Shuyi
Shuyi is from China, currently pursuing a Master’s in Integrated Product Design at KTH. Before coming to Sweden, she completed her bachelor’s degree in vehicle engineering and industrial design at Tongji University. Outside of her studies, she enjoys cooking and listening to music.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
What drew me specifically to KTH’s Integrated Product Design programme was its holistic approach. It’s about understanding the entire ecosystem: the user, the context, the technical constraints, and the business reality. The programme emphasis on a combination of engineering, design and business, which perfectly fits my background and what I wanted to explore more. Beyond the curriculum, I was drawn to Sweden and the Nordic design philosophy. Coming from China, where there’s often a hustle mentality, I was genuinely interested in experiencing a culture that values work-life balance, sustainability, and thoughtful design. KTH’s reputation and its location in Stockholm felt like the right place to challenge myself in a new way.
What are the best aspects of your programme?
The first is the prototype centre. The prototype centre has really professional equipment, for example 3D printers, laser cutters, and a wide range of electronic components. But beyond the tools, there’s real support from the staff there who help you figure out how to make your ideas physical. The other is the depth of technical and research foundations. IPD doesn’t let you get away with “it looks good”. The programme builds solid mechanical knowledge alongside rigorous research methodology. You’re expected to justify design decisions with user research, understand structural constraints, and think about manufacturing feasibility. It keeps the design honest.
What are some of your favourite courses so far?
Mechatronics in Product Design is probably my favourite. We designed and prototyped an interesting physical interactive device that combined mechanics, electronics, and physical interaction design. What made it special wasn’t just the technical learning, but the process of iterating. We’d prototype, test, break things, and redesign, repeatedly. That’s how you actually learn.
How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?
The differences became obvious within my first week — and most of them were pleasant surprises. The most visible one is akademisk kvart, the “academic quarter”. Classes officially start 15 minutes after the listed time. Everyone knows it. Coming from China where being on time means being a bit early, this felt almost transgressive at first. But I really love this special custom. My only concern now is that I’ll accidentally bring it back to China with me. That feeds into the broader experience of work-life balance, which is genuinely real, not just a slogan. At my previous university, there was a constant background pressure to be productive at all times. Here, evenings and weekends are your own. I’ve cooked more, explored the city more, and found myself thinking more clearly about my work as a result. But the difference that has changed me the most is the emphasis on reflective thinking. Almost every course I’m taking includes a reflective assignment. It’s not just “what did you learn?” but a genuine invitation to examine your own thinking process: What assumptions did you challenge? What would you do differently? At first it felt like extra work. Now I think it’s the most valuable habit the programme is building in me. Reflection is what turns experience into growth, and making it a structural part of every course means it actually happens, regularly, honestly, and in writing.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
Intense, but in a good way. The first semester has been a significant shift from my bachelor’s degree. At KTH, it’s much more project-driven, group work and self-directed. You will collaborate with people from various background, and it also a great chance to improve your English. Stockholm itself has been wonderful. The city is beautiful, the culture is thoughtful, and there’s a real design scene here. IKEA headquarters are in nearby Älmhult, major tech companies are based in Stockholm, and there’s a vibrant community of designers and makers. Outside of classes, I’ve enjoyed exploring museums and trying new restaurants. The work-life balance I came for is real, people actually take weekends seriously.