Conversations with Eunseo Cho

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eunseo Cho.

Hi Eunseo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was five, my grandmother told me a story about guardians who live in objects, protecting us from evil spirits. Since then, I have been obsessed with collecting objects that are so thoughtfully designed that you can feel the person, “the guardian,” behind the design. One day, I came up with the idea of what if I become the creator who builds up helpful products that protect and bring joy to every user. So naturally, I became interested in product design and enrolled as an industrial design student in Art Center College of Design.

Through design school, I learned various aspects of design approaches such as design research, design strategy, UXUI design, mechanical engineering, form development, and concept visualizations through 2D and 3D design programs and model makings. During and after college, I had started my internship by working in multidiscipline companies and gained various design field experiences. Today, I am working as an industrial designer in an R&D company.

I am designing products to resonate with people and create a sense of magic in their daily lives. Identifying opportunities for innovation by reimagining and repurposing, from concept development to form language, I make products imbued with depth and meaning. I make people experience the “guardian” within my design.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As an industrial designer in the R&D field, it is challenging to keep up with current and future technology and bring in a design input. I need to be involved in the end-to-end process of developing the cutting-edge technology and making it approachable with a good user experience. To do so, I keep open-minded to collaborate with engineers, keep a thread of technology news, and always be curious to learn something new outside the design prospective. Then, be a bridge between the engineers and everyday users to easily and intuitively meet new experiences through the innovative products. Although the process is hard and complicated, it is very rewarding to deliver magical and memorable moments to clients.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently working as an industrial designer in a global company. Within the R&D team, I am responsible for creating beautiful, functional, ergonomic product designs for the future to propose solutions for the next five years using emerging technologies and various designer types of products. Mostly, I had worked with consumer electronics hardware goods like IoT and machine learning for the company. My main task is close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, software engineers, and ID, UXUI designers to deliver early functional work based on business direction. Visualizing new product designs by applying extensive knowledge of 3D CAD software. Significant contributions in concept ideation, trend research, problem-solving, styling of products with coordination of cross-functional design communication. I am known for applying a forward-thinking design process to ensure the best results in future manufacturing possibilities for targeted markets. I am proud to design forward-thinking products that resonate with customers and create a sense of ease in daily living—identifying new opportunities by reimagining and repurposing, from concept development to form language, delivering prototypes imbued with depth, meaning, and desirability.

What were you like growing up?
While growing up, I was an introverted child who felt more comfortable focusing on my inner thoughts and ideas. I believe my quiet personality made my parents worried, and they suggested that I start art classes to express myself. Luckily, I found drawing and sculpting was fun, but it was not just about self-expression. I loved how my creations made people think and found their own purposes in their everyday lifestyle; as home decoration, a container for small jewelry, an ice breaker with new guests, and etc. This motivated me to observe people’s behavior, find their pain points and needs, and find the right solution by delivering the best design solution! I love the process of being a problem seeker and solver.

Contact Info:

• Email: eunseo.designed@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.eunseocho.com

Image Credits
Jason Ware, 33North Studio (Yixuan & Will), Sungbum Park,