We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ji Hoon Yang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ji Hoon below.

Hi Ji Hoon, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

Last year, I worked as an industrial design intern at Munchkin in Van Nuys from August to December. Munchkin makes products for parenting and baby care. I worked closely with a team manager and participated in various projects, collaborating with different teams like marketing.

One memorable experience was when I was working on the project to develop a baby bottle for kids aged 3-5. Our goal was to create a product that stood out in the market and addressed specific needs of that age group. I was tasked with researching competitors’ products, analyzing reviews, and understanding the characteristics and preferences of our target users.

I found that many parents were frustrated with the transition from baby bottles to regular cups. They wanted something that was easy to clean, leak-proof, and comfortable for their children to use. Armed with this insight, I brainstormed and sketched out several design ideas focusing on these key features.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of user-centered design and the value of collaboration and feedback. It also taught me to embrace constructive criticism as a tool for growth. That project ultimately became a successful addition to Munchkin’s product line, and it was incredibly rewarding to see something I worked on make it to market.

This experience has greatly influenced my approach to design. I now always strive to keep the user at the forefront of my mind and to view feedback as a crucial part of the creative process.

Ji Hoon, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Ji Hoon Yang, and I’m a passionate industrial designer dedicated to creating ‘better experiences.’ I’m someone who loves to dig into how things work, why people are drawn to them, and the stories behind them. This curiosity naturally led me to industrial design, where I focus on the interaction between products and users, how they engage with each other, and how to enhance these interactions through feedback.

I believe a well-designed product truly understands user needs and resonates deeply with them, offering a better physical and emotional experience than previous iterations. To create these ‘better products,’ I explore and approach ideas with a broad perspective, aiming to bridge user stories and creative potential through the design. This philosophy drives my focus on designing lifestyle products—lighting, furniture, consumer electronics, and daily gadgets. The closer the interaction between the user and the product, the deeper the connection and unique communication.

What sets me apart is this user-centered approach, ensuring that each product not only meets functional needs but also connects emotionally with its users. I’m most proud of the designs that have successfully made this connection, enhancing everyday life in meaningful ways.

In short, my work is all about creating products that bring joy, comfort, and a better experience to their daily lives.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an industrial designer is creating potential solutions for problematic situations. It’s incredibly fulfilling to delve into a situation, uncover hidden ideas, and merge technology with creativity in a way that resonates with users. When these responsive ideas lead to products that enhance the quality of life or improve interactions, that’s the true treasure of my job. The process of turning challenges into innovative and meaningful designs is what I find most rewarding.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Two key resources have profoundly influenced my thinking and approach as an industrial designer.

The first is The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman. This book is a keystone for understanding the principles of user-centered design. One particularly impactful story in the book discusses button design and the importance of creating responsive buttons. This story illustrates how even small design details can significantly affect user experience. Norman emphasizes that good design should be intuitive and that every aspect of a product should communicate its function clearly to the user. This concept has deeply influenced my approach to designing products that are not only functional but also easy and satisfying to use.

The second influential resource is Dieter Rams’ “10 Principles of Good Design.” Two principles that particularly resonate with me are “Good design is honest” and “Good design makes a product useful.” These principles underscore the importance of integrity and functionality in design. Rams’ philosophy has guided me to focus on creating products that are straightforward, reliable, and serve a clear purpose. His principles encourage designers to strip away unnecessary elements and focus on what truly enhances the user experience.

Together, these resources have provided a solid foundation for my design philosophy. They remind me to always consider the user’s perspective, strive for simplicity and clarity, and ensure that every design decision serves a purpose. This mindset helps me approach product design with a focus on creating meaningful, effective, and user-friendly solutions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jihoon.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_yang9/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihoon-yang-636b13217

Image Credits

All images are my own.