise the value of flexibility in problem-solving. The iterative cycle encouraged me to embrace change and breaking as a natural part of the design journey rather than something to be avoided.
The framework’s insistence on iterative learning helped me build not just better products, but also a better mindset towards design. I learned that every iteration, even those considered unsuccessful, added layers of understanding and brought me closer to the best possible solution.
HMW
HMW
JTBD statements
JTBD statements
Test Test Test!!
Test Test Test!!
Desk Research
Desk Research
Online Ethnography
Online Ethnography
Ideation + Wireframes!
Ideation + Wireframes!
Practical
Skills
Practical
Skills
User Empathy and Persona Development
One of the most important skills I developed was user empathy, which is foundational for creating impactful user personas. My understanding of users evolved from just considering functional needs to deeply comprehending emotional and social contexts. Creating personas, based on real research data, has become a central tool that ensures my designs resonate authentically with the intended audience.
One of the most important skills I developed was user empathy, which is foundational for creating impactful user personas. My understanding of users evolved from just considering functional needs to deeply comprehending emotional and social contexts. Creating personas, based on real research data, has become a central tool that ensures my designs resonate authentically with the intended audience.
Usability Testing and Iteration
Usability testing and iterative refinement became critical components of my skill set. Before joining the Master’s program, my approach was more linear—moving from planning to execution without as much feedback. The MIDEA program instilled the importance of conducting usability tests to gather user insights and make iterative improvements, which refined the quality and relevance of my designs in impactful ways
Usability testing and iterative refinement became critical components of my skill set. Before joining the Master’s program, my approach was more linear—moving from planning to execution without as much feedback. The MIDEA program instilled the importance of conducting usability tests to gather user insights and make iterative improvements, which refined the quality and relevance of my designs in impactful ways
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Throughout my Master’s projects, I honed my ability to work effectively across disciplines. My background in software engineering made me adept at developing prototypes, but working with peers from different creative and technical fields taught me the importance of synthesising diverse viewpoints. I realised that collaboration with those outside of my comfort zone—especially through structured frameworks—led to richer, more robust design solutions
Throughout my Master’s projects, I honed my ability to work effectively across disciplines. My background in software engineering made me adept at developing prototypes, but working with peers from different creative and technical fields taught me the importance of synthesising diverse viewpoints. I realised that collaboration with those outside of my comfort zone—especially through structured frameworks—led to richer, more robust design solutions
Theoretical
Concepts
Theoretical
Concepts
Desiderata
The concept of "Desiderata" reshaped my view on what it means to create meaningful change. Rather than simply addressing existing problems, Desiderata urges designers to consider "that-which-is-desired"—a focus on aspirations and values rather than just practical needs. By integrating aesthetics, ethics, and reason, I learned to design with a broader sense of purpose, focusing on human flourishing rather than just mere functionality.
The concept of "Desiderata" reshaped my view on what it means to create meaningful change. Rather than simply addressing existing problems, Desiderata urges designers to consider "that-which-is-desired"—a focus on aspirations and values rather than just practical needs. By integrating aesthetics, ethics, and reason, I learned to design with a broader sense of purpose, focusing on human flourishing rather than just mere functionality.
Wicked Problems
I was introduced to "Wicked Problems" early in my studies, a concept that emphasises the complexity of societal challenges. These are problems that cannot be definitively solved but can be addressed iteratively through adaptive, flexible design strategies. Understanding wicked problems allowed me to cultivate resilience and creativity when faced with ambiguity, equipping me to design adaptable solutions that address the complexities inherent in real-world issues
I was introduced to "Wicked Problems" early in my studies, a concept that emphasises the complexity of societal challenges. These are problems that cannot be definitively solved but can be addressed iteratively through adaptive, flexible design strategies. Understanding wicked problems allowed me to cultivate resilience and creativity when faced with ambiguity, equipping me to design adaptable solutions that address the complexities inherent in real-world issues
Design Futures
"Design Futures" emphasised the importance of long-term thinking in design’s role in shaping society. I was introduced to the "cone of possibilities," a speculative design framework that considers possible, plausible, and preferable futures. This approach taught me to look beyond immediate needs and design with adaptability, considering how present decisions impact future outcomes. Leveraging the cone of possibilities as a designer means envisioning diverse scenarios to create solutions that are resilient and ethically responsible, addressing current challenges while being prepared for an evolving future
"Design Futures" emphasised the importance of long-term thinking in design’s role in shaping society. I was introduced to the "cone of possibilities," a speculative design framework that considers possible, plausible, and preferable futures. This approach taught me to look beyond immediate needs and design with adaptability, considering how present decisions impact future outcomes. Leveraging the cone of possibilities as a designer means envisioning diverse scenarios to create solutions that are resilient and ethically responsible, addressing current challenges while being prepared for an evolving future
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