Eun Ji Kim

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Eun Ji Kim ("EJK") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

EJK : I originally majored in psychology before switching to design, driven by a growing interest in visual communication and user experience. After transferring, I studied design in New York and graduated with a focus on digital product and interaction design. Now, I’m working as a designer in New York, where I apply both my psychology background and design training to create thoughtful, user-centered experiences.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

EJK : I think I always had a vague but persistent feeling that I wanted to do something more practical, something that could make a real, visible impact. That’s what eventually led me to design. It felt like the right balance between creativity and utility, giving me a way to turn ideas into tangible solutions that people can actually use.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

EJK : I chose to become a designer, but it wasn’t an obvious or immediate decision. I had always been drawn to understanding how people think and feel, which is why I studied psychology at first. But along the way, I realized I was craving a more hands-on, creative way to apply that curiosity. Design allowed me to turn ideas into tangible solutions and gave me a clearer sense of purpose. Looking back, it felt less like a single decision and more like following a series of instincts that led me here.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

EJK : I mainly design digital products like websites and apps, focusing on creating clear, intuitive and user-friendly experiences. Going forward, I would love to work more on projects that help people adapt to new environments, like tools for international students or people living abroad, where design can make a real positive impact on daily life.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

EJK : To become a great designer, young designers should stay curious and open minded. It’s important to keep learning, embrace feedback and not be afraid to fail. Building strong communication skills and empathy helps create work that truly connects with people. Most importantly, be patient. Growth takes time and every experience is a step forward.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

EJK : What distinguishes a good designer from a great designer is mostly about attitude and openness. A good designer has the necessary skills and delivers solid work. A great designer, however, stays open to feedback, continuously learns, and deeply understands problems from the user’s perspective. It’s the willingness to grow and the ability to empathize that truly set great designers apart.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

EJK : A good design is clear, useful, and easy to understand even for people without a design background. I evaluate good design by how well it helps users achieve their goals without confusion or frustration. If the design feels intuitive, meets real needs, and creates a positive experience, that’s when I know it’s really good.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

EJK : Good design matters because it makes life less complicated. It helps people get things done without wasting time or feeling annoyed. Investing in good design is not just about looking nice but about solving real problems and making things work better. When design works well, everyone benefits even if they don’t notice it consciously.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

EJK : If I had the time, I’d create a digital platform based on my own experiences living abroad, especially as an international student. It would offer practical resources, ways to connect with others, and mental health support to help people feel less alone and more supported in a new country. Having gone through that myself, I know how much something like this could make a real difference.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

EJK : My dream project is to build a platform that supports people living far from home, especially international students and expats. It would combine useful resources, community connections, and mental wellness tools to make adjusting to a new culture easier and less lonely. I haven’t had the time or resources to bring it to life yet, but it’s a project very close to my heart.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

EJK : I think the secret ingredient is staying curious and open minded. Design is always evolving so being willing to learn and adapt keeps my work fresh and relevant. Also, empathy plays a huge role. Really understanding the people I’m designing for helps me create solutions that truly matter. There is no magic formula but combining curiosity with empathy and persistence has helped me grow as a designer.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

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

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

EJK : To be honest, I tend to prefer designs that don’t use many elements but focus on simplicity and refined details. I appreciate work that is minimal yet carefully crafted, where subtle details create strong impact without unnecessary complexity. I like designs that balance beauty and functionality without being overly complicated. Those that solve real problems and make people’s lives easier stand out to me.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

EJK : One of my greatest design works is the VXT Plus app, which I submitted for this competition. It was especially meaningful to me because I was involved from concept to execution. What makes it great in my eyes is how it balances clarity, functionality, and emotional resonance. I focused on making it intuitive and accessible while ensuring the experience felt thoughtful and personal. The positive feedback and recognition it received made me feel that I succeeded in creating something that genuinely helps and connects with users.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

EJK : I think the best way to grow as a designer is to stay curious, ask questions, and remain open to feedback. For me, shifting my mindset helped a lot. I began to see design not just as something visual but as a way to solve problems. I learned the most by working with others, listening carefully, and accepting that I won’t always have the right answer. Paying attention to everyday moments also helps because inspiration often comes from unexpected places.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

EJK : If I hadn’t become a designer, I might have pursued something in psychology since that was my first major. But to be honest, I’m not sure I would’ve stayed in that field either. I think I would’ve eventually looked for a different path, something more creative or hands-on. I’ve always been drawn to work that has a visible and practical impact, so even if it wasn’t design, it probably would’ve been something where I could build or create things that help people in real ways.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

EJK : For me, design is about solving problems in a thoughtful and human-centered way. It’s not just about how something looks, but how it works, how it feels, and how it fits into people’s lives. Good design makes things clearer, easier, and more meaningful. It’s a quiet but powerful tool for change, and that’s what makes it so valuable to me.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

EJK : Without a second thought, I would say my biggest supporters are my parents and family. Their unconditional support and belief in me have been the foundation that helped me reach where I am today. My family always encouraged me to keep exploring and stay curious, even when my path wasn’t clear.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

EJK : I think my biggest driver has been a sense of restlessness and the feeling that things are never perfect. That constant feeling of wanting to improve and do better pushed me to keep learning and growing. This kind of discomfort actually became a strength that helped me become a better designer over time.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

EJK : One of the biggest obstacles was learning to trust my own instincts. Early on, I doubted whether my ideas were good enough or if I truly belonged in design. At the same time, developing strong communication skills was crucial. Being able to clearly explain and defend my ideas helped me gain confidence and work better with others. Overcoming these challenges took time but made me a stronger designer.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

EJK : Designers should present their work clearly and confidently. It is important to tell the story behind the design, why certain choices were made and how the design solves real problems. Using simple language helps everyone understand the value of the work. Visuals should support the message without overwhelming it. Being open to feedback and ready to explain your decisions shows professionalism and builds trust.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

EJK : Right now, I’m working on a digital platform for the luxury lifestyle sector. My goal is to create an elegant and intuitive interface that balances sophisticated design with practical usability. The challenge is to keep the design clear, empathetic, and consistent while addressing diverse user needs. The most rewarding part is seeing it launch successfully and then continuously improving it based on real user feedback.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

EJK : My ultimate goal as a designer is to craft intuitive and meaningful experiences that truly connect with people. Across every project, I focus on creating designs that positively shape how people interact with the world around them and improve their daily lives.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

EJK : I think people expect me to do good work that actually helps users and solves problems. They want me to be professional and clear in how I explain my ideas. Honestly, they probably also expect me to keep learning and improving, and to support others when I can. At the end of the day, people just want designs that work well and make sense, not just something that looks nice.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

EJK : Design helps create a better society by making things easier and more accessible for everyone. Good design solves real problems and improves daily life, whether through better tools, clearer communication, or more inclusive experiences. It can break down barriers and connect people across different backgrounds. When design focuses on the user, it helps build a society where everyone can participate and thrive.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

EJK : I’m currently working on refining a digital platform I helped launch in the luxury lifestyle space. It’s a project I’ve been involved in for months, and now I’m focusing on improving the user experience based on real feedback. Seeing how people interact with the product and finding ways to make it clearer, more intuitive, and more human-centered has been really rewarding.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

EJK : One of the most satisfying projects for me was the VXT Plus app, which I submitted to this competition. It was meaningful because I was involved in every step, from research and strategy to UI/UX design, and I could apply both my design skills and my background in psychology. Seeing the final product come together in a way that feels useful, intuitive, and emotionally considered gave me a deep sense of fulfillment.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

EJK : I’d love to see the design industry become more inclusive and empathetic. There’s still room for improvement when it comes to accessibility and designing for diverse age groups, cultures, and abilities. I also hope the industry continues to value thoughtful, human-centered solutions over flashy or trend-driven work. Good design should solve real problems and make life easier for everyone, not just a specific group.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

EJK : I think the design field is moving toward more personalized, ethical, and responsible practices. With the rise of AI and data-driven tools, there’s a growing need for designers to think critically about the impact of their work. I see a future where designers are not just solving problems but also questioning them, making sure what we build is truly meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

EJK : It really depends on the scope and complexity of the project. Some smaller projects can be wrapped up in a few weeks, while others, especially those involving multiple stakeholders, user testing, or a full digital experience, can take several months. I try to stay flexible and responsive throughout the process, always aiming for quality over speed.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

EJK : When I start a new design project, I begin by understanding the context, the users, their needs, and the goals of the project. I spend time asking questions, doing research, and identifying any constraints or opportunities. Once I have a clear foundation, I move into sketching ideas, building wireframes, and exploring concepts that balance function and emotion. I believe a thoughtful beginning always leads to better outcomes.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

EJK : My life motto as a designer is to stay curious and keep learning. I believe growth comes from being open to new ideas, embracing challenges, and constantly refining your craft. Design is never finished, and neither am I.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

EJK : I think it’s a bit of both. Sometimes design leads the way by introducing new ideas that later become trends. Other times, trends influence designers and shape what they create. It’s a continuous cycle where design and trends feed into each other.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

EJK : As a UI/UX designer, technology is at the core of everything I do. It enables me to prototype, test, and iterate designs quickly, which is essential for creating user-centered experiences. Technology also shapes how users interact with products, so understanding its capabilities helps me design interfaces that are intuitive, responsive, and accessible. Without the right tech tools and platforms, delivering seamless digital experiences would be much harder.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

EJK : It might sound typical, but I use Figma the most. It’s really versatile and works well for both design and collaboration.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

EJK : Personally, I think color, materials, and the overall ambiance are what really bring a design to life. They create the feeling you get when you use something or enter a space. The right colors can set the mood, materials add a sense of quality and touch, and the ambient vibe helps make the whole experience feel natural and inviting.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

EJK : I wish people would ask about the thinking and intentions behind my design choices. Not just how it looks but why certain decisions were made and how the design aims to solve real problems or improve the user’s experience. That’s where the true value lies for me in thoughtful, purposeful design that makes a difference.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

EJK : When I see a great new design or product, I immediately think about how well it solves a problem or improves the user’s experience. I’m curious about the choices behind it, why it works so smoothly, what challenges the designers faced, and how it balances form and function. It’s inspiring to see something that is both useful and beautiful.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

EJK : My ideal design partner is someone open-minded and curious, who communicates clearly and respects different perspectives. I believe in co-design because great ideas often come from collaboration. Working together allows us to combine strengths, challenge assumptions, and create solutions that none of us could achieve alone.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

EJK : The people who influenced my design the most are my mentors and colleagues who challenged me to think deeper and push my limits. Also, users whose feedback helped me understand real needs shaped my approach a lot. Everyday collaboration and honest conversations with diverse people have been key to my growth as a designer.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

EJK : I don’t have a single favorite book, but I’ve been influenced by a mix of design, psychology, and creativity books. Since I studied psychology before design, books about human behavior and decision-making really shaped how I think about user experience. I also appreciate design books that focus on simplicity and problem-solving rather than just aesthetics.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

EJK : I developed my skills through a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Studying psychology first helped me understand people’s behavior, which is key in design. Then, studying design gave me the tools to turn those insights into practical solutions. Over time, working on real projects, getting feedback, and staying curious pushed me to improve and refine my skills.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

EJK : Without hesitation, I would want to meet and talk with my parents and family. They have been my biggest supporters and the foundation of who I am. Beyond that, if I think about design, I’d love to have a conversation with a design legend like Dieter Rams to learn from his timeless approach to simplicity and functionality.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

EJK : I appreciate the recognition because it shows that my work resonates with others but I try not to focus too much on fame. For me the most important thing is doing meaningful work that helps people and keeps pushing my own growth. Being famous isn’t the goal it’s a byproduct of staying true to good design and continuous learning.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

EJK : My favorite color is white because it feels clean and simple. I really like Brooklyn for its creative vibe and community. I enjoy early summer the most since the weather feels just right. Lately, thanks to the weather, my favorite food has been cold pasta salads because they are refreshing and light. As for a brand, I like Apple because of their clean design and user-friendly products.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

EJK : Sometimes I find myself obsessing over tiny details no one else notices. It’s funny how those little things can take hours, but in the end, they make the design feel special.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

EJK : I usually find motivation when I’m working with others. Sharing ideas and collaborating sparks new energy and keeps me engaged. It’s inspiring to see how different perspectives come together to create something better. Being part of a team where everyone contributes and respects each other’s input really helps me stay motivated and excited about the work.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

EJK : Not at all. When I was a kid, I didn’t even know what design really was. My younger sibling was already pursuing art, so I thought that path wasn’t for me. I was curious about many things but never imagined I’d end up as a designer. It was only later, through exploring different paths and interests, that I found design to be the right fit for me.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

EJK : It’s hard to imagine exactly what the world will look like in a thousand years, but I think design will play an even bigger role in how we live and interact. Technology will likely be far beyond what we can picture now, and design will need to keep evolving to make these advances accessible and meaningful for everyone.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

EJK : I want people to know that my design work comes from a real desire to make things easier and more meaningful in everyday life. I’m always learning and trying to improve, and I believe that good design is about empathy and connection, not just aesthetics. I’m grateful for the support and excited to keep growing and creating work that truly helps people.