Hi there, I’m Nicole!
I’m a product designer with a love for cultural storytelling and solving systemic human challenges with design.
I graduated from UC Berkeley, where I studied urban planning and explored early stage product challenges with Berkeley Innovation. Currently I’m at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, as a product designer on the Education tech team. In the past I’ve worked with various mission-driven organizations such as National Public Radio (NPR), PatchRx to improve medication adherence, and the Koreatown Youth & Community Center to connect the multiethnic Koreatown community with online Covid-19 resources.
Get in Touch?
Feel free to hit me up with any inquiries.
E-mail: nicolejeekim@gmail.com
Why human-centered design?
At this point, you might be wondering how I found myself in tech. If you've got some time, I'd love for you to keep reading.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by people. In very shallow ways, my early environment allowed me to see the differences in the cultures and world views of others as they compared to my own.
However, for all the friends with whom I have met and shared a deep connection, these categories were too neat. I was convinced that the wealth of human experiences in the world belied societal stereotypes. So during one of the best years of my life, I took a leap of faith and went on an adventure.
I worked with families that operated farms in Italy, tending to chickpeas and vineyards. During my stay, my hosts often took me around to outings and events in the city.
I travelled to South Korea for the first time with my mom and grandma and learned about our rich cultural heritage. I also got to witness the powerful matriarch of
Jejudo female divers.
At the risk of sounding trite, spending time in DC changed my perspective and challenged me in the best way. While my most memorable experience was watching Mac Miller’s tiny desk performance, I was endlessly inspired by people dedicating their lives to the civic process and encouraging others to get involved in small ways. I began to see the potential of digital platforms to create these moments of connection.
Since then, these experiences have convinced me that life is so much better when humans support one another and seek to understand the world through diverse voices. I believe that technology can create a powerful sense of community and belonging, and I want my work to reveal our shared humanity. Thanks for listening.