Glad to know you. 👋 I'm Kim!


With a diverse career spanning social services, operations management, and front-end development, complemented by a solid background in graphic design and fine art photography from the University of Washington, I bring a distinctive mix of skills. This varied experience enhances my versatility in UX design, enriching my work with various perspectives. My unique skill set deepens my design approach and amplifies my ability to connect with clients across different sectors, driving effective collaboration and project success.

Core principles of my design philosophy

  • Resilience in my design process means embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth and refinement. This approach allows me to continuously improve, turning challenges into catalysts for creative and effective solutions.

  • Empathy shapes my design approach, guiding me to understand and connect deeply with users. This focus ensures that my designs resonate meaningfully, addressing real needs and fostering inclusivity.

  • Curiosity drives my quest for continuous learning, keeping my designs fresh and innovative. I actively seek new challenges and perspectives, ensuring that my work stays relevant and forward-thinking.

  • Mindfulness informs my design process, encouraging a present-focused and thoughtful approach. This awareness leads to designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply considerate of the user experience.

Pursuits outside of design

  • My passion for international backpacking and slow travel enriches my cultural understanding and connection. This exploration fuels adventure, personal growth, and deeper insights, enhancing my worldview and empathy in design.

  • Engaged in documentary photography, I capture life’s unfolding moments, connecting deeply with subjects. My interest in travel stories and nature poetry complements this, enriching my creative expression and storytelling in design.

  • With over a decade of practice in Vipassana meditation, I've honed clarity, wisdom, and empathy. This grounding practice enhances my appreciation for the moment and informs a mindful approach to design and life.

  • My enthusiasm for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, biking, and climbing keeps me energized and inspired. These experiences foster a strong connection with nature, fueling creativity and a sense of balance in my work.

ORIGIN STORY

An entrepreneurial start in the iconic Seattle coffee scene.

Beginning with an espresso cart in Seattle, my entrepreneurial path laid the groundwork for my adaptability and insight into user needs. This venture segued into a role in retail coffee management, where as an operations manager, I refined my skills in process optimization and client engagement.

The key to success was creating a genuine, inclusive (and fun!) environment, a principle that now underpins my UX design approach. These foundational experiences in Seattle's vibrant coffee scene have imprinted a unique depth to my work as a UX designer.

EMPATHY FIRST

The impact of my experience in social services.

Working with a Los Angeles non-profit for young adults with developmental disabilities, my involvement with UCLA's Pathway Program, and volunteering internationally have profoundly shaped my UX design approach.

These experiences enriched my understanding of varied user needs, fostering deep empathy, especially in education and accessibility. They've been pivotal in developing my skills for creating intuitive and inclusive designs, blending local and global insights to ensure my work resonates with a diverse user base worldwide.

TECH ROOTS

A strong foundation in front-end web development.

My journey into digital spaces led to the founding of Tiny Zen Studio, which specializes in bespoke web design and development for small businesses and wellpreneurs. This endeavor has been pivotal in strengthening my end-to-end design capabilities, from initial concept to final execution.

Engaging directly with clients, I've refined my approach to crafting online experiences that meet users' needs and resonate with their aspirations. At the core of this venture is my foundation in UX design, which ensures that every website is as user-friendly as it is aesthetically pleasing.

DESIGN EVOLUTION

Growing my skillset to create more impactful designs.

While with Tiny Zen Studio, I recognized the potential to amplify my impact in the design world. Seeking to extend my reach beyond the studio's scope, I embarked on a journey to pursue a specialized UX/UI design certificate through CareerFoundry with a desire to build impactful products for a broader audience.

The intensive program, enriched by professional mentorship, broadened my skills in user-centric design methodologies. It equipped me to tackle more complex design challenges and effectively collaborate within larger, cross-functional teams, marking a significant evolution in my design career.

DESIGNER CODER CHOPS

A product designer with coding skills.

My role as a designer is uniquely enriched by my coding skills, allowing me to meld design sensibility with technical acumen. This combination enables me to seamlessly integrate the perspectives of both designers and developers. As a result, I become a key asset in teams, adept at bridging gaps and facilitating the creation of cohesive, user-friendly digital experiences.

My ability to not just design but also implement these designs directly translates into heightened efficiency and improved team collaboration. This dual proficiency positions me as a versatile and valuable contributor in any project environment.

CONSISTENCY & COHESION MATTER

For the love of… design systems!

Channeling my diverse background into Product Design, I am keen to work at the intersection of design and development, with a passion for design systems that rivals my love for the ocean (almost!).

My enthusiasm extends to all stages of the UX process, from initial research to final implementation. I aim to craft intuitive and engaging digital experiences that resonate deeply with users and encourage active engagement.

LETS CONNECT

Elevating Design, One Project at a Time.

Are you seeking a product designer who not only understands the intricacies of user experience but can also bridge the gap between design and development? I am ready to contribute my unique blend of skills and passion, driving impactful and innovative user experiences.

Let's explore how we can collaborate to bring these dynamic designs to life.