We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Eun Ji Kim ("EJK").
Eunji Kim is a designer specializing in digital experiences that blend functionality with clear visual communication. With expertise in user-centered design, brand identity, and interface development, her work focuses on creating accessible and engaging platforms. Collaborating across disciplines, she develops solutions that enhance interaction and usability across various industries. Her approach combines research, strategy, and design to deliver effective digital products and services.
Eun Ji Kim Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Eun Ji Kim.
Eun Ji Kim Design - Made Home Web Design
Eun Ji Kim Design - Vxt Plus Mobile App
Designer Interview of Eun Ji Kim:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
EJK : I originally studied psychology, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, perception, and emotion. That background naturally led me to become interested in user experience and how design influences 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. Becoming a designer wasn't something I always planned, but in retrospect, it feels like a natural path. I’ve always loved observing how people connect with stories, visuals, and spaces, and design turned out to be the perfect medium for me to express that curiosity. Now, my goal is to create work that is both emotionally resonant and functionally thoughtful—designs that not only look good, but feel right.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
EJK : I'm currently working as a designer at an advertising agency, where I focus on creating digital experiences that connect brands with people in meaningful ways. The project I submitted for the award actually began as a student work during my time at the School of Visual Arts. I revisited and refined it after gaining more experience in the field, and I’m proud to see how it’s grown since its early concept stage.
DI: What is "design" for you?
EJK : For me, design is a way to make ideas visible and meaningful. It goes beyond creating beautiful visuals. It is about crafting digital experiences where a brand's identity and the user's expectations naturally meet. My background in psychology has helped me approach design with empathy. Understanding human behavior and emotion plays a big role in how I create. I believe good design tells a story and solves problems at the same time. It is where creativity meets clarity.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
EJK : I enjoy designing UI/UX experiences that go beyond just creating beautiful interfaces. My focus is on designing intuitive, user-centered solutions that align with the brand's identity and meet the users' needs. I love the challenge of crafting seamless digital journeys, where every interaction feels natural and efficient. Whether it’s optimizing navigation, improving accessibility, or enhancing the overall usability, I’m passionate about ensuring that users not only enjoy the design but also find it easy to use and meaningful. For me, the most rewarding projects are those where design truly improves the user experience and leaves a lasting positive impact.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
EJK : One of my favorite designs is the 'Vxt Plus' UI/UX project I worked on during my time as a student, which I later refined and submitted for an award. The design focused on creating a seamless and visually engaging experience for users, all while maintaining a strong brand identity. What I love most about this project is how it blends the principles of user-centered design with creative problem-solving. It wasn’t just about making something aesthetically pleasing; it was about understanding the user’s journey and ensuring each interaction felt intuitive and meaningful. I was able to dive deeply into how design elements could evoke emotion and guide users through the experience naturally. The end result was a design that balanced function and beauty while keeping the users’ needs at the forefront.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
EJK : The first thing I designed for a company was a digital interface for an internal project during my early days in the design industry. It was a user interface for an internal tool that streamlined communication and workflow within the team. I worked closely with developers and product managers to ensure that the design met both functional requirements and user needs. It was a learning experience, as I was just starting to apply the design principles I had studied, but it gave me a solid foundation in UI/UX design and introduced me to the importance of user-centered design. What I found most rewarding was seeing my design improve the efficiency of the team and create a more seamless workflow. It helped me realize the real-world impact that thoughtful design can have on productivity and collaboration within a company.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
EJK : As a UI/UX designer, Figma has become an essential tool in my workflow. It's a versatile platform that allows me to design and prototype in real time, making collaboration with team members, developers, and stakeholders smooth and efficient. Its cloud-based nature means I can work on projects from anywhere at any time, and easily share designs and receive feedback without worrying about compatibility issues. Additionally, Are.na is one of my go-to sources for inspiration. It’s a great platform where I can explore a wide range of design references, art, and ideas. It allows me to create mood boards and connect seemingly unrelated concepts, often sparking new directions in my work.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
EJK : I feel the most creative when I’m in a flow state, usually when I’m fully immersed in a project without distractions. Late at night or during quiet early mornings are often the best times for me. That’s when ideas just seem to come together more naturally. I also find that taking a break or going for a walk can spark new perspectives and help me think more freely.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
EJK : When designing, I focus on creating intuitive user experiences while maintaining a strong visual identity. I prioritize usability and accessibility, ensuring that the design not only looks good but also functions seamlessly. I pay close attention to hierarchy, typography, and color choices, as they play a crucial role in guiding users through the interface. Balancing aesthetics with functionality is always at the core of my design process.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
EJK : When I design, I often feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. There’s a thrill in solving complex problems and finding creative solutions that enhance the user experience. At the same time, I experience a sense of responsibility, knowing that my work will impact how people interact with a product or service. There can also be moments of frustration, especially when things don’t come together as expected, but overcoming these challenges brings a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
EJK : When my designs are realized, I feel a sense of joy and pride. It's a rewarding experience to see something I’ve worked hard on come to life. It also gives me confidence that I made the right choice by pursuing this field. Knowing that my design has made an impact or fulfilled its purpose is incredibly fulfilling.
DI: What makes a design successful?
EJK : Successful design is intuitive and accessible to all users, regardless of their expertise. It creates an experience where users can understand and navigate easily without needing instructions. A successful design should be self-explanatory, allowing even non-experts to use it seamlessly. It’s about balancing simplicity and clarity, not just aesthetics, to solve a problem in a way that feels natural and effortless.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
EJK : When judging a design, the first things I consider are usability and intuitiveness. A good design should be easy to understand and use without causing confusion. Next, I look at the visual hierarchy and whether the design effectively communicates its intended message. It's also important to see if the design aligns with the brand’s identity and goals. Lastly, I evaluate how well the design solves the problem it was created for, ensuring that both functionality and aesthetics are well balanced.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
EJK : As a UI/UX designer, I believe that with the rapid advancement of technology, it's essential to design with inclusivity in mind. This includes reducing the digital divide between different age groups. As technology continues to evolve, we should focus on creating experiences that are accessible and understandable for everyone, regardless of their age, ensuring that no one is left behind.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
EJK : The design field is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting user needs. The focus is moving toward user-centered design, prioritizing intuitive, accessible, and seamless experiences. With the rise of digital services, UX/UI design is becoming crucial, considering not just aesthetics but also emotional impact and inclusivity. The future of design will involve deeper integration with AI, VR, and AR, creating more interactive and immersive experiences. Sustainability will also be a key factor, pushing designers to consider the long-term impact of their work.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
EJK : I haven’t had the opportunity to hold an exhibition yet, but I’m definitely open to the idea in the future. My focus has mainly been on digital design and client-based projects, but I would love to showcase my work in an exhibition someday, possibly once I have a collection of projects that truly reflect my design journey. I’m excited about the potential to engage with a broader audience and share my creative process
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
EJK : My design inspiration comes from a mix of everyday life, art, nature, and travel. I stay curious and observe the world around me, whether it's how people interact with technology or the beauty of the natural world. Platforms like Are.na and collaboration with other creatives also fuel my ideas. I find inspiration in diverse fields, like psychology, which helps me design more intuitive and user-centered experiences. By staying open and connected, I keep my creativity flowing.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
EJK : My design style is clean and user-centric, focusing on creating intuitive and visually appealing digital experiences. I aim to balance aesthetics with functionality by using clear layouts, thoughtful typography, and engaging interactions. This approach comes from my belief that good design should make complex information feel simple and approachable. I’m drawn to this style because it aligns with my goal of making technology accessible to users of all backgrounds.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
EJK : I live in New York, but I’m originally from South Korea. My cultural background definitely influences my design approach, blending a sense of minimalism with attention to detail. Living in New York exposes me to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, which fuels my creativity. However, balancing different cultural aesthetics can sometimes be challenging when designing for a global audience. Since the trends in each country are different, I often find myself balancing contrasting elements. The minimalist and detail-oriented approach influenced by Korean design blends with the bold, diverse, and experimental spirit I experience in New York, allowing me to create designs that feel both refined and dynamic.
DI: How do you work with companies?
EJK : I work closely with various teams, including developers, strategy, and product teams, to ensure that designs are not only visually engaging but also aligned with the overall business objectives. In my role, collaboration is key, whether it's refining user flows with the strategy team, ensuring technical feasibility with developers, or aligning design elements with the product vision. I prioritize open communication and iterative feedback to create designs that meet user needs while also supporting the broader goals of the company.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
EJK : When selecting a designer, companies should not only focus on a designer's portfolio or technical skills but also consider their communication and collaboration abilities. I realized early on in my career that strong communication skills are essential. As a designer, being able to effectively collaborate with different teams, such as developers and strategists, is often more important than just technical expertise. Adaptability is another key factor. During my time as a student, I mostly worked on personal projects, so I didn't fully understand the importance of these skills. But after entering the professional world, I learned that collaboration and adaptability are crucial for successful design work.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
EJK : The design process for the project I submitted to the competition started with a strong focus on understanding the user's needs and solving their problems. Initially, I began with thorough research and ideation, exploring various approaches before selecting the most effective solution. I then developed the design by considering both visual elements and user experience. Finally, I refined the design based on actual user feedback, ensuring the end result was both practical and creative. This process helped me clearly convey the message I wanted through the project, ultimately leading to a design that was both functional and visually engaging.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
EJK : Hmm, hard to pick five but here are my top two: 1. IKEA OMAR Shelf: I love its honest, utilitarian design. It fits anywhere, holds everything, and somehow always looks right. 2. Noguchi Akari Lamp: It brings such a soft, sculptural presence to the room. Turning it on feels like a daily ritual.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
EJK : These days, my daily routine primarily revolves around creating prototypes, refining existing work, conducting Q&A for current designs, and managing design systems. A typical day also includes collaborating with the development team, reviewing user feedback, and ensuring that all design elements are aligned with the overall vision. Given that my job requires me to spend most of the day working in front of a screen, I make it a point to take regular breaks. I step away from the monitor by going for short walks, doing stretches, and taking time to recharge, which helps me stay focused and energized throughout the day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
EJK : To all young designers navigating unfamiliar paths, especially those starting their journey abroad, I want to share this: don't be discouraged by language barriers or cultural differences. Design is a universal language. If your work is honest and thoughtful, it will connect with people beyond words. Stay curious, communicate openly, and treat every experience as a chance to grow. It’s okay to fail. What matters most is that you keep moving forward with heart and intention. We’re all learning, one step at a time.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
EJK : As a UI/UX designer, one of the biggest positives is solving real problems for real people. It’s rewarding to see your design make someone’s experience easier or more enjoyable. Every project is a chance to learn something new, and you get to collaborate with many different teams. On the other hand, not everyone fully understands what UI/UX involves. Sometimes design decisions are rushed or overlooked, and that can be frustrating. It also takes a lot of communication to make sure your ideas are heard.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
EJK : My golden rule is to design for everyone. As technology evolves quickly it is important to create experiences that are intuitive inclusive and accessible to all users no matter their age or background. Design should make life easier and never leave anyone behind.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
EJK : I believe communication is the most important skill for a designer. Many projects I’ve worked on succeeded because of ongoing dialogue and coordination with experts from different fields. This taught me that design is never just an individual achievement but a collective effort. Good design comes from honest communication and teamwork.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
EJK : Honestly, it might sound obvious, but Figma is definitely my go-to tool. It’s flexible, collaborative, and just fits perfectly with how I work on UI/UX projects. For inspiration, I’m really into Are.na. It’s a simple and smart way to gather and organize ideas, visuals, and references all in one place.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
EJK : I use Notion a lot to organize and track my tasks. I break my work into smaller steps and set clear daily goals. When my system gets messy or breaks down, it stresses me out because it becomes hard to keep everything on track. That’s why I’m working hard to make staying organized a daily habit.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
EJK : Since I’m working in a team now, the timeline varies a lot depending on the project’s complexity and scope. But ever since my student days, I’ve learned that design almost always takes much more time than I initially expect. Because of that, I try to start as early as possible and leave plenty of time for revisions and improvements.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
EJK : Honestly, one of the most common questions I get is, “Do you ever regret choosing design as your career?” or “Was it the right major for you?” I can honestly say I have never regretted it. It’s not always easy, but design allows me to solve problems and create things that matter, so I’m glad I chose this path.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
EJK : One of the most important job experiences for me was working on a large-scale project that required close collaboration with different teams. It taught me how crucial communication and teamwork are in design. That experience helped me grow not only as a designer but also as a collaborator, understanding how to balance creativity with practical needs.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
EJK : I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients across different industries. Some of the brands I’ve worked with include Coca-Cola, USPS, New York Lottery, and Four Seasons Yachts. Each project brought unique challenges and helped me grow as a designer.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
EJK : I enjoy working on UI/UX design the most because it allows me to create meaningful and intuitive experiences for users. I like solving problems and making digital products that are easy and enjoyable for people of all backgrounds and ages to use. It’s rewarding to see how thoughtful design can improve everyday interactions and make technology more accessible.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
EJK : Design trends are moving faster than ever, so I want to stay adaptable and keep up with those changes. My focus is on delivering clear and practical designs that meet users’ needs in a rapidly evolving environment.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
EJK : I mostly work as part of a team. Collaboration is a big part of the design process, and I believe great design comes from sharing ideas and feedback with others.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
EJK : Lately, I’ve been working on a digital platform in the luxury lifestyle sector. After about seven months of development, it launched earlier this year. We’re currently enhancing the platform by adding features and improving the user experience based on actual feedback.
DI: How can people contact you?
EJK : The best way to reach me is through my email keunji9433@gmail.com or via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunji-kim-2962a323a/. I’m always happy to connect!
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
EJK : I’d just like to say that design is a continuous journey. There’s always something new to learn or improve, and that keeps the work exciting.