Eunjoo Lim and Yeokyeong Chung
1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
Eunjoo: I’m Eunjoo, a User Experience Interaction Designer at Google based in New York. My projects focus on improving user experience by solving complex user problems. Before Google, I earned a master's degree in Human-Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Washington. I also have a UX design work experience in Korea. I have always been interested in solving UX problems and its potential to reshape our everyday lives.
Yeokyeong: I'm Yeokyeong, a product designer at S&P Global in New York. I majored in visual communication design and business management in Korea, then pursued a master's in Strategic Design and Management at Parsons in New York. My journey began as a graphic designer and business strategist, eventually evolving into a UX/UI designer after completing my master's program. My career reflects my passion for blending design with strategic thinking to create impactful user experiences.
2. What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
Eunjoo: While studying design in college, I had a chance to take a few classes that opened my eyes to UX. I was thrilled by the fact that a design could not only be visually appealing, but also it could change people’s lives.
Yeokyeong: Design is a universal language, a tool that bridges gaps and creates connections. It's something I find both challenging and enjoyable, and I love the opportunity to create something meaningful and lasting. Design is my chosen way to contribute to the world, solving problems and making lives better.
3. Tell us more about your agency/company, job profile, and what you do.
Eunjoo: I’m a User Experience Interaction Designer at Google working on the Google Ads team. I work on the Advertiser Platform to improve the advertiser experience. I create user experience journeys, design frameworks, and mocks, and closely work together with many cross-functional partners on complex problem-solving.
Yeokyeong: I’m working as a Product designer at S&P Global. We provide tools that integrate market data and analytics, helping users track performance, identify investment ideas, and understand industry dynamics. My focus is on developing sustainability analysis features that help Investor Relations professionals make informed investment decisions. It's all about transforming complex data into actionable insights.
4. What does “design” mean to you?
Eunjoo: To me, it’s the most accessible tool that connects people to interact with the world of innovation.
Yeokyeong: Design is the ultimate communication tool. It transcends language barriers and speaks directly to the human experience.
5. What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
Eunjoo: Unique and creative design solutions always fascinate me. It’s because this kind of design is the product of extensive iteration and deep thought.
Yeokyeong: I love designs that are simple yet encapsulate complexity. Achieving simplicity is deceptively challenging; it requires a deep, iterative process and often more effort than creating something elaborate. The journey to simplicity involves distilling complex ideas into their essence, and removing unnecessary elements while ensuring the core message is powerful and clear. It not only looks clean and elegant but also offers layers of insight and utility, engaging users in a meaningful way.
6. To you, what makes a “good” design?
Eunjoo: Two things. First, it has to be user-centric and should be easy for users to achieve what they want to do. Second, visually appealing. It’s always a plus to also have a beautiful aesthetic.
Yeokyeong: A good design is built on a solid philosophy. It's not just about aesthetics; it’s about a deeper narrative that connects with people. When a design embodies a thoughtful philosophy, it creates a lasting impression on both users and anyone who encounters it.
7. How did you come up with the idea for your award-winning design?
Eunjoo: We are both survivors of several earthquakes that happened in Pohang, Korea in 2018. As people who experienced actual natural disasters, it was a topic that we both are interested in. And given the rise of AI, we thought that there was an opportunity to create an AI-powered app that could significantly improve people's experiences.
Yeokyeong: Eunjoo and I both survived a significant earthquake in Korea, which highlighted the chaos and panic that natural disasters can cause. Our personal experience became the foundation for our design. We wanted to create a solution that helps people stay calm and informed during emergencies.
8. What was your main source of inspiration for this design?
Eunjoo: My primary inspiration is from personal experience with earthquakes, where I identified a critical gap in existing solutions. My husband, a graduate student in urban planning and resilience, was also a source of inspiration for this design.
Yeokyeong: Our inspiration came from the chaos of natural disasters and the need for a reliable guide during such times. We drew on our experiences and researched extensively to understand the gaps in existing solutions. Our goal was to create a tool that simplifies decision-making and empowers users with critical information.
9. Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Eunjoo: Yes. Born and growing up in Korea and working in the US, I have always been inspired by many wonderful Korean artists and designers who are not only talented designers but also keen on reading the trends and incorporating design into emerging technologies.
Yeokyeong: That's an interesting question! Koreans appreciate concise and simple communication, valuing efficiency in every interaction. This cultural mindset drives me to create designs that communicate quickly and clearly, offering intuitive and streamlined solutions that enhance user experiences.
10. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Eunjoo: It means a lot to me! It’s an honour to be the winner of the London Design Awards. It’s amazing to have a feeling of confirmation that the user-centric design process which included a myriad of design interactions and usability testing works.
Yeokyeong: Winning the London Design Award is an incredible honour and a testament to our team's hard work and dedication. It's a validation of our user-centric design process and expands our vision for creating impactful solutions. It’s a proud moment for us and a motivator to keep pushing the boundaries of design.
11. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the London Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Eunjoo / Yeokyeong: This award-winning conceptual app, "Stay Safe," offers a unique solution to natural disaster emergencies through AI-powered features. By simplifying essential functions and processing critical information, this app empowers users to make informed decisions during crises. A user-centric design approach ensured that "Stay Safe" not only meets user needs but exceeds expectations. The product's distinctive AI features and seamless user experience set it apart from other emergency solutions.
12. What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?
Eunjoo: For me, the main challenge was integrating AI into every main feature of the app and UI screen to benefit users in emergency situations. This required creativity, extensive iteration on user journeys, and drastic UX simplification.
Yeokyeong: A major challenge was instilling a sense of trust and reliability in the users, ensuring they felt they were receiving accurate, well-analysed information rather than just automated responses. Balancing this with the need to provide the quickest and most efficient steps during chaotic situations requires careful consideration. We had to strike the right balance between delivering comprehensive guidance and maintaining speed and efficiency in our design. To overcome this, we conducted extensive user testing and iterations, refining the AI features to ensure clarity and accuracy.
13. How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?
Eunjoo: This will definitely impact my future as a designer. Exploring various AI applications has broadened my perspective on solving complex world problems. Winning this award especially provided me with invaluable insights and the confidence to tackle global challenges.
Yeokyeong: As a designer, each project is an opportunity to tackle real-world problems and develop solutions, and this experience has strengthened my problem-solving skills. Moreover, integrating AI into every step of the app has been invaluable, providing me with insights that will be a significant asset in future projects.
14. What are your top three (3) favorite things about the design industry?
Eunjoo: My top three favourite things about the design industry are user-centricity, creativity, and technological innovation.
Yeokyeong: My top three favourite things are its ability to drive change, its ever-evolving nature, and limitlessness.
15. What sets your design apart from others in the same category?
Eunjoo: I believe it’s the part that we rely heavily on AI-driven features throughout the entire user journey during natural disaster emergent situations. This enables simplifying a lot of information and helps users learn what they need to do without thinking about what they need to do.
Yeokyeong: Our design features seamless AI integration, particularly useful in emergencies. Even when users panic and can't make quick decisions, our app provides fast, accurate, and safe guidance, ensuring they receive the most reliable instructions in chaotic situations.
16. Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Eunjoo: In the next 5-10 years, I expect a significant integration of AI into the design industry. As AI becomes embedded in everyday products, we will witness a rise in personalised features and proactive voice interactions, creating huge benefits for users.
Yeokyeong: The design industry will increasingly integrate AI, driving personalisation and interaction. As these technologies evolve, the demand for designers to have a strong foundation in humanities and design philosophy will grow. This expertise will be crucial not only for ensuring the ethical and thoughtful application of technology but also for fundamentally enhancing user experiences. I expect that designers equipped with these insights will be better positioned to offer users meaningful choices and guide them through complex digital landscapes.
17. What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?
Eunjoo: My advice to aspiring designers is twofold: 1. Develop a strong sense of design differentiation. Always strive for a unique selling point. 2. Prioritise user experience through rigorous usability testing.
Yeokyeong: First, focus on finding your differentiation. Analyse competitors and position yourself clearly in the market, ensuring your unique value proposition is well-defined. Second, always look to the user for answers. Identify their needs and pain points to shape the user journey and features. After designing, validate your work through usability testing to ensure it meets user expectations and solves real problems.
18. What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Eunjoo: Feedback and iteration are the keys to improving!
Yeokyeong: I 100% agree with Eunjoo!
19. Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
Eunjoo: I love to have Moscato D’asti while working on design.
Yeokyeong: I'm not sure if I have anything I've never told anyone else. I might be an open book, or maybe I've just forgotten all my best secrets!
20. Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Eunjoo: My peers, my supervisors, and professors. A lot of them are in the design industry and inspired me a lot in how I approach design.
Yeokyeong: Literally, every person I’ve crossed paths with has inspired me in one way or another. I believe that inspiration doesn’t need a fancy event or a special location; it’s like a little treasure waiting to be found if you’re paying attention. Everyone I meet comes with their own quirky thoughts and life stories, and these encounters always gift me with fresh perspectives. It’s like having a never-ending supply of aha moments, thanks to the wonderful mix of people I’ve met along the way!
21. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Eunjoo: Don’t give up! Keep knocking and the door will open.
Yeokyeong: My key to success is simply taking "one more step." Not two or three—just one. We often fail to see the success because we don’t take that one more step. Building the strength to take that one extra step, especially in the toughest moments, has been my key to success.
22. Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Eunjoo: Receiving the 2024 London Design Award is an incredible honour. This experience has significantly broadened my design horizons, exposing me to a wider range of challenges and opportunities. It has been instrumental in my professional growth.
Yeokyeong: I’m grateful for this opportunity to share my journey and insights. The design community is vibrant and full of potential, and I look forward to seeing how we all continue to shape the future together! I also want to thank my partner, Eunjoo, for being such an inspiration throughout this project. Working with her has been amazing, and her creativity and dedication have played a huge part in our success.
