Ekpemi Anni

Ever since I was a child I've loved art and storytelling. My dad convinced me to get an Engineering degree, meanwhile I had discovered design and wanted a career that combined the things I loved and my skills. I found out that Tim Brown of IDEO and Sir Jony Ive of Apple had gone to Northumbria and the Masters course looked good so I decided to attend the University.

Where are you doing now?

I work as a User Experience Consultant with companies around the world. My goal is to create/help others create products and services that are human-centred and delightful.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals / give your career an edge?

Northumbria introduced me to aspects of design I had no idea about before like user research, design thinking etc. I learnt how to work in teams, with people from different countries and on projects that covered a lot of ground from healthcare to football entertainment.

What was the best thing about your course?

There was a module called Developing Self which really threw me out of my comfort zone. It helped me build confidence in myself, my abilities and practice.

Who inspired you the most, and why?

Mark Bailey, my course director, he seemed very passionate about design and it's always good to have that.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now/throughout your career?

Design thinking, user experience, personality typing, team-working and communication.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I loved being in Newcastle and it holds a special place in my heart. I loved my course having its own design studio in a quiet place.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

Please do consider it, student satisfaction is very high. Be proactive in getting the things you need for your course and beyond. Be passionate.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in three words?

Exciting, inspiring and fun.

For more information about me see:

Toni Anni LinkedIn