Nicole Buckle

Background

About Nicole Buckle

I’ve always been known as “the artistic one” in my family and circle of friends, and as soon as I was able to hold a pencil, I started scribbling - on everything - much to my mother’s frustration. The real magic only happened when I finally moved on from defacing furniture with permanent markers to better, more appropriate outlets, though. Throughout my childhood (and beyond) making and creating has held a special place in my heart, be that clay sculptures, watercolour illustrations, digital portraiture, or anything in between. I totally believe that this early exposure and freedom to explore my own creativity has been instrumental in forging my current academic and career trajectory. In 2021 I graduated with a degree in Digital Media Design specialising in interaction design from the University of Johannesburg, and completed my BA Honours in Design, with a focus on gamification and e-learning, at the end of 2022. I am currently pursuing my Master’s of Art in Design, specialising in gamification theory and behavioural design as they pertain to user interfacing, interaction, and experience design practices. Since starting my teaching career at the University of Johannesburg in 2023 -something I could never have envisioned happening so soon- I have had a wonderful opportunity for introspection regarding my own knowledge and understanding of the interaction design and experience field, and to consider ways of improving my own practices through the means of teaching them to others. I am infinitely grateful for the road I've travelled to get to where I am, and I am so excited to see where I am going. I hope to see you there.