Before joining Hyper Island, Thomas was a Graphic Designer in the e-commerce and menswear industries. “I wanted to transition into Product and UX Design to focus more on human-centered challenges,” he explains. Hyper Island’s hands-on, practical approach and emphasis on teamwork felt like the perfect fit. It allowed him to pivot his career and gain the skills needed to thrive in a new field.
“The focus on giving and receiving direct feedback, as well as being open about personal experiences and emotions, was initially challenging,” he recalls.
Over time, Thomas found these practices instrumental in his growth. “However, over time, I found these practices to be incredibly rewarding and instrumental in my growth, both personally and professionally.”
A standout project for Thomas was his final thesis, where he and another Hyper alumna, Gabriela Triffiletti, worked as design consultants with the United Nations' Intracen agency.
“We designed a prototype app to help refugees earn money online. It was incredibly meaningful to blend design thinking with social impact.”
This project exemplified what Hyper Island does best: giving you enough foundational knowledge to explore complex problems and find solutions.
“Hyper Island excelled in blending theory with hands-on, practical learning. Every concept we explored with our industry leaders was applied to real-world business challenges. This approach gave me the confidence to adapt quickly, tackle ambiguity, and deliver impactful solutions in my current role.”
“The biggest asset Hyper Island gave me is confidence — confidence in myself as a design practitioner and in my ability to contribute meaningfully to complex projects,” Thomas says.
format_quoteLearning from top-tier industry leaders from IDEO and Ustwo, as well as receiving constructive feedback throughout the program, helped solidify this belief in my abilities.
For him, Hyper Island laid the groundwork for adaptability and a passion for solving complex problems. “Looking ahead, I want to continue applying these skills while growing on the IC design track, challenging myself to take on even more impactful projects and refining my craft further.”
When giving advice to the future students, he highlights the importance of openness and networking abilities.
“Be open to new experiences, embrace the discomfort of challenges, and trust the process — it’s worth it,” Thomas advises. “Say yes to opportunities to connect with fellow students, both inside and outside the classroom, as these relationships will become a key part of your learning and growth. As well as your network after graduating.”
Looking back, Thomas says: “Hyper Island was a pivotal experience that shaped how I approach design, collaboration, and personal growth.”
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