Project Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|16 May 2025
Yoojin Song, Project Designer for 21GRAMS, believes in embracing every challenge with purpose and moving forward without regret. “To me, not regretting doesn’t mean never letting go,” she says. “It’s about knowing when to pivot, learn from the experience, and channel that growth into something better. I believe that every experience, whether it feels like a win or a misstep, is a stepping stone towards where you’re meant to be.”
Song’s optimistic philosophy on taking challenges in stride and staying solutions-based aligns with her tips for aspiring designers. “My biggest advice is to stay curious and never stop looking for a better solution,” she says. “Curiosity is what keeps your work fresh and meaningful. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Design in a journey, not a race, so enjoy the process, keep learning, and have fun creating work that makes a difference.”
Song discovered her love for user experience design on a journey of self-discovery and big-town aspirations in New York City. “I came with dreams of becoming a graphic designer,” she says. “But, as I dove deeper into the creative world, I realized that user experience design was where my true passions aligned. Ever since I was little, I’ve been driven by curiosity. I was the kid who asked ‘why?’ until my family couldn’t take it anymore! That same curiosity fuels my creative process today, and I love seeing the world through a lens of possibilities and problems, and imagining creative solutions.” For Song, user experience design allows her to combine intellectual challenges with creativity, and develop something truly aesthetically pleasing and functional.
"AccessibleNYC", Yoojin Song
For Song, a successful design approach has three key elements: collaboration, empathy, and continuous iteration. “I start by really getting to know the problem and the people I’m designing for,” Song says. “Then, I dive deep into user research, whether through interviews, surveys, or analyzing data, to understand the users' needs, pain points, and goals.” Song finds that the more she can empathize with them, the better her solutions will be. The following stages involve ideation, where flexibility and creative approaches are key. “Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places,” Song says.
Song’s objective is to create the ideal fusion of form and aesthetics. “I focus on making something that’s not only visually appealing, but also fresh and inspirational,” she says. “It’s all about striking that balance; making it look cool while ensuring every element serves a purpose and fits seamlessly with the flow.” During this process, Song ensures she’s in regular touch with the client. “Clear communication is the key to setting expectations and showing that I’m committed to their vision,” she says. “The more I understand what’s important to them, the better I can tailor my approach to meet those needs.”
When Song isn’t focusing on design, she’s turning her attention to athletic pursuits. “Sports are a huge part of my life and have shaped how I approach both work and creativity,” she says. “I figure-skated for over seven years, and now I’m all about boxing and jiu-jitsu. Sportsmanship, in particular, is a value I carry into my work. It’s about respect, collaboration, and lifting each other up to achieve something greater than we could alone.”
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