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)

Driven by this fascination, I pursued a degree in Communication and Digital Art at Yonsei University in Seoul. My studies expanded my understanding of media, from traditional to new, and fueled my interest in how design could shape cultural narratives. This passion led me to an M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU, where I explored how digital platforms influence global audiences.

My PhD research paper that changed my path

However, my PhD research truly shifted my path. I studied how smartphone apps for refugees in Germany, helped people navigate new cities, find essential services, and connect with others. This experience revealed the immense power of intuitive, user-centered design—design that can truly change lives.

Now, I’m a design thinker with a human touch—a UX designer and researcher who merges empathy, strategy, and storytelling to create meaningful digital experiences. With roots in communication, digital art, and cultural research, I bring academic rigor and creative sensitivity to every project. Whether I’m connecting generations, supporting parents, or simplifying financial tools, my work always centers around inclusivity, clarity, and emotional resonance.

I’m also a deeply thoughtful mom, an intuitive collaborator, and someone who cares just as much about why people feel the way they do as how they use a product. From building websites as a teen to designing for impact today, Ive never stopped learning—or listening.

“Looking ahead, I'm excited to dive deeper into user research and innovative product design. If you're looking for a UX designer who combines academic rigor with practical, user-centered design, let's talk.”

Kee Eun Joo