Yurong (Annie) Huang

Why I Chose Duke Engineering

I decided to pivot my studies after starting out in architecture, where I discovered a strong interest in human factors and user-centered design. Duke’s Design, Technology, and Innovation (DTI) master’s program stood out as the perfect fit because it offered a deeper, more applied exploration of human-centered design principles, going beyond theory into real-world impact.

The program aligned closely with my career goals by equipping me with the tools to design solutions that meaningfully improve people’s experiences, which is something I have always been passionate about. Beyond the curriculum, what truly distinguished Duke Engineering for me was its supportive and collaborative community. From the faculty to the staff, I felt that people genuinely cared about students’ success.

One resource that had a profound impact on my journey was Duke Engineering’s Graduate Student Programs and Services (GSPS). Having moved across the state to a place where I initially knew no one, GSPS and the broader Duke community provided the support network I needed to feel welcomed, connected, and at ease. This sense of belonging reinforced my decision that Duke was the right place to grow academically and personally.

Before Duke Engineering

Before joining Duke, I was working as an architectural designer after graduating from the University of Florida. I had always loved design, which is what initially drew me into the field of architecture. But as I gained professional experience, I realized I no longer wanted to pursue architecture in the traditional sense. Working in the field made it clear that what excited me most wasn’t the concrete or materials; it was the human journey and the experiences that design could shape. Even during my architecture studies, I found myself more passionate about designing for people than designing physical structures. That realization pushed me to pivot toward human-centered design and ultimately led me to Duke.

After Duke Engineering

Now, just one semester away from graduating, I’m working as a UX designer at Lucid and planning to continue my journey as either a UX designer or researcher. I feel empowered knowing I can make an impact doing what I truly love. The DTI program has been the “cherry on top” in helping me achieve the goals I set out for myself, giving me the confidence and skills to bridge design and human experience.

5 Unexpected Lessons I Learned

1. It’s okay to run in circles. Progress isn’t always linear, and sometimes exploration means revisiting the same ideas multiple times. I’ve learned that running in circles isn’t wasted effort, it often leads to deeper insights and clarity about what really matters, especially as researcher!

2. Starting is always the hardest part. I’ve learned that it’s better to take the first step, even imperfectly, because it’s always easier to refine and improve once you begin.

3. It’s okay to fail. Failure is part of the design process. Each attempt that doesn’t work out is still valuable because it teaches you something new and pushes you closer to the right solution. At Duke, I’ve come to see failure less as an endpoint and more as a stepping stone.

4. Stay curious. Asking “why” or “what if” opens up possibilities that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Staying curious keeps me from settling for surface, level answers and encourages me to dig deeper into human needs and experiences, not only at school, but at work as well.

5. Ask questions. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s how you learn, grow, and uncover better ideas.