Emily Yang, a Design Strategies BDP student, utilized their Psychology background to help redesign Fidelity Investment’s student debt management tool.
"The most rewarding aspect of my Connecting Experience was discovering how my psychology background can be valuable in design.”
What kind of work did you do in your capstone class?
In my capstone course, I collaborated with Fidelity Investment to redesign their student debt management tool using design thinking and team collaboration skills. As part of a team of six, I conducted qualitative research with past and current student debt borrowers to understand their experiences and interactions with the tool. These insights were shared with Fidelity’s UX team, who then developed a prototype based on our findings. The prototype was then tested with targeted users, with the results being reported to Fidelity’s UX team.
What skills did you gain as a result of the work you did?
Through this project, I gained valuable skills in team collaboration and effective communication, both within my team and with stakeholders. I also developed proficiency in design software like Figma and other digital tools, which enhanced my ability to create convincing and smooth design processes. These experiences have prepared me well for the workforce, equipping me with both technical and interpersonal skills.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your Connecting Experience?
The most rewarding aspect of my Connecting Experience was discovering how my psychology background can be valuable in design. I also identified the skills I need to further develop to be more competitive in the field. As a Liberal Arts major, I sometimes feel insecure about my workforce value. This experience highlighted the strong connection between psychology and design due to its emphasis on human understanding. Seeing how theoretical knowledge can be applied to real-life situations and positively impact the lives of others was very rewarding.
In what ways has this Connecting Experience shaped your plans for the future?
This Connecting Experience has shaped my plans by revealing my passion for translating research insights into real-world applications. Initially, I aimed to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in academia. However, this experience showed me how research can impact diverse audiences beyond conferences and papers. Understanding my core values and interests has given me confidence in crafting a unique path, both personally and professionally.