It feels unreal that my master’s programme is now coming to its final weeks. This time last year, I was still trying to figure out a suitable direction for my career. I was unsure whether to enter the job market to gain practical experience or to join a formal programme and build my knowledge from the ground up. By chance, I came across the programme at University of Limerick, and it turned out to be an important turning point for me. Looking back, this experience has given me valuable skills, new perspectives, and a clearer sense of direction.
The programme gave me the chance to try many new things. Through different assignments, I used tools such as Audacity and PowToon for the first time. I also practised a range of skills, including podcasting, storyboarding, writing proposals, and creating videos. In these projects, I was responsible for the whole process. This helped me understand how each step connects and why each role in a project is important. As a result, I now have a clearer idea of how to develop a complete learning product. These experiences not only improved my technical skills but also strengthened my thinking as a designer.
Besides developing practical skills, one of the most valuable things I learnt from the programme is the importance of universal design (UD) and universal design for learning (UDL). To put it simply, UD focuses on designing for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or disability (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design n.d.). UDL aims to make learning more accessible for all learners (University of Limerick n.d.).
Previously, I thought that an instructional designer’s role was mainly to design learning experiences. However, I did not fully realise that these experiences should work for a wide range of users. Through this programme, I became more aware of how small design decisions, such as clear colour contrast, appropriate typography, and alternative text, can make a big difference. In my previous work, I often designed courses based on an assumed “ideal” user. After studying in Ireland, my perspective has changed. I learnt that designers should expect diversity and design with support in mind from the beginning. This shift in thinking is something I will carry into my future career.
I believe that learning is most effective when it goes with practice. So, I plan to continue developing my design skills even after completing my master’s degree. In this way, I can keep improving what I have learnt and apply it in real situations. I also hope to build a stronger portfolio through these projects, which will support my future career in instructional design.
Overall, this programme has given me not only valuable knowledge and skills, but also a clearer direction for my professional development.
Reference:
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (n.d.) About Universal Design, available: https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design [accessed 12 Apr 2026].
Frolic Studio (n.d.) The 7 principles of Universal Design [image], available: https://www.frolicstudio.com/insights/universal-design [accessed 12 Apr 2026].
Studio4rt (2022) Make your choice concept scenes set [image], available: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/make-your-choice-concept-scenes-set-man-thinks-chooses-road-crossroads-press-button-girl-choosing-door-key-lock-illustration-opportunity-decision-making-three-options_27668457.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=37&uuid=ab389e6a-4bd0-4f3c-8a6b-2dccf5d763fe&query=intersection+of+decision [accessed 12 Apr 2026].
University of Limerick (n.d.) What is Universal Design for Learning?, available: https://www.ul.ie/ctl/staff/universal-design-learning/what-universal-design-learning [accessed 10 Apr 2026].
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