Autodidact Series Part 3: Gaps in the Status Quo

Many designers, regardless of specialization, end up in digital design roles (UX/UI), largely driven by market demand. This raises a nuanced question: Should you pursue a master's degree primarily for better pay and opportunities, or because of a genuine passion for the subject matter?

If industry readiness is the primary goal, our current master's programs often fall short. Curricula struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving industry, leaving knowledge gaps and missing critical core competencies. Tools, which are a significant part of day-to-day work, are often overlooked. Disruptive trends and new theories are rarely incorporated.

The elaborate processes taught in school often don't align with real-world constraints. Designers can become frustrated when they can't conduct extensive customer research or focus solely on desirability while neglecting feasibility.

Auxiliary skills, crucial for excelling in daily work, are seldom taught. Community engagement, industry conversations, and expert insights are often limited to annual guest lectures, rather than fostering ongoing relationships.

As a result, students often face a "second shift" after graduation, scrambling to prepare their portfolios for industry expectations. While they gain broad exposure to the field, they may struggle to be immediately productive in professional roles.

Bridging these gaps requires a fundamental rethinking of design education. Programs must strike a balance between theoretical depth and practical application, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and mindset to thrive in the ever-changing design landscape.

Understanding these nuances can help you make an informed choice around your structured and formal education. There are pros and cons to every approach. Weigh them down and make a decision.

The first principle you should keep in your mind is make a choice in such a way that your ROI is disproportionately higher than you I aka investment.