The end of an era
Javier Andrés Bargas-Avila
UX Director at Google, Coach, Lecturer, Speaker and Woodworker
Today I gave the last talk of my “Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction” course at the University of Basel. I gave this course for the first time in 2003. It was the foundation for the HCI lab I helped to build at the Faculty of Psychology in Basel. Today - two decades later - marks the end of this era. My professor, mentor, former manager and friend Klaus Opwis is retiring soon, and due to expected academic politics, HCI won’t be an important focus in Basel any longer.
As I look back to the last two decades, I feel deep gratitude and pride. During this time, thousands of students have taken the introduction course, and many have focused their Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD studies in this research area. I would never have thought we would get so far, when we started this adventure 20 years ago.
Every year I gave the first talk in early October, in front of a packed room of students. While I got older each year, my students stayed the same age. Looking into their eyes and seeing a mix of curiosity, passion and boredom (yes, not everyone loved this topic) helped me to never forget why I was doing this. Every now and then someone comes to me and tells me that they would not be working in UX if it were not for my Introduction course. This makes me happy, this makes me proud. Having been able to influence the lives of so many smart and passionate people was the honor of my life!
I would like to use this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to so many people who made this dream come true: Alexandre Tuch , David Tschapnizky , David Weber , Dieter Wallach , Elisa Mekler , Eui-Jee Hah, Evianne Hübscher , Florian Brühlmann, PhD , Glena Iten , Jakob Boss , Livia Joanna Müller , Lorenz Ritzmann , Marco De Vito , Martin Rohner , Mirjam Seckler, Ph.D , Noemi Gsponer, Olivia Brenzikofer , Patrick Keller , Peter Schmutz , Sandra Cortesi , Sandra Roth, PhD , Sebastian Linxen , Sébastien Orsini , Sharon Steinemann , Silvia Heinz , Stefan Leuthold , Stefan Pauwels , Wenzel Regli and of course the one and only Klaus Opwis! And apologies to everyone I missed!
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For Psychology students in Switzerland, there are other Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences that offer innovative and inspiring education in the field of UX. And beyond that, there are fantastic programs in the US, UK, Denmark, Netherlands and many other countries. You will still be able to learn about UX, just not in Basel.
With deep gratitude
Javier
Associate Professor at IT University of Copenhagen
11moJavi, we didn't always see eye to eye. But you offering me an internship at the Basel HCI lab has been among the most transformative, decisive events in my life. Back in 2008 I wouldn't even have dreamed of an academic career in HCI! It's crazy and saddening to see this era come to an end at UniBas.
Strategic Experience Designer & Lecturer | Specialized in Medical Research & Product Development | freelanced
11moIt was great working with you!
Head of UX Research, Google Support
11moMy friend Javier Andrés Bargas-Avila, congratulations on your beautiful UX mentorship journey in Basel. No doubt it's the end of an era. What an honor they had you for two decades! You make history and impact lives everywhere you go. Thank you for your good soul, bold vision, and pragmatic mentorship attitude. Big hug to you!
User Experience Design Lead bei YOO AG
11modear Javier Andrés Bargas-Avila, I am happy I was there not from the start but still in the early days. It was a start into a bright and interesting future for me. I remember a lot important discussions and milestones (looking at your doctorate session or learning a little python from Peter Schmutz). The task of building the first webpage for the MAS HCID at FH OST introduced me to even more interesting people. After all the topic is still great but it was the people that made it special. And I also remember all the little stuff that built the very unique vibe at the faculty back then with iTunes streaming over bonjour, the "public" airplay soundsystem at the IT office and the opportunity to conduct studies in the eye-tracking lab... manymany good memories and deep gratitude and for most of it we would all agree it was you that made it happen!
It was a pleasure working with you and MMi on several usability evaluations. Sad to see that Basel is loosing this important offering at the uni.