Lea Gyuwon Seo

Hello :)

Lea is a student at Rhode Island School of Design pursuing in BFA in Graphic Design and CTC concentration. 

Born in South Korea and raised in California, she believes in the power of inclusivity across different cultures. She is drawn to emotional and playful ideas, which always spark her curiosity.

Beyond design, she enjoys the satisfaction of a good workout, cooking delicious meals for her loved ones, and taking nighttime walks filled with chatter.

Always in love with human touched designs that can  engage people and bring joy to their daily lives

Current Work

Archives:
Graphic Design
Client Work
Web/3D
Fine Arts



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 Dear Students,

Design Studio III
RISD Fall 2024
Led by Jacek Mrowczyk
Group Project with Erin Park and Jenny Tang
Mapping Information

Dear Student is a team project focused on creating a supplemental solution for a selected site. We chose RISD Beach, the iconic grassy area in front of the freshman dorms. Through site observation, we noticed that people often come here to meet friends, smoke cigarettes, relax after classes, or simply enjoy nature, such as the grass and sky.

We interviewed people about their connection to nature and their feelings about sitting on the grass. While individuals visit RISD Beach for various reasons—meeting friends, smoking, or relaxing—their ultimate goal is to take a break from school. Stepping outside the classroom and sitting on the grass helps them unwind and momentarily escape the stress of academic life. This insight inspired us to explore how secondary design could enhance their experience and make their time at RISD Beach more meaningful and enjoyable.



As we continued our research, we realized that RISD Beach lacks furniture where people can rest. Visitors currently sit directly on the grass, which can make some feel awkward or uncomfortable. To address this, our team proposed a supplemental solution: designing chairs specifically for the site. We designed these chairs with a slanted backrest and elegant rounded edges to create a comfortable and welcoming vibe. The chairs not only offer comfort to visitors but also feature simple, warm phrases to provide a sense of encouragement—a metaphorical hug for those seeking a break.

This project integrates collaboration and creative exploration, challenging conventional design boundaries and reimagining a space that has long remained untouched by innovation. By focusing on the overlooked needs of a community space, we demonstrate how thoughtful, human-centered design can transform a familiar location into one that fosters deeper connections, comfort, and a sense of belonging.





informative posters

(left) Why Now, of All Times? visualizes the activities people typically engage in during our observation period. We observed the site on weekdays from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Each color represents a specific activity, while the size of the bubbles indicates its popularity.

(right) What’s the Scene Here? documents what people are doing from our perspective as observers. The thick dotted lines on three sides represent the streets surrounding the site. Since the space is open, we focused on mapping where people choose to sit and enjoy their time, paying close attention to their locations within the geographical layout.
Green Flags and Cigarettes examines both the positive and negative aspects people associate with the site and the school.
Designed the project using laser-cut cardboard 
Showcased strong teamwork to complete the design