Design Research & Culture Specialist passionate about elevating everyday life by transforming interactive experiences across products and cities, grounded in sociocultural understanding.
I believe deeply in understanding the culture, history, and lifestyles of people—future users and communities who engage with or are impacted by everything from products and systems to urban environments.
I recently finished my PhD program in Architecture History, Theory, and Society at the University of California, Berkeley. My dissertation, “Korean Smart City Dreams: Government and Corporate Visions and the Realities of Smart Cities,” investigates how major stakeholders have shaped digital transformations of the built environment and the impact of these changes on citizens.
Before starting my PhD program, I was a founder and creative director of the non-profit initiative Urban Platz. Supported by a $40,000 grant from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, my team worked toward cultivating understanding between North Korean defector students and South Korean students through art, design, and technology in urban and community spaces. I hold an MDes from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Pratt Institute.
Outside of work, I love exploring cafes in different neighborhoods and attending cultural events such as exhibitions, street fairs, and concerts.
Having finished my PhD from UC Berkeley in May, I'm currently open to design, research, and cultural programming roles throughout the US (ideally remote or in Chicago, but open to relocating) where I can apply my design and research expertise to help organizations enhance people’s quality of life.
If you think I could be a good addition to your team/organization, feel free to reach out!
Would love to get in touch keebaiksim@gmail.com