A Journey Through Design
The first time I built a homepage, I felt like I had discovered magic. As a teenager, when the internet became part of daily life, I was captivated by the World Wide Web—a universe of endless possibilities. I spent hours teaching myself HTML, experimenting with web editors, and crafting designs in Photoshop. What started as a hobby quickly became a calling. The ability to create something from nothing, to shape experiences through design, was exhilarating.
My first web design tool back in the early 2000s —Namo WebEditor
(Image source: Software.informer)
Where it all began—Photoshop 6.0
(Image source: Web Design Museum)
That fascination led me to study communication and digital art at Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea, where I explored how media influences perception. My passion deepened during my M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU, where I examined visual storytelling—how images, colors, and narratives are interrelated with culture, human behavior, and society. But theory alone wasn’t enough. I wanted to see design in action, solving real problems.
My PhD research paper that changed my path
My Ph.D. research took me into the world of smartphone apps for refugees in Germany, where technology became a bridge to unfamiliar places. Location-based services and intuitive design helped people navigate new cities, find essential services, and connect with others. It was a revelation—user-friendly design had the power to change lives.
Now, as a UX designer, I bring that same passion to my work, crafting seamless, intuitive experiences based on users’ actual needs. From conducting user research to building wireframes and prototypes, I focus on understanding real needs and designing solutions
that feel effortless. I’m not just creating interfaces; I’m shaping interactions that resonate with people.
“Looking ahead, I see myself diving deeper into user research, uncovering insights that drive innovation. My goal is simple: to design experiences that matter, that feel natural, intuitive, and truly enhance people’s lives.”
Kee Eun Joo