I agree with Ko that the primary goal of a user interface designer is to define inputs, outputs, and event handlers to modify state. This really connects to my experience building my AI note-taking startup, where the interface had to translate messy, real-time lecture notes into structured, AI-generated summaries. I realized how much of UI design is about managing that flow of interaction — every click, edit, or pause changes the state of the system. Thinking about design in this way has helped me approach my product less as a static layout and more as a dynamic conversation between the user and the AI.

I found this reading really eye-opening because it made me realize that design is far more than just visuals or layouts—it’s a way of thinking and problem-solving that shapes almost everything around us. I agree with the point that everyone designs in some way, whether rearranging a room or making a poster, because it made me see how often I engage in design without formal training. For me personally, when I was working on a book startup, I designed the app logo & the UI. After working on it though, I truly realized how design isn't only about colors & shapes but it must be intentional. I also found the discussion about design power and inclusion really useful, especially the idea from design justice that even well-intentioned designers can unintentionally exclude people, which makes me think about how important it is to involve diverse perspectives in any design process.

I really agree with the article’s idea that design is “fundamentally human” because it shows how creativity and problem-solving are part of everyday life, not just for professional designers. The question of what makes design good stood out to me, since it made me think about how design isn’t just about functionality—it’s also about considering people, contexts, and values. I found this perspective useful because it highlights that good design involves both imagination and responsibility, which changes how I think about the role of design in daily life. From my previous experience, I found that good designs always correlate with authenticity, purpose, but most of all functionality.