I have a deep-rooted passion for human geography because it offers an intricate lens through which to understand the complex relationships between people and their environments. Unlike physical geography, which focuses on natural landscapes and phenomena, human geography zeroes in on the ways social structures, cultures, and economies shape and are shaped by geographical locations. It presents a framework to decode how cultural narratives evolve across spaces, how cities develop personalities, and how societal norms adapt to local conditions. For me, the allure of human geography lies in its power to answer the "why" behind the "where," unearthing underlying patterns and reasons that traditional data sets might overlook.

This fascination with human geography naturally dovetails with my interest in UX Research and urban planning. Both fields require a keen understanding of human behavior, spatial awareness, and the dynamics of interaction—elements central to human geography. In UX Research, it's not enough to know that users are behaving a certain way; one has to understand why they behave that way. Qualitative data collection methods, like interviews and observational studies, are tools that can be enriched with geographical context. For example, understanding how cultural or spatial factors influence technology adoption can yield richer, more actionable insights.

Similarly, urban planning isn't just about laying down streets and erecting buildings; it's also about creating spaces that foster community, encourage healthy behaviors, and facilitate economic growth. Here, too, principles of human geography come into play. How do you plan public transportation in a way that accounts for the needs of marginalized communities? How do you design a park that brings together diverse social groups? Human geography equips me with the analytical skills to address these nuanced questions, making it a perfect companion to my interests in UX Research and urban planning. With its focus on qualitative data collection, it allows me to embrace complexity and dig deeper, going beyond mere statistics to unearth the rich tapestry of human experience and interaction.