Meet Cochl’s Team: Yoojeong Lee, UX/UI Designer
Q. Could you briefly introduce yourself, please?
Hello, I’m Yoojeong Lee, and I work as a UX/UI designer at Cochl. I majored in Deisgn Engineering at university and have almost two years of working experience. During my studies, I attended many various design lectures and discovered a particular interest in design with clear user and design goals. I enjoy being involved in the entire design process, especially seeing my designs evolve based on feedback, being elaborated upon and ultimately leading to meaningful results. This is why I fell in love with UX/UI design, where I can use the magic trick called ‘Ctrl + z.’ UX/UI design is both fascinating and aligns perfectly with my design preference.
Q. What are you responsible for at Cochl’s design team in detail?
In this quarter, I’m mainly involved in the B2C App project service, so I am responsible for the overall process from investigation to ideation and design. This is my first time primarily handling mobile applications, so there are many aspects that I need to consider. However, I see this as a valuable experience for my growth as a UX/UI designer, so I’ll do my best to ensure its success.
If we break down the design process into three phases — investigation, ideation, and design — I mostly focus on the ‘ideation’ part. I believe that establishing a strong ideation phase is crucial because without it, there can be numerous changes during the design phase, requiring a lot of rework. To prevent this, ideation should be thorough and clear.
Creating an app is a collaborative effort. Both the design and development teams need to have a shared vision of the final product. Without consensus from the beginning, the end result may deviate significantly from the initial plan. To avoid this, it is important to use tools like wireframe, storyboard, or functional specification to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Q. What made you join this company?
I envy naturally creative people. Some individuals seem to be born with this innate sense of creativity. From my perspective as a UX/UI designer, Cochl appears to be a highly creative company. It seems capable of creating products that are both accessible and versatile. Additionally, Cochl’s Sound AI technology is also incredibly innovative. If I continue working in this environment, perhaps one day my own creative thinking will be strengthened.
Moreover, my interview experience was excellent. At every stage, the interviewers were friendly and patiently answered all my questions. As the interviews progressed, I felt a genuine sense of warmth and friendliness. While many view interviews as a time for the interviewer to evaluate the interviewee, I believe it can also be a time for the interviewee to assess the company. In this regard, I felt assured that I would be respected if I joined Cochl. This assurance ultimately influenced my decision to join the company.
Q. What do you want to achieve in this first half of the year?
I firmly believe in the power of archiving, especially when it comes to the design process. It is crucial to document the design process from the beginning to track changes and understand the reasons behind those changes. As our design team may grow in the future, this archived information can be invaluable for newcomers to grasp our design system and adapt to life in the design team. This is why I make an effort to create a history based on wireframes or user test documentation.
Furthermore, on a personal level, I have a keen interest in creating video content, so I am working self-study in this area. I believe that if users can see our product in action through video, it can provide them with a clear guide and enhanced the overall usability of product.
Q. How was your onboarding process while joining?
My first day at Cochl was January 2nd, and at that time, all of the design team members were abroad, which made me feel a bit embarrassed initially. Although Nabila has since returned to Korea, we never met in person at that time and had to collaborate through chat and Google Meet. Additionally, Hyojeong was in the US, and Nabila was in Indonesia, so we had to coordinate across three different time zones. However, my worries proved to be unfounded.
Hyojeong and Nabila checked in with me everyday and made efforts to ease my tension. They explained the design team system and were very supportive, helping me adapt to the team even faster than I had expected.
Furthermore, the other team members working in the office were aware that I was the sole design team member in Korea. They made an effort to spend time with me and took care of me. A few days after I joined, there was a town hall meeting where I had the opportunity to introduce myself to all the other team members. Additionally, I had biweekly meetings with Yoonchang (CEO), which allowed me to quickly catch up on company news and events.
Q. How do you define yourself at work?
In fact, I’m not naturally inclined to plan extensively. However, in my professional life, I understand the importance of keeping commitments, especially when working collaboratively. When juggling multiple projects simultaneously, I find it challenging to work on them concurrently. Therefore, I prioritize tasks and tackle them one at a time. Creating an environment conducive to focused work is crucial for me.
To ensure I meet deadlines, I often set my own, which are shorter than the original ones. I refer to this as ‘self-gaslighting.’ This approach allows me to complete my work ahead of schedule and manage my resources effectively. Additionally, I prefer working in silence without music, as it helps me maintain intense focus without distractions. This dedication to concentration led me to a unique experience at a study cafe one day, which was both new and unforgettable.
Q. What was the most memorable event during your time at Cochl?
At my first town hall, the dress code was to wear a cap. I was unsure whether this dress code was a trick or a genuine requirement. As a new joiner, I found it challenging to ask someone else about it. After much consideration, I decided to wear a cap on that day, and only two people, including myself, followed the dress code. Initially, I thought I had been fooled. However, when the town hall began, everyone quietly took out their caps and put them on. I couldn’t help but silently laugh at the situation. From then on, I decided to adhere to every town hall dress code.
Q. What type of person fits best in this company?
We’re looking for individuals who are not timid or inactive, but rather have their own clear voice. If you prefer to only be responsible for assigned tasks and struggle with working independently, you may find the environment challenging. However, if you’re proactive and always seeking new opportunities, Cochl could be the perfect fit for you. We’re seeking individuals with a passion and drive to start something new or improve upon existing projects.
Personally, I make an effort to stay curious about my team members’ projects and results. This helps me understand how I can support them and allows me to set clear goals for myself in each quarter.
Q. One last word you want to say to readers?
Working as a designer, I am always eager to take on new challenges. Each day presents a fresh opportunity for growth, and I am content with my progress. Looking back, I can see that I am continuously moving forward compared to where I was yesterday. If you are seeking a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, you are always welcome to join on this journey!
