Nic Garcia

Nic Garcia says he came to Arizona State University because he wanted learning experiences that encouraged both technical precision and creative experimentation.

“I wanted to be somewhere I could turn my technological curiosity into meaningful, human-centered design,” Garcia says.

Garcia first pursued computer science, but a desire for a more creative, visual field led him to transfer to pursue a degree in graphic information technology, or GIT, in The Polytechnic School, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU.

“Graphic Information technology allowed me to blend my love for design and technology, an intersection that inspired my growth into a UX and product designer,” Garcia says. “GIT has continually surprised me with the breadth of its material.” 

In his junior year, Garcia had the opportunity to intern in UX design and product management at ITS Logistics.

“I applied technical skills from my courses to real-world projects, collaborated across teams and learned how to communicate design decisions effectively to both stakeholders and colleagues,” Garcia says.

One of Garcia’s most memorable projects was “Maskiez,” a fully original figurine that he developed in one of his classes from concept to completion.

“I designed the character, created 3D models, developed branding and packaging and oversaw the 3D printing process.”

The project enabled him to experiment with design systems, materiality and user research, blending creative storytelling with technical execution.

“Seeing the final figure in its custom packaging reminds me why I’m passionate about crafting design that is both playful and planned,” Garcia says. 

Through the blend of design and technology, Garcia says the GIT program has taught him how to design products that solve real problems, improve accessibility and make information more intuitive to navigate.

“I’ve learned how to combine creativity and research-based decision making to build experiences that genuinely help people connect and navigate an increasingly digital world,” he says.

After graduation, Garcia hopes to return to his hometown of San Jose, California, where he would like to work on digital products that prioritize user-centered design thinking.
“My long-term goal is to design the next generation of digital products, creating experiences that are intuitive and impactful,” Garcia says. “I’m especially excited about the possibilities in virtual reality and immersive tech, and I hope to be part of teams pushing the boundaries of UX design in these virtual spaces.”

Favorites

Performer: Mk.gee
TV show: BoJack Horseman
Movie: Her
Activity: Antiquing
Game: Half Life: Alyx

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ fall 2025 class.

Written by Erik Wirtanen