Interview with Eun Ji Kim

Eun Ji Kim ("EJK") interviewed on Friday, 30 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

EJK : I’m a UI/UX designer with several years of experience working across digital platforms. I studied design in New York, and after graduating, I began working in the industry. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with clients across various sectors, including brands like Coca-Cola, USPS, New York Lottery, and Four Seasons. Currently, I’m part of a team where I focus on creating thoughtful and accessible user experiences that connect technology with people.

How did you become a designer?

EJK : Over the past 10 years, I’ve embraced unfamiliar challenges, built my life from the ground up, and grown through every experience. I came to the U.S. alone to study design, and since then, I’ve contributed to a wide range of digital projects across industries. I originally studied psychology, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, perception, and emotion. That background naturally sparked my interest in user experience and how design shapes the way people interact with the world. Later, I pursued a design degree at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, where I was able to combine my analytical mindset with visual creativity. Living far from home and adapting to a new culture deepened my appreciation for how design can make digital experiences feel more intuitive and human. There was no single turning point. It was a gradual realization that design could be my way of creating meaningful impact. That belief continues to guide my work today.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

EJK : First, I focus on clarity, both in communication and in the user experience. I want the design to feel intuitive and effortless so users can focus on what they need without confusion. Second, I always consider empathy. My background in psychology helps me think from the user’s perspective and design for a wide range of people, especially those who might otherwise feel left out by fast-moving technology. Third, I care deeply about consistency across the design system, making sure every detail feels intentional and coherent across the product. Most of my work is digital, and I rely heavily on tools like Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. I also keep a personal Are.na board where I collect references and ideas. It’s how I stay visually inspired and grounded at the same time.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

EJK : When I’m designing, I feel a mix of excitement, curiosity, and sometimes frustration. The most exciting phase for me is the initial idea and exploration when possibilities feel endless and creativity flows freely. I enjoy brainstorming and sketching out concepts because that’s when I feel most connected to the core purpose of the project.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

EJK : Several aspects of my background have shaped me as a designer beyond just design skills. My study of psychology has been especially valuable, as it helped me understand human behavior, perception, and emotion. This insight allows me to design with empathy and create user experiences that truly connect with people. Another important skill is communication. Collaborating with experts from different fields taught me that design is a team effort, and clear, honest dialogue is key to success. Being adaptable and open to feedback has also helped me grow and improve continuously. My biggest influence has been my experience living and studying abroad. Navigating new cultures and environments made me more aware of diverse perspectives and the need for inclusive design.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

EJK : My growth as a designer has been about learning and adapting to the fast-changing digital world. I want to keep evolving by embracing new technologies and focusing on inclusive design to make experiences accessible for everyone. In the future, I hope to lead projects that make a real impact by bridging technology and diverse user needs. I want to be remembered as a designer who cares deeply about people and creates thoughtful, human-centered solutions. One dream project is to build a digital platform that supports international students and people living abroad. It would offer practical resources, community connections, and mental wellness tools to ease the challenges of living in a new country. This project is meaningful to me because I’ve experienced it firsthand and understand how valuable that support can be.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

EJK : To young designers just starting out, especially those navigating new environments or working abroad, my advice is to be patient and stay curious. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by language barriers or cultural differences but do not let that discourage you. Design is a universal language and honest thoughtful work will always connect with people. One warning I have is not to underestimate the importance of communication. Many challenges I faced could have been eased with clearer dialogue and openness. Also do not fear failure because mistakes are a vital part of learning and growing. Focus on building good habits like asking questions, seeking feedback, and staying open to new ideas. Keep learning continuously and remember that growth takes time.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

EJK : To be successful, stay curious and develop disciplined habits. Communicate clearly and welcome feedback because design is a team effort. Embrace iteration and don’t settle for the first idea. Build a strong network and seek inspiration from diverse sources. Success comes from skill, empathy, and persistence.

What is your day to day look like?

EJK : My day usually starts by checking my to-do list on Notion to get organized. Sometimes I scroll through design news or Are.na for inspiration but honestly some days it’s more about pushing through the tasks. Most of my time is spent working in Figma fixing details and coordinating with the team. What keeps me going even on the slow days are small moments like figuring out a better solution or getting helpful feedback. Those little wins make the routine feel worth it.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

EJK : I keep an eye on design trends through sites like Are.na, design blogs, and social media, but I don’t follow them blindly. Trends can inspire fresh ideas, but I believe it’s more important to focus on timeless, user-centered design that truly solves problems. I prefer developing a consistent style that reflects my values and the needs of the project rather than chasing what’s trendy this season.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

EJK : Good design means it’s simple, helpful, and easy to use. I think a design is good when even people without a design background can understand and use it without feeling lost or annoyed. If using a product feels natural and it really helps people, then it’s well designed. I also pay attention to how everything fits together and feels consistent. A common mistake is making things look nice but hard to use, which isn’t helpful. For me, the moment I say “this is good design” is when using it feels smooth and effortless. Good design solves real problems and makes the experience easy and pleasant.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

EJK : I believe design is never truly “complete” because there’s always room to improve. However, I decide a design is ready when it effectively solves the problem, meets user needs, and passes usability testing without major issues. At that point, further changes often bring only minor improvements and can delay other important work. I usually set clear goals and deadlines to know when to stop iterating and move on. Even after launch, I stay open to feedback and improvements, but I avoid endlessly tweaking earlier work to stay productive. For me, a design feels successful when users find it easy and satisfying to use, and it achieves the intended purpose in real life. That’s when I know the design has done its job well.

What is your biggest design work?

EJK : One of my most meaningful projects was a digital platform for the luxury lifestyle sector, developed over seven months. I aimed to create an elegant and intuitive interface that balanced sophisticated design with practical usability. The challenge was to maintain clarity, empathy, and consistency while meeting diverse user needs. The most rewarding part was seeing it launch successfully and improving it continuously based on real user feedback.

Who is your favourite designer?

EJK : These days, design trends change so fast, and there are so many talented designers on platforms like Instagram where I find a lot of inspiration. Instead of having just one favorite, I prefer to learn from and be inspired by the diverse and ever-evolving work of many different creators. I really admire the creativity and variety that today’s designers bring to the field.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

EJK : I live and work in New York, a city full of energy and diversity that inspires my design. The fast pace and mix of cultures shape how I create inclusive and accessible work. Growing up in Korea and living abroad gives me a unique perspective. I see design as a way to bridge cultural gaps and make new places feel welcoming. I believe good design helps society progress by improving how we interact with technology and each other. In my own life, design brings small but meaningful improvements that make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

EJK : I believe in open communication and collaboration, which makes working with me straightforward and enjoyable. While I’m comfortable working independently, I thrive best in teams where ideas flow freely and everyone respects each other’s input. In my work culture, respect and empathy are essential because design is a team effort. Understanding different perspectives is key to creating better solutions that truly resonate with users. For a good designer, qualities like curiosity, empathy, discipline, and strong communication skills are crucial. These traits enable us to create meaningful, user-centered work that stands out.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

EJK : To be honest, I haven’t participated in formal philanthropic design work yet. However, I strongly believe in design’s power to create positive social impact. I’m inspired by designers who use their skills to support communities and humanitarian efforts, and I hope to contribute more actively in the future. For now, I’m focusing on building my experience so that when opportunities arise, I can provide meaningful help. I’m also open to informally mentoring and sharing knowledge with young designers whenever possible.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

EJK : Attending the A’ Design Award gave me a boost of confidence and motivation. Being named Designer of the Day made me feel proud and more sure of my path. Design awards help by giving exposure, feedback, and connections. They push me to improve and open doors for new opportunities. I think design competitions are important because they challenge us and connect us with others. This recognition reminds me that my work matters and encourages me to keep going.

Eun Ji Kim Profile