‘Universal design will be important in the future; all the big tech companies are focusing on it.’

Helping people with essential tasks in society

Universal design of ICT is about creating solutions that are necessary for some, for example, people with disabilities, but beneficial for all.

‘To ensure what we do is inclusive, we’re following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) during product development.’

Universal design can help people with tasks they need to solve.

‘In one of my master’s courses, they took us out for an excursion tour to experience universal, inclusive design. To see how the users are using it, and how we can contribute to developing accessible applications.’

‘For example, I met two blind people who used inclusive applications on their phones to guide them. The applications helped them navigate everything and allowed them to purchase tickets themselves.’

‘Universal design helps people so that they are no longer dependent on others and can feel as a part of society.’ – Faisal Ahmed

Faisal divided his master’s thesis into two parts:

One part was developing a product. The other part was getting user feedback and understanding user needs, which enables the development of software and solutions that are easy to use without prior knowledge, meaning anyone can use them.

Faisal on a rooftop terrace on campus overlooking the city streets. He is wearing a winter jacket.

Universal design is popping up

Now he can see that universal design of ICT is popping up everywhere.

‘Universal design of ICT is popular in most companies. I understand it will be a hub in the future; all the big tech companies are focusing on this.’

Faisal believes this has happened because universal design is helpful for everyone.

‘Why is it more interesting, more highlighted now than a few years ago?’

‘Because ten years ago we did not use technologies that much. Today people are more dependent on diverse kinds of technology. Everyone is looking for solutions to make life and work easier.’

‘Universal design is booming because people are getting more used to information technology. Before, very few knew and cared about it and did not bother that much.’

Faisal next to a painting of one of the university's former teachers.

If you want to become an ICT developer or a consultant

‘Who is the master's studies in universal design of ICT suitable for?’

‘It will be helpful for people that want to develop their career as a software developer or consultant in the ICT sector.’

‘It gives you a good advantage if you already have some knowledge of programming languages to get a position in a company.’

‘What kinds of jobs are available to those who have specialised in universal design of ICT?’

‘You can become a software developer consultant or UI/UX designer, and advise clients about new applications and how a more diverse range of users can use the software.’

Great way to start a career

‘What plans do you have for the future now that you have got your first job?’

‘Basically, I want to grow up in this sector and see myself as a tech lead in a few years.’

‘Studying at OsloMet can be good for getting started on your career.’

‘The teachers were always supportive and gave sound advice whenever I faced any challenges, and I always felt comfortable commenting and expressing my opinion.’

Photo of Faisal in the hallway outside the classrooms. There are workplaces for students on the left, and a group of students are sitting in the background. On the right there are pictures on the wall.

‘My best memory is working in groups. We had fun. We worked together. Different people from various places. We shared our cultures. It was interesting,’ says Faisal, back at OsloMet a trip after starting work as a software developer. Photo: Olav-Johan Øye

Short master thesis, more options for different courses

‘Do you have any advice to give to others that already know they want to study the same as you?’

‘I will advise them to take the short master’s thesis . The short thesis allows you to take extra courses, which gives you more diverse knowledge and more options to choose different courses to enrich your knowledge. OsloMet has fantastic courses.’

Before taking the master’s programme at OsloMet, Faisal completed his bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from BRAC University in Bangladesh.

Master’s thesis

The short master’s thesis project consists of 30 ECTS and will be in the final semester of the master’s programme. The topic for this project can be initiated by the students or they can select it from a list of available projects offered from the faculty. You are recommended to select a short thesis if you prefer to increase the breadth with more elective courses.