Fatima Nazir, a Master of Engineering Design (MED) student at McMaster University, combines her background in Psychology and Product Design to create human-centred solutions. Passionate about storytelling and design, she has worked on projects in education and healthcare and recently secured a UX Design role at Oracle.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, Fatima shares her journey, insights and advice for women in design and technology.
What does “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. mean to you?
I can’t talk about this special day without honouring all the wonderful women in my life that have sacrificed so much for me to be here today. Both of my grandmothers never had the opportunity to finish their basic schooling, my mother never got to finish her Master’s – my sister and I are the first in my immediate family to not only receive our Master’s (soon) but start full time careers in Tech. My grandmother wrote me letter when we were younger with her hopes and dreams that we embark on an endless adventure to pursue knowledge, so for me, this day is about remembering her as much as it is also about acknowledging other women around the world who have dreams that extend beyond their imagination, but are never given the opportunities to achieve them. This also means developing spaces of encouragement, safety, and support where women and girls can learn, play, and grow. A place where their thoughts and dreams are considered in equal parts to others and fostering environments that take them seriously.
What inspired you to pursue the Master of Engineering Design (MED) program at McMaster after completing a Science Degree and how has the program helped you grow?
Completely by (a wonderful) accident! I always wanted to be a therapist, but I found myself getting too emotionally invested in people’s stories, often feeling helpless. During my undergraduate studies, I took an elective that introduced me to Design Thinking. At the time, I had no idea it was a career path – I had never even heard of UX, and to me, ‘design’ simply meant making things look visually appealing.
When I felt unsure about my next steps, I reflected on the classes that not only excited me but also challenged the way I saw the world. That’s when I realized how much I wanted to explore Design Thinking further. I made it my mission to take every related course I could find, which eventually led me to a Human-Centered Design course under the MED program. Through hands-on projects, I developed new skills and discovered that I could tackle real-world problems while also refining my own thinking.
The MED program has helped me grow in how I approach challenges. It has pushed me to think critically, question my assumptions, and design with empathy. What started as a curiosity has transformed into a passion, and I’m excited to continue shaping solutions that make a real impact.
You’ve worked on projects that reimagine learning experiences, foster creativity in education, and improve healthcare. What has been one of the most impactful projects you’ve worked on so far?
One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was my Graduate Capstone Coursework, where I had the privilege of sitting down with patients and healthcare providers to hear their stories firsthand. What made this experience so meaningful was the trust they placed in me in sharing their vulnerabilities, fears, and daily challenges in ways they had never openly expressed before.
Many of these patients were living with chronic conditions, and some had undergone amputations. Their stories were deeply personal, and knowing they entrusted me with them gave me an even greater sense of responsibility to represent their experiences authentically as possible through design. Every decision I made was rooted in their perspectives, ensuring that their voices were not just heard but reflected in meaningful solutions.
This project reinforced the power of human-centered design to me not just as a tool for innovation, but as a way to advocate for those who often feel unheard. It reminded me that good design isn’t just about functionality; it’s about empathy, dignity, and creating solutions that truly serve the people who need them most.
You recently landed a role at Oracle! Congratulations! Can you share more about your experience in landing this role?
I’m beyond excited to start my role at Oracle in User Experience Design! Interestingly, most of the roles I applied for were research-oriented – this was the first design role I went for, and to my own surprise, I got it! For a long time, I struggled with self-doubt. Despite receiving positive feedback on my projects, I didn’t feel confident in my design abilities, especially when it came to creating pixel-perfect visuals. But I took a chance on myself, and it paid off. If you’re in the same boat, unsure whether to go for that dream opportunity – do it. Bet on yourself.
During my interview, I shared my graduate capstone project, but I focused on more than just the final product. I spent time crafting the narrative, telling not only the story of my users but also my own journey as a designer and researcher. I spoke about the challenges I faced, the obstacles I overcame, the failures I learned from, and how I collaborated with others.
Too often, people get caught up in the technical aspects of a solution, but for me, design is always about the people it serves. I make sure their voices are reflected in every decision, and I’m never afraid to pivot – even if it means scrapping a beautifully polished prototype when new insights point to a better path. I’ve learned to love the process of creating just as much, if not more, than the end result. I believe this mindset resonated with the hiring panel and played a key role in helping me land this position.
What advice would you give to other women who want to break into design and technology?
Create a clear vision for yourself. It’s not just about what you want to do or where you want to be, but also about who you want to become. Defining that vision will help guide your decisions and keep you focused.
Surround yourself with the right people. When I first entered this field, I knew nothing and no one. The job market and industry felt completely new and overwhelming. So, I took small steps – I started reaching out to women in the space for coffee chats, listening to their stories, learning about their journeys, and soaking in any advice they were kind enough to share. Those conversations were invaluable in helping me understand the industry and navigate my own path.
Recognize the value of your background. No matter where you’re coming from, the experiences you’ve built over the years are assets that can be molded into a new direction. Design and technology thrive on diverse perspectives, your unique skills and insights will set you apart. You don’t have to fit a mold to belong in this space.
What are your goals for the future, and how do you hope to use your skills in design and storytelling to make an impact?
I see life is an adventure, and there’s still so much to discover. I hope to surround myself with inspiring leaders in my field, absorbing their insights while finding my own unique voice in the design space. Storytelling has always been a core part of my journey. When I first came to Canada, I used stories as a way to learn the language. Now, I use storytelling in design to amplify the voices of others and ensure their experiences are reflected authentically in the products and solutions I create. I want to keep listening, keep learning, and keep designing in a way that does justice to the stories people entrust me with.
