Hello, my name is Halim. I am a multidisciplinary graphic designer originally from Seoul, South Korea. I have a background as a mobile UX Designer at Samsung and completed my MFA degree at the Rhode Island School of Design.
By embracing diverse media, from print to digital, I strive to explore new possibilities in graphic design. I love to weave humor, storytelling, and poetic computation together, and utilize this mix to advocate for the power of positivity and brightness.
Teaching
2024
ARD 318-01 Graphic Design for The Web — 2024 Spring | Assumption University, MA, US
2024
CFA AR 226 Sophomore Graphic Design: Form, Communication — 2024 Spring | Boston University, MA, US
2024
CTC 1000-103 Introduction to Computation: Platform 9¾ — 2024 Wintersession | Rhode Island School of Design, RI, US
–platform934.net
–platform934.net
2023
CFA AR 381 Junior Graphic Design: Audience, Authorship — 2023 Fall | Boston University, MA, US
–gardeninthe.net
–gardeninthe.net
2023
DM-1563 ✕ GRAPH-1563 Tools Upside Down — 2023 Wintersession | Rhode Island School of Design, RI, US
–toolsupsidedown.com
–toolsupsidedown.com
Workshops
2023
Web Programming Workshop — MassArt, MA, US
2023
Searching for New Landscapes — Sejong University, Seoul, KR
2022
AR Typography Workshop — Rhode Island School of Design, RI, US
2022
2022 RISD Code Lab AR Poster Workshop — Rhode Island School of Design, RI, US
Speaking
2023
Searching for New Landscapes — School for Poetic Computation: SFPC, NY, US
2023
NewOne Talks Vol.15 — NewOne Talks, Beijing, CN
2023
Motion Graphics — Parsons School of Design, NY, US
2023
Multiple Formats: Contemporary Art Book Symposium and Art Book Fair — Boston University, MA, US
2023
Searching for New Landscapes — Sejong University, Seoul, KR
2017
Mobile UX Design — Sejong University, Seoul, KR
Performances
2023
Experiments in Networked Performance — School for Poetic Computation: SFPC, NY, US
2015
Barcode Band Performance — IIFF: International Intangible Heritage Film Festival: National Intangible Heritage Center, Jeollabuk-do, KR
Awards
2022
KSDS Tangshan International Invitational Exhibition Special Prize
2021
TDC 67 Communication Design Competition
2013
Adobe Design Achievement Awards: Print Communications
2013
Adobe Design Achievement Awards: Print Communications
2013
iF Concept Design Award
2012
Vimeo Staff Picks
2012
Adobe Design Achievement Awards: Print Communications
2012
Adobe Design Achievement Awards: Live Action
2010
Reddot Design Award Winner
Featured Media
2022
Design Magazine CA 262: Digital Artwork & NFT
2015
S+V+M
2014
Logograma: logo design for dynamic identities
2014
VJs TV
2012
eYeka Global
2012
OFF magazine
2012
Curious Brain
2012
Design boom
2012
CeCi magazine
2012
Naver TVcast
2012
Discovery Channel: Outrageous Acts of Science
2011
Tuvie
2011
Trendhunter
2011
Yanco Design
2009
Maeil Business Newspaper
2009
Design Jungle
This publication translates into a physical form. As a gift from , a set of perforated, lick-and-stick stamps is presented on its cover.
Each stamp is a mini-portal that takes readers to surprising moments on Google Maps. By tagging the stamp with their phones, people can travel to strange and beautiful places in the world.
The oval circles used throughout “Frozen Island. Live” are indicative of the Earth, the viewing eyes of users, and the idea of a portal.
Each stamp is a mini-portal that takes readers to surprising moments on Google Maps. By tagging the stamp with their phones, people can travel to strange and beautiful places in the world.
The oval circles used throughout “Frozen Island. Live” are indicative of the Earth, the viewing eyes of users, and the idea of a portal.
“Tools Upside Down” was a Wintersession course taught at Rhode Island School of Design in 2023. This class website was designed to enhance the creative environment which was one of the necessary footholds of the class.
As an open canvas, anyone can type what they want on the website. During the class, it was used as a chat room, drawing tool, sign-up sheet, Q&A, and a space to complain about being hungry. Further, this website encourages visitors to connect with students and their work. When visitors click on the names floating on the website, they can visit students' Instagram pages.
In addition to these social purposes, it was utilized as a shortcut to collect class materials that are scattered in Google Drives and Are.na.
As an open canvas, anyone can type what they want on the website. During the class, it was used as a chat room, drawing tool, sign-up sheet, Q&A, and a space to complain about being hungry. Further, this website encourages visitors to connect with students and their work. When visitors click on the names floating on the website, they can visit students' Instagram pages.
In addition to these social purposes, it was utilized as a shortcut to collect class materials that are scattered in Google Drives and Are.na.
Course Description ↓
“Tools Upside Down” discovers new ways to use tools by hacking, twisting, and flipping them. Including contemporary digital tools, students will be encouraged to bring the tools from their own fields of expertise. By exploring and subverting all the tools we use, the course places a strong emphasis on experimental processes and outcomes.
Co-taught with
We are often deprived of the opportunity to define ourselves and who we are. As you are the master of your own life and destiny, you alone have the right to define yourself.
My font called “i.Am” supports one’s right to self-expression, liberty, and uniqueness.
This piece was honored with the Certificate of Typographic Excellence at TDC 67 Communication Design Competition.
My font called “i.Am” supports one’s right to self-expression, liberty, and uniqueness.
This piece was honored with the Certificate of Typographic Excellence at TDC 67 Communication Design Competition.
i.Am Type Specimen
i.Am은 4가지 서로 다른 스타일을 섞어 사용할 수 있는 레이어드 폰트이다.
우리는 종종 타의에 의하여 우리가 원하는 모습과는 다르게 규정됩니다. i.Am은 "i.Am only me."의 슬로건을 바탕으로 스스로가 정의 내리는 "나"를 지지한다.
TDC 67의 Certificate of Typographic Excellence으로 선정되었다.
Category: Book Typography
Year: 2020
i.Am은 4가지 서로 다른 스타일을 섞어 사용할 수 있는 레이어드 폰트이다.
우리는 종종 타의에 의하여 우리가 원하는 모습과는 다르게 규정됩니다. i.Am은 "i.Am only me."의 슬로건을 바탕으로 스스로가 정의 내리는 "나"를 지지한다.
TDC 67의 Certificate of Typographic Excellence으로 선정되었다.
Category: Book Typography
Year: 2020
The music box created for this project contains two barcode scanners and musical instrument graphics made of barcodes. When the graphics are scanned, they represent the inherent sounds and create music that plays from the box.
The barcodes are made of ink and printed on paper. However, when they are scanned, the scattered ink is transformed into a non-physical form of sound. Digital codes compress lots of data into a single easily scannable form, enabling vast amounts of information to be quickly accessible. I believe this is the essence of digitization. This new digital instrument compresses the heavy musical instruments onto a single piece of paper, exemplifying the core of digitization.
was made in 2012 with Woonjin Kang and Yongduk Kim. This is the project that I later developed into a portable version.
The barcodes are made of ink and printed on paper. However, when they are scanned, the scattered ink is transformed into a non-physical form of sound. Digital codes compress lots of data into a single easily scannable form, enabling vast amounts of information to be quickly accessible. I believe this is the essence of digitization. This new digital instrument compresses the heavy musical instruments onto a single piece of paper, exemplifying the core of digitization.
was made in 2012 with Woonjin Kang and Yongduk Kim. This is the project that I later developed into a portable version.
“Waves” began as one of my RISD Studio projects. We were tasked with creating a piece based on the analysis of a special collection at the local public library. I chose a book that shows the process of making lithographic roses, defining the essence of this book as “combination” and “separation.”
Today, one of the most common and ordinary image-making tools is a camera. I applied the same concept of “combination” and “separation” to my own project and created a camera that automatically separates RGB color plates from the photographs to generate new images.
To show generated images, I mapped three different projects of red, green, and blue lights. The lights from the projectors were overlaid on top of one another to generate a full-color combination.
The generated images are uploaded to my dropbox, where anyone can download them by scanning the QR code.
Today, one of the most common and ordinary image-making tools is a camera. I applied the same concept of “combination” and “separation” to my own project and created a camera that automatically separates RGB color plates from the photographs to generate new images.
To show generated images, I mapped three different projects of red, green, and blue lights. The lights from the projectors were overlaid on top of one another to generate a full-color combination.
The generated images are uploaded to my dropbox, where anyone can download them by scanning the QR code.
The visual motifs of the Time Museum Visual Identity are the sundial and mechanical clock — the sundial is the first man-made clock and the mechanical clock is what we commonly use nowadays.
The yellow hand at the center of the logo rotates 360 degrees and forms the shape of the sun.
The yellow hand at the center of the logo rotates 360 degrees and forms the shape of the sun.
“Dot Dot Dot” is a project that includes different forms of dots. It was developed through a series of simple practices. The first practice was conducted by using a circular ruler. I sprayed on the ruler and created an uppercase alphabet.
I took photos of the alphabet with my iPhone. While zooming in and out of the photo, I found that the arrangement and the transition of the typeface on the app were visually satisfying. I then made my own compositions from this idea.
For the second practice, I applied a little glass to the app and generated pixelated images. In order to represent the aesthetic of the practice, I created a script that can generate pixelated images and applied the code to the compositions created in the first practice.
I took photos of the alphabet with my iPhone. While zooming in and out of the photo, I found that the arrangement and the transition of the typeface on the app were visually satisfying. I then made my own compositions from this idea.
For the second practice, I applied a little glass to the app and generated pixelated images. In order to represent the aesthetic of the practice, I created a script that can generate pixelated images and applied the code to the compositions created in the first practice.
“able”, which implies ability and possibility, is a variable font of which users can change the width freely.
From the idea that “able” looks like rubber bands, I made a webpage where users can play around with the font. The width of “able” changes with the movement of the user’s mouse, and whenever users hit the Random button, a random word and image related to the versatile uses of rubber bands pop up.
Every single page can be printed as a postcard, and the original website where the images were downloaded can be shown when the mouse moves to the bottom-right most area.
From the idea that “able” looks like rubber bands, I made a webpage where users can play around with the font. The width of “able” changes with the movement of the user’s mouse, and whenever users hit the Random button, a random word and image related to the versatile uses of rubber bands pop up.
Every single page can be printed as a postcard, and the original website where the images were downloaded can be shown when the mouse moves to the bottom-right most area.
RISD Code Lab was organized by several RISD faculty members in order to support students’ coding issues. This year, they wanted to expand the scale of the event, and I was assigned to design the visual identity.
The initial idea was to design a poster using text in a programming language and the text turns into fun AR graphics when the poster is scanned via smartphone. In order to increase readability, the idea was changed in the final version, but the key concept remained the same - “Programming is not intimidating but intriguing.”
As most design students think that coding is hard and difficult, I tried to emphasize the fun and exciting factors of coding. I used bright and playful graphics so that students can participate in the Code Lab without any burden.
As the faculty members liked the idea, they asked me to lead an AR Poster Workshop.
The AR face filter below was used as a demo for the workshop. The slogan of this was “For beginners, all you need to bring is a smile!”. When you smile on this filter, a little cat emoji appears on your face.
The initial idea was to design a poster using text in a programming language and the text turns into fun AR graphics when the poster is scanned via smartphone. In order to increase readability, the idea was changed in the final version, but the key concept remained the same - “Programming is not intimidating but intriguing.”
As most design students think that coding is hard and difficult, I tried to emphasize the fun and exciting factors of coding. I used bright and playful graphics so that students can participate in the Code Lab without any burden.
As the faculty members liked the idea, they asked me to lead an AR Poster Workshop.
The AR face filter below was used as a demo for the workshop. The slogan of this was “For beginners, all you need to bring is a smile!”. When you smile on this filter, a little cat emoji appears on your face.
“And On And On” was created by following the process of office work.
Each letter was designed by using Google Sheets and then printed out with a home printer. I glued the edges of the papers together, put the connected papers into the printer, and hit the print button while making a loop of the papers.
As a printer does not recognize the end of the loop, it continuously prints, and the letters of the expression “And On And On” automatically go through the printer over and over.
Each letter was designed by using Google Sheets and then printed out with a home printer. I glued the edges of the papers together, put the connected papers into the printer, and hit the print button while making a loop of the papers.
As a printer does not recognize the end of the loop, it continuously prints, and the letters of the expression “And On And On” automatically go through the printer over and over.
Google Maps not only accumulates information about locations but also records unexpected moments in time. Frozen Island is an archive of frozen time on Google Maps. Viewers can explore these captured moments by dropping their Google Maps avatars into the Mario Pipe on the island. When users discover new findings, they can report them to request new postings.
This project was created as a website but was also displayed on an old TV. Using a joystick, users can manipulate the Google Maps avatar and explore the island, just as though they were playing a video game.
This project initially began when I found watermarks on the sky of the Google Maps Street View. It reminded me of the fake sky in the Truman Show. In this movie, Seahaven Island where Truman lives consists of a mixture of the second and third dimensions. Although Seahaven Island is a three-dimensional real world, it is projected and broadcast as two-dimensional on TV screens. In the same way, Frozen Island exists as a growing archive behind 2D screens.
The intriguing moments displayed on Frozen Island were printed on 35mm film slides as well. The slides are the layers of frozen time. Just like looking at a sample under a microscope, you can observe the frozen time more closely under a slide viewer.
This project was created as a website but was also displayed on an old TV. Using a joystick, users can manipulate the Google Maps avatar and explore the island, just as though they were playing a video game.
This project initially began when I found watermarks on the sky of the Google Maps Street View. It reminded me of the fake sky in the Truman Show. In this movie, Seahaven Island where Truman lives consists of a mixture of the second and third dimensions. Although Seahaven Island is a three-dimensional real world, it is projected and broadcast as two-dimensional on TV screens. In the same way, Frozen Island exists as a growing archive behind 2D screens.
The intriguing moments displayed on Frozen Island were printed on 35mm film slides as well. The slides are the layers of frozen time. Just like looking at a sample under a microscope, you can observe the frozen time more closely under a slide viewer.
(on-going project)
I don’t like being in a closed space because the space represents the restriction of freedom. I assume that I’m not the only one who doesn’t like it. Many countries still have travel restrictions due to the pandemic or even because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This project strives to reclaim mobility and recover a sense of community.
When users drop the Google Maps avatar onto the place they want to go, they can dance at that location with music while traversing virtual streets. Anyone can record and share their dance moves as well as dance together with other users.
The title, “Dancing in the Moonlight,” was named after a song with the same name. Sherman Kelly wrote this song while recovering from a severe injury after being attacked by a gang.
I’ve always thought that Google Maps is the Earth in miniature. Above the earth, the moon always shines down. The avatars created by participants are shown on Google Maps in yellow as figures of moonlight. If more participants join this project, the initially dark Google Maps interface will become brighter with their individual moonlight avatars.
I don’t like being in a closed space because the space represents the restriction of freedom. I assume that I’m not the only one who doesn’t like it. Many countries still have travel restrictions due to the pandemic or even because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This project strives to reclaim mobility and recover a sense of community.
When users drop the Google Maps avatar onto the place they want to go, they can dance at that location with music while traversing virtual streets. Anyone can record and share their dance moves as well as dance together with other users.
The title, “Dancing in the Moonlight,” was named after a song with the same name. Sherman Kelly wrote this song while recovering from a severe injury after being attacked by a gang.
I’ve always thought that Google Maps is the Earth in miniature. Above the earth, the moon always shines down. The avatars created by participants are shown on Google Maps in yellow as figures of moonlight. If more participants join this project, the initially dark Google Maps interface will become brighter with their individual moonlight avatars.
Today, many countries still have travel restrictions. Due to self-isolation related to the pandemic or the ongoing war in Ukraine, people nowadays lose the freedom of mobility.
“The Portal” opens the gate to the world on the walls within your own home. Now you can go anywhere in the world by saying the names of the places you care about. This could mean your hometown that you haven't been to in a long time or a new travel destination. The portal was made from Google Maps, therefore you can traverse virtual streets in “The Portal”.
Technically, “The Portal” is not a real portal. It was made using web programming language and then projected on the wall. A smartphone is used as a controller when you traverse virtual streets on Google Maps.
However, this piece does not articulate the truth. “The Portal” is a doorway to the new world. It is a piece about pursuing freedom under restrictions. By tweaking the truth, “The Portal” generates magic and makes our lives more fun and pleasurable.
“The Portal” opens the gate to the world on the walls within your own home. Now you can go anywhere in the world by saying the names of the places you care about. This could mean your hometown that you haven't been to in a long time or a new travel destination. The portal was made from Google Maps, therefore you can traverse virtual streets in “The Portal”.
Technically, “The Portal” is not a real portal. It was made using web programming language and then projected on the wall. A smartphone is used as a controller when you traverse virtual streets on Google Maps.
However, this piece does not articulate the truth. “The Portal” is a doorway to the new world. It is a piece about pursuing freedom under restrictions. By tweaking the truth, “The Portal” generates magic and makes our lives more fun and pleasurable.
“A Song of Ice and Fire” is a book generated by code. When I run the script, the pages of the book are automatically created, and the images on the left side of the book are converted into the images on the right side.
The facial expressions of the generated images reminded me of the sense of madness I felt when watching “Game of Thrones.” As a result, I named my book after the original novel behind the TV series — “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
The facial expressions of the generated images reminded me of the sense of madness I felt when watching “Game of Thrones.” As a result, I named my book after the original novel behind the TV series — “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
"Nemo Nemo" is a script that converts videos into pixelated illustrations, which allows you to produce/derive animated gif images or png sequences from the original video.
I put the pixelated cat generated by "Nemo Nemo" onto my MacBook touch bar to create a motion poster.
I put the pixelated cat generated by "Nemo Nemo" onto my MacBook touch bar to create a motion poster.
In “Now We Are Five”, one of David Sedaris’ essays, he reminisces about his lost sister and reflects on his previous indifference toward her.
Throughout “Now We Are Five”, Sedaris apologizes for his indifference toward Tiffany. In my writing, "Five”, I apologize for forgetting my aunts.
Throughout “Now We Are Five”, Sedaris apologizes for his indifference toward Tiffany. In my writing, "Five”, I apologize for forgetting my aunts.
The initial illustrations for
The Google Books Library Project was started in order to digitize every book in the world. Since the idea came out in 2004, the project has generated controversy regarding the demise of paper books. “The Library Project” is an outline of the Google Books Library Project.
Numbering is a participatory form of typography that users can do themselves. People can draw figures and characters freely on grids that consist of circular and rectangular shapes.
By only using Riso black ink, I intended to give the impression of neon spot colors. The pink graphic on the poster is made using pink color paper.
Series of posters to celebrate launching new Riso color drums — Red, Yellow, and Blue
Measured Creature is a digital microscopic organism born in smartphones. Its entity lies within a hologram and grows in three dimensions in the real world. Its growth rate is proportional to the frequency of the owner's smartphone use. Every time the owner uses the phone, the Measured creature grows into a larger organism.
Cube Zero Zero × Six takes its motif from the film Cube (1997).
When users type any film title on the search bar, reviews of the film are sorted into negative and positive categories by machine learning. While positive reviews are represented as blue cubes, negative reviews are shown as red cubes.
Based on the web data, Cube Zero Zero × Six continuously grows as an artificial web organism.
When users type any film title on the search bar, reviews of the film are sorted into negative and positive categories by machine learning. While positive reviews are represented as blue cubes, negative reviews are shown as red cubes.
Based on the web data, Cube Zero Zero × Six continuously grows as an artificial web organism.
“Experiment” was created as a project for cost-efficiency. Using my old home printer, I produced prints similar to screen-printing outcomes.
Illustrations for the science web magazine, “Horizon”
One UI, the user interface for Samsung Galaxy, was designed as part of a goal to make Galaxy's hardware and software "work together in perfect harmony". It allows users to control their device with a single hand with the two divided areas.
Frozen Island. Live
2023
This publication translates into a physical form. As a gift from , a set of perforated, lick-and-stick stamps is presented on its cover.
Each stamp is a mini-portal that takes readers to surprising moments on Google Maps. By tagging the stamp with their phones, people can travel to strange and beautiful places in the world.
The oval circles used throughout “Frozen Island. Live” are indicative of the Earth, the viewing eyes of users, and the idea of a portal.
Tools Upside Down
2023
"Tools Upside Down" was a Wintersession course taught at Rhode Island School of Design in 2023. This class website was designed to enhance the creative environment which was one of the necessary footholds of the class.
As an open canvas, anyone can type what they want on the website. During the class, it was used as a chat room, drawing tool, sign-up sheet, Q&A, and a space to complain about being hungry. Further, this website encourages visitors to connect with students and their work. When visitors click on the names floating on the website, they can visit students' Instagram pages.
In addition to these social purposes, it was utilized as a shortcut to collect class materials that are scattered in Google Drives and Are.na.
As an open canvas, anyone can type what they want on the website. During the class, it was used as a chat room, drawing tool, sign-up sheet, Q&A, and a space to complain about being hungry. Further, this website encourages visitors to connect with students and their work. When visitors click on the names floating on the website, they can visit students' Instagram pages.
In addition to these social purposes, it was utilized as a shortcut to collect class materials that are scattered in Google Drives and Are.na.
Course Description ↓
"Tools Upside Down" discovers new ways to use tools by hacking, twisting, and flipping them. Including contemporary digital tools, students will be encouraged to bring the tools from their own fields of expertise. By exploring and subverting all the tools we use, the course places a strong emphasis on experimental processes and outcomes.
Co-taught with
iAm Type speciman
2019
We are often deprived of the opportunity to define ourselves and who we are. As you are the master of your own life and destiny, you alone have the right to define yourself.
My font called “i.Am” supports one’s right to self-expression, liberty, and uniqueness.
This piece was honored with the Certificate of Typographic Excellence at TDC 67 Communication Design Competition.
My font called “i.Am” supports one’s right to self-expression, liberty, and uniqueness.
This piece was honored with the Certificate of Typographic Excellence at TDC 67 Communication Design Competition.
Barcode Band ― The fourth project
2017
The music box created for this project contains two barcode scanners and musical instrument graphics made of barcodes. When the graphics are scanned, they represent the inherent sounds and create music that plays from the box.
The barcodes are made of ink and printed on paper. However, when they are scanned, the scattered ink is transformed into a non-physical form of sound. Digital codes compress lots of data into a single easily scannable form, enabling vast amounts of information to be quickly accessible. I believe this is the essence of digitization. This new digital instrument compresses the heavy musical instruments onto a single piece of paper, exemplifying the core of digitization.
was made in 2012 with Woonjin Kang and Yongduk Kim. This is the project that I later developed into a portable version.
The barcodes are made of ink and printed on paper. However, when they are scanned, the scattered ink is transformed into a non-physical form of sound. Digital codes compress lots of data into a single easily scannable form, enabling vast amounts of information to be quickly accessible. I believe this is the essence of digitization. This new digital instrument compresses the heavy musical instruments onto a single piece of paper, exemplifying the core of digitization.
was made in 2012 with Woonjin Kang and Yongduk Kim. This is the project that I later developed into a portable version.
Waves
2021
“Waves” began as one of my RISD Studio projects. We were tasked with creating a piece based on the analysis of a special collection at the local public library. I chose a book that shows the process of making lithographic roses, defining the essence of this book as “combination” and “separation.”
Today, one of the most common and ordinary image-making tools is a camera. I applied the same concept of “combination” and “separation” to my own project and created a camera that automatically separates RGB color plates from the photographs to generate new images.
To show generated images, I mapped three different projects of red, green, and blue lights. The lights from the projectors were overlaid on top of one another to generate a full-color combination.
The generated images are uploaded to my dropbox, where anyone can download them by scanning the QR code.
Today, one of the most common and ordinary image-making tools is a camera. I applied the same concept of “combination” and “separation” to my own project and created a camera that automatically separates RGB color plates from the photographs to generate new images.
To show generated images, I mapped three different projects of red, green, and blue lights. The lights from the projectors were overlaid on top of one another to generate a full-color combination.
The generated images are uploaded to my dropbox, where anyone can download them by scanning the QR code.
Time Museum Visual Identity
2019
The visual motifs of the Time Museum Visual Identity are the sundial and mechanical clock — the sundial is the first man-made clock and the mechanical clock is what we commonly use nowadays.
The yellow hand at the center of the logo rotates 360 degrees and forms the shape of the sun.
The yellow hand at the center of the logo rotates 360 degrees and forms the shape of the sun.
Dot Dot Dot
2022
“Dot Dot Dot” is a project that includes different forms of dots. It was developed through a series of simple practices. The first practice was conducted by using a circular ruler. I sprayed on the ruler and created an uppercase alphabet.
I took photos of the alphabet with my iPhone. While zooming in and out of the photo, I found that the arrangement and the transition of the typeface on the app were visually satisfying. I then made my own compositions from this idea.
For the second practice, I applied a little glass to the app and generated pixelated images. In order to represent the aesthetic of the practice, I created a script that can generate pixelated images and applied the code to the compositions created in the first practice.
I took photos of the alphabet with my iPhone. While zooming in and out of the photo, I found that the arrangement and the transition of the typeface on the app were visually satisfying. I then made my own compositions from this idea.
For the second practice, I applied a little glass to the app and generated pixelated images. In order to represent the aesthetic of the practice, I created a script that can generate pixelated images and applied the code to the compositions created in the first practice.
able
2021
“able”, which implies ability and possibility, is a variable font of which users can change the width freely.
From the idea that “able” looks like rubber bands, I made a webpage where users can play around with the font. The width of “able” changes with the movement of the user’s mouse, and whenever users hit the Random button, a random word and image related to the versatile uses of rubber bands pop up.
Every single page can be printed as a postcard, and the original website where the images were downloaded can be shown when the mouse moves to the bottom-right most area.
From the idea that “able” looks like rubber bands, I made a webpage where users can play around with the font. The width of “able” changes with the movement of the user’s mouse, and whenever users hit the Random button, a random word and image related to the versatile uses of rubber bands pop up.
Every single page can be printed as a postcard, and the original website where the images were downloaded can be shown when the mouse moves to the bottom-right most area.
2022 RISD Code Lab Visual Identity
2022
RISD Code Lab was organized by several RISD faculty members in order to support students’ coding issues. This year, they wanted to expand the scale of the event, and I was assigned to design the visual identity.
The initial idea was to design a poster using text in a programming language and the text turns into fun AR graphics when the poster is scanned via smartphone. In order to increase readability, the idea was changed in the final version, but the key concept remained the same - “Programming is not intimidating but intriguing.”
As most design students think that coding is hard and difficult, I tried to emphasize the fun and exciting factors of coding. I used bright and playful graphics so that students can participate in the Code Lab without any burden.
As the faculty members liked the idea, they asked me to lead an AR Poster Workshop.
The AR face filter below was used as a demo for the workshop. The slogan of this was “For beginners, all you need to bring is a smile!”. When you smile on this filter, a little cat emoji appears on your face.
The initial idea was to design a poster using text in a programming language and the text turns into fun AR graphics when the poster is scanned via smartphone. In order to increase readability, the idea was changed in the final version, but the key concept remained the same - “Programming is not intimidating but intriguing.”
As most design students think that coding is hard and difficult, I tried to emphasize the fun and exciting factors of coding. I used bright and playful graphics so that students can participate in the Code Lab without any burden.
As the faculty members liked the idea, they asked me to lead an AR Poster Workshop.
The AR face filter below was used as a demo for the workshop. The slogan of this was “For beginners, all you need to bring is a smile!”. When you smile on this filter, a little cat emoji appears on your face.
And On And On
2022
“And On And On” was created by following the process of office work.
Each letter was designed by using Google Sheets and then printed out with a home printer. I glued the edges of the papers together, put the connected papers into the printer, and hit the print button while making a loop of the papers.
As a printer does not recognize the end of the loop, it continuously prints, and the letters of the expression “And On And On” automatically go through the printer over and over.
Frozen Island
2022
Google Maps not only accumulates information about locations but also records unexpected moments in time. Frozen Island is an archive of frozen time on Google Maps. Viewers can explore these captured moments by dropping their Google Maps avatars into the Mario Pipe on the island. When users discover new findings, they can report them to request new postings.
This project was created as a website but was also displayed on an old TV. Using a joystick, users can manipulate the Google Maps avatar and explore the island, just as though they were playing a video game.
This project initially began when I found watermarks on the sky of the Google Maps Street View. It reminded me of the fake sky in the Truman Show. In this movie, Seahaven Island where Truman lives consists of a mixture of the second and third dimensions. Although Seahaven Island is a three-dimensional real world, it is projected and broadcast as two-dimensional on TV screens. In the same way, Frozen Island exists as a growing archive behind 2D screens.
The intriguing moments displayed on Frozen Island were printed on 35mm film slides as well. The slides are the layers of frozen time. Just like looking at a sample under a microscope, you can observe the frozen time more closely under a slide viewer.
This project was created as a website but was also displayed on an old TV. Using a joystick, users can manipulate the Google Maps avatar and explore the island, just as though they were playing a video game.
This project initially began when I found watermarks on the sky of the Google Maps Street View. It reminded me of the fake sky in the Truman Show. In this movie, Seahaven Island where Truman lives consists of a mixture of the second and third dimensions. Although Seahaven Island is a three-dimensional real world, it is projected and broadcast as two-dimensional on TV screens. In the same way, Frozen Island exists as a growing archive behind 2D screens.
The intriguing moments displayed on Frozen Island were printed on 35mm film slides as well. The slides are the layers of frozen time. Just like looking at a sample under a microscope, you can observe the frozen time more closely under a slide viewer.
Dancing in the Moonlight
2022
(on-going project)
I don’t like being in a closed space because the space represents the restriction of freedom. I assume that I’m not the only one who doesn’t like it. Many countries still have travel restrictions due to the pandemic or even because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This project strives to reclaim mobility and recover a sense of community.
When users drop the Google Maps avatar onto the place they want to go, they can dance at that location with music while traversing virtual streets. Anyone can record and share their dance moves as well as dance together with other users.
The title, “Dancing in the Moonlight,” was named after a song with the same name. Sherman Kelly wrote this song while recovering from a severe injury after being attacked by a gang.
I’ve always thought that Google Maps is the Earth in miniature. Above the earth, the moon always shines down. The avatars created by participants are shown on Google Maps in yellow as figures of moonlight. If more participants join this project, the initially dark Google Maps interface will become brighter with their individual moonlight avatars.
I don’t like being in a closed space because the space represents the restriction of freedom. I assume that I’m not the only one who doesn’t like it. Many countries still have travel restrictions due to the pandemic or even because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This project strives to reclaim mobility and recover a sense of community.
When users drop the Google Maps avatar onto the place they want to go, they can dance at that location with music while traversing virtual streets. Anyone can record and share their dance moves as well as dance together with other users.
The title, “Dancing in the Moonlight,” was named after a song with the same name. Sherman Kelly wrote this song while recovering from a severe injury after being attacked by a gang.
I’ve always thought that Google Maps is the Earth in miniature. Above the earth, the moon always shines down. The avatars created by participants are shown on Google Maps in yellow as figures of moonlight. If more participants join this project, the initially dark Google Maps interface will become brighter with their individual moonlight avatars.
The Portal
2022
Today, many countries still have travel restrictions. Due to self-isolation related to the pandemic or the ongoing war in Ukraine, people nowadays lose the freedom of mobility.
“The Portal” opens the gate to the world on the walls within your own home. Now you can go anywhere in the world by saying the names of the places you care about. This could mean your hometown that you haven't been to in a long time or a new travel destination. The portal was made from Google Maps, therefore you can traverse virtual streets in “The Portal”.
Technically, “The Portal” is not a real portal. It was made using web programming language and then projected on the wall. A smartphone is used as a controller when you traverse virtual streets on Google Maps.
However, this piece does not articulate the truth. “The Portal” is a doorway to the new world. It is a piece about pursuing freedom under restrictions. By tweaking the truth, “The Portal” generates magic and makes our lives more fun and pleasurable.
“The Portal” opens the gate to the world on the walls within your own home. Now you can go anywhere in the world by saying the names of the places you care about. This could mean your hometown that you haven't been to in a long time or a new travel destination. The portal was made from Google Maps, therefore you can traverse virtual streets in “The Portal”.
Technically, “The Portal” is not a real portal. It was made using web programming language and then projected on the wall. A smartphone is used as a controller when you traverse virtual streets on Google Maps.
However, this piece does not articulate the truth. “The Portal” is a doorway to the new world. It is a piece about pursuing freedom under restrictions. By tweaking the truth, “The Portal” generates magic and makes our lives more fun and pleasurable.
A Song of Ice and Fire
2021
“A Song of Ice and Fire” is a book generated by code. When I run the script, the pages of the book are automatically created, and the images on the left side of the book are converted into the images on the right side.
The facial expressions of the generated images reminded me of the sense of madness I felt when watching “Game of Thrones.” As a result, I named my book after the original novel behind the TV series — “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
The facial expressions of the generated images reminded me of the sense of madness I felt when watching “Game of Thrones.” As a result, I named my book after the original novel behind the TV series — “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
Nemo Nemo
2022
"Nemo Nemo" is a script that converts videos into pixelated illustrations, which allows you to produce/derive animated gif images or png sequences from the original video.
I put the pixelated cat generated by "Nemo Nemo" onto my MacBook touch bar to create a motion poster.
Five
2019
In “Now We Are Five”, one of David Sedaris’ essays, he reminisces about his lost sister and reflects on his previous indifference toward her.
Throughout “Now We Are Five”, Sedaris apologizes for his indifference toward Tiffany. In my writing, "Five”, I apologize for forgetting my aunts.
Throughout “Now We Are Five”, Sedaris apologizes for his indifference toward Tiffany. In my writing, "Five”, I apologize for forgetting my aunts.
Palm Tree
2019
The Library Project
2015
The Google Books Library Project was started in order to digitize every book in the world. Since the idea came out in 2004, the project has generated controversy regarding the demise of paper books. “The Library Project” is an outline of the Google Books Library Project.
Numbering
2015
Numbering is a participatory form of typography that users can do themselves. People can draw figures and characters freely on grids that consist of circular and rectangular shapes.
Spooky December
2015
By only using Riso black ink, I intended to give the impression of neon spot colors. The pink graphic on the poster is made using pink color paper.
RYB
2015
Measured Creature
2018
Measured Creature is a digital microscopic organism born in smartphones. Its entity lies within a hologram and grows in three dimensions in the real world. Its growth rate is proportional to the frequency of the owner's smartphone use. Every time the owner uses the phone, the Measured creature grows into a larger organism.
Cube Zero Zero × Six
2019
Cube Zero Zero × Six takes its motif from the film Cube (1997). When users type any film title on the search bar, reviews of the film are sorted into negative and positive categories by machine learning. While positive reviews are represented as blue cubes, negative reviews are shown as red cubes (being defined as dangerous ones).
Based on the web data, Cube Zero Zero × Six continuously grows as an artificial web organism.
Based on the web data, Cube Zero Zero × Six continuously grows as an artificial web organism.
Experiment
2016
“Experiment” was created as a project for cost-efficiency. Using my old home printer, I produced prints similar to screen-printing outcomes.
Illustrations for the science web magazine, “Horizon”
2021
One UI 2
2019
One UI, the user interface for Samsung Galaxy, was designed as part of a goal to make Galaxy's hardware and software "work together in perfect harmony". It allows users to control their device with a single hand with the two divided areas.
This Archive is linked to my –Are.na channel — images or videos related to processes, drafts, ongoing work, exhibitions, and other activities are occasionally uploaded.