Design Essay, Food for thought Michael Karam Byun Design Essay, Food for thought Michael Karam Byun

Designer’s Essay Exercise no. 1 on FOMO Was Always the Product

I see so much content revolving around getting better. Sounds good on the surface, but I'm talking about writing or should I say propaganda on self efficiency and performance, still sounds like a positive thing. However, humans can't be measured solely by the results we produce... well, that is the very definition of capitalism. Hmm, this is becoming more challenging than I thought to make an argument. Let me share what sprung up this thought and my urge to write.

Read More
Design Essay, Food for thought Michael Karam Byun Design Essay, Food for thought Michael Karam Byun

Design that Comforts, not Converts.

I’ve been thinking about why using digital products often feels exhausting. Not functionally, but emotionally.

A quiet moment in a K-drama made me realize how rarely design tries to comfort us before it tries to convert us.

So I wrote an essay. Not a framework, not a playbook just a reflection on empathy, trust, and the emotional weight we carry when we interact with products today.

If you’ve ever wondered why “user-centered design” still feels so user-draining, this might resonate.

Read More