Jisol Lee: Curiosity and Continuous Learning
Product Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|14 May 2024
Product Designer Jisol Lee encourages up-and-coming designers to embrace lifelong learning and tap into their natural curiosity. “Design is a dynamic field that constantly evolves,” she says. “Stay curious and committed to continuous learning. Explore new design trends, tools, and techniques. Online courses, workshops, and design communities can be valuable resources.”
A passion for exploring diverse cultures drives Lee. “Traveling has been a profound source of inspiration, exposing me to unique perspectives that often find their way into my design work,” she says. “Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a local market or the intricacies of traditional craftsmanship, these experiences shape how I approach creativity.”
South Korean-born and Canada-bred Lee pursued her design education in New York City, which she calls home. “This diverse journey has significantly influenced how I approach design,” she says. “Drawing from my South Korean roots, I bring a touch of elegance and precision to my work. Living in Canada exposed me to a rich cultural mix, fostering an appreciation for diversity reflected in my designs. The fast-paced energy of New York City honed my ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the ever-evolving design scene.”
Lee discovered her love for design during her first-year college classes. “I never thought I would be a designer,” she says. “I wanted to be a film director, but everything changed. The shift from films to visual design wasn’t planned, but those first-year classes, graphic design, colors, and drawing, caught my eye. It was like a switch flipped, and I fell in love with visual storytelling in a new way.”
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"Little Big", Jisol Lee
While Lee was initially intrigued by colors and graphic design, whether a design is fundamentally successful comes down less to its aesthetics and more to its functionality. “For me, the most crucial aspect of design is its ability to communicate and resonate effectively,” she says. “A design should go beyond aesthetics and be a powerful medium to convey the intended message or purpose. Whether it’s evoking emotions, delivering information, or creating a memorable brand image, the effectiveness of a design lies in its capacity to connect with the audience.”
She also cites Steve Jobs as a significant inspiration for her design approach. “His perspective that ‘design is not just what it looks like and feels like, design is how it works’ has been instrumental in influencing my design philosophy,” she says. “Jobs’ commitment to innovation, simplicity, and user-centric design has guided my vision, inspiring me to create designs that not only captivate visually but also deliver exceptional functionality and a meaningful experience to the users.”
Lee also focuses on client collaboration, believing in open communication to foster healthy, respectful, and transparent relationships between clients and designers. “Also, regular communication is key,” she says. “I provide consistent updates on project progress, milestones achieved, and any challenges encountered. Doing this ensures the client is well informed and reassured about the ongoing work.”
Moving forward, Lee plans to continue to exercise her curiosity and continuous learning by exploring new design trends, technologies, and creative approaches for growth. “I’d like to prioritize self-reflection, explore hobbies and educational opportunities, and build connections with people from different backgrounds,” she says. “Embracing challenges outside my comfort zone will be a key driver of personal development.”
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