Vicram Venkataramani, from Chennai, India, is currently pursuing an MA in Digital Experience Design at Hyper Island. He was first introduced to the program by a senior designer at Microsoft, who had a positive experience with Hyper Island graduates.
“I first came across Hyper Island through a senior designer at Microsoft who had worked with its graduates. He spoke highly of the program, and once I dug deeper, I was drawn to its unconventional, industry-oriented teaching methods. The international nature of the cohort also caught my attention. My class alone has 18 nationalities among 36 students.”
While his decision was influenced by the program’s unique learning approach, Vicram also found the tuition fees more affordable compared to traditional design schools.
“Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the more affordable tuition compared to traditional design schools sealed the deal.”
For Vicram, the Digital Experience Design program wasn’t just about gaining technical skills but also expanding his design expertise to better understand user experience.
“I had worked as a graphic designer at a multi-disciplinary agency, focusing on branding and identity development. My decision to join Hyper Island was driven more by the desire to study design in the global West and explore a broader skill set than a specific course. The DXD program at Hyper was a perfect fit for what I wanted to do: it would allow me to enhance my ability to do user research, design meaningful experiences, and ultimately help inform visual identities with deeper customer insights. Also, prime myself to be a creative leader.”
Vicram’s first week at Hyper Island, known as Way Week, was a mix of self-reflection and team-building, which left him questioning his choice.
“Way Week focused on personal reflection and emotional discussions, which I wasn’t expecting. At first, it felt like therapy more than a design program, and I wondered if I had made the right decision.”
However, as the program progressed and the hands-on learning began, he saw the value of the initial introspective work.
“Thankfully, those concerns were alleviated once the modules kicked off. We got to work with some really well-established clients who had intriguing problems. Once I had the more ‘design-related’ content in place, the value of all the ‘soft skills’ we learned in Way Week started to become evident. These methods of thinking, communicating, and reflecting are truly what make the Hyper pedagogy unique.”
One of the most impactful experiences for Vicram was the first project in the Design & Creativity module.
“The Design & Creativity module stands out because it was our first project with a real client brief from SL. Conducting research with actual people and using those insights to create practical solutions helped me understand the value of following the process and confirmed the effectiveness of the theoretical models we learned.”
For Vicram, the real learning came from practical application and team collaboration, rather than purely theoretical knowledge.
“From the start, it was clear that this program wasn’t focused on teaching technical design skills. The lectures mostly cover introductory concepts, and you often need to dive deeper on your own to truly understand the topic.”
He emphasizes that the learning process is heavily shaped by teamwork and reflection, making it a truly collaborative experience.
“With such a diverse group, practical learning through projects is where the real value lies, especially in the lessons learned from your teammates. Hyper’s unique approach to thinking, communicating, and reflecting has been key to this learning process.”
When Vicram moved from India to Sweden, it was exciting and nerve-wracking. Adjusting to a new country and culture can be challenging, especially for an introvert, but he quickly found comfort in his supportive crewmates.
"Getting by with English has been easy, though I did accidentally buy filmjölk instead of milk," he jokes.
He had heard stories about the long winters and the challenge of making friends as an introvert. While he hasn't yet faced the infamous darkness of Swedish winters, he’s grateful for his supportive and friendly crewmates who’ve made settling in easier.
"I’m still getting used to the idea of socializing outside of my crew, but I’m sure I’ll need to step out of my comfort zone if I decide to work here after the course."
Oh, and seeing snow for the first time? That was a highlight.
Vicram’s career goals are still firmly rooted in brand identity design, but his time at Hyper Island has sparked a new interest in user experience and product design.
"I wouldn't be surprised if I end up working in an adjacent field," he says.
Alongside career growth, he’s made significant progress on personal development goals, calling his experience in Stockholm “life-changing” for his growth as a person.
As Vicram looks ahead, he feels empowered by his time at Hyper Island and excited about what’s next.
“The future feels wide open. Hyper Island has equipped me with the tools to embrace uncertainty and navigate whatever comes next.”
Vicram sums up his Hyper Island experience:
“My growth is now in my hands, and I feel ready to make things happen.”
For anyone considering the program, he has this advice:
“Know what you’re getting into. Hyper Island provides fertile ground for growth, but it’s up to you to put in the effort. Trust the process, even when things feel introspective. These methods will leave a lasting impact on your life.”
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