DoIT Student Digital Stories: Indu Akula

Mastering User Experience

Indu Ravali Akula shares her enriching experience at UMBC, focusing on accessible design, collaboration, and her future goals in tech and design.

A Journey in Human-Centered Computing: Personal Growth and Professional Development

In the rapidly evolving field of technology, the importance of user-centered solutions has gained unprecedented significance. As technology continues to shape our daily lives, the role of individuals dedicated to making these experiences seamless, meaningful, and accessible is ever more vital. This article explores the inspiring journey of Indu Ravali Akula, a master's student in human-centered computing and a developer within the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her experiences illuminate the profound benefits of embracing curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration in both academic pursuits and professional development.

The Role of Human-Centered Computing

Human-centered computing is an interdisciplinary field focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating computational systems with the people who use them in mind. Unlike traditional technological approaches, which may prioritize technical efficiency or innovation for its own sake, human-centered computing puts human needs, behaviors, and experiences at the forefront.

Joining the Division of Information Technology: A Transformative Experience

One of the most rewarding aspects of Indu’s role at DoIT has been working with a diverse group of professionals from various backgrounds and disciplines. This diversity not only exposed her to different perspectives but also taught her the value of collaboration in solving complex problems.

Indu is walking past the statue of UMBC's retriever dog mascot, True Grit

Contributing to Impactful Projects

Throughout her DoIT experience, Indu played an active part in numerous projects focused on enhancing user experience, optimizing internal workflows, and improving form systems. These initiatives weren’t just routine technical upgrades—they were fundamental in creating streamlined processes for multiple communities at UMBC. Witnessing firsthand how her work contributed to positive change gave her a sense of purpose and motivation.

Developing Core Skills

Indu highlights several core skills she cultivated during her time at DoIT:

Accessible Design: Learning to create documents and systems that are inclusive and accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.
Simplification of Complex Documentation: Distilling complex information into clear, user-friendly documents, ensuring that essential details are not lost in translation.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Working as part of a team to address multifaceted challenges, drawing on the unique strengths of each member.

These skills are not just valuable for her current role—they form a foundation she intends to carry into all future professional endeavors.

Advice for New Students

Based on her journey, Indu offers astute advice for those aspiring to join DoIT or similar organizations:

Embrace Curiosity: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Curiosity is the lifeblood of innovation and improvement.
Take Initiative: Stepping forward to take on tasks and challenges accelerates personal and professional growth.
Value Supportive Environments: Seek out teams and workplaces where support and encouragement are part of the culture.

Indu emphasizes that being open to learning experiences and actively participating in new initiatives sets the stage for exponential growth.

Looking Ahead: Career Aspirations and Ambitions

After graduation, Indu plans to work in the design or technology industry to build additional experience. Her ultimate ambition is to establish her own branding and design agency—a space where innovative experiences and tools are crafted to solve real-time problems while enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. Her vision is anchored in creating experiences that matter—solutions that not only function well but also improve people's lives in measurable ways. By combining her technical expertise with a keen understanding of user needs, she hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of design and technology.

By embracing curiosity, prioritizing user needs, and surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and colleagues, anyone can transform their educational experiences into a springboard for innovation and positive change. As Indu looks ahead—envisioning a future in branding, design, and user-centered innovation—she represents the transformative impact that thoughtful, empathetic, and engaged technologists can have on the world.