Matthew Lei: Why choose Design?
Bachelor of Design graduate Matthew Lei shares what drew him to study Design at the University of Auckland – reflecting on how his perspective has changed over time and offering advice for future Design students.
Programme: Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Global Studies conjoint
Project: Designing a VR game, Odyssey, to combat depression in international students at universities.
Why did you choose to study Design?
"I chose to study Design because I had wanted to pursue something that allowed me to express my creativity, but also create change, and that's something that I had not done much entering University."
"Design felt like an opportunity and the right balance of imagination, experimentation, and impact."
Why did you choose to study at the University of Auckland?
"I wanted to study at the University of Auckland because of its reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in New Zealand."
"It was perfect for me in terms of studying close to home and having a lively, diverse university experience."
Why did you choose to pursue a conjoint degree, and how did it help you with Design?
"I chose to study a conjoint degree because it helps me see the world with a broader lens."
"I picked up Global Studies in my second year purely out of curiosity, but it helped me to place Design work on a global scale, whether that be designing for diverse users or larger systems."
What was your perception of Design prior to studying vs. now as a student in the field?
"Prior to studying, I perceived design as a place where I could creatively express myself and make cool looking products. I was open-minded, but I was relatively clueless in terms of how I wanted to do this."
"Now, as a recent graduate, I see it as a way for people to connect, to define and redefine meaning, and shape our future. Learning about the theory of Design, it’s shifted my mindset to focus less on 'what' I design and more on 'why' I design. It’s become a way of thinking rather than just making."
What would you say to high school students who might be considering studying Design?
"To any high school students considering Design at the University of Auckland, I’d say go for it."
I think it’s a gift to have your head constantly full of ideas, so I’d say take the opportunity to learn the tools to turn those ideas into something real and meaningful."
"I encourage everyone to be flexible, to become a human sponge and learn from everyone and everything. That's how you start to understand your place in the world as a designer."
Ready to begin your journey in Design? Start your application for the Bachelor of Design programme.