Aligning Philosophies – Simplicity, Elegance & Innovation
Eric Kim’s design philosophy grows out of a deep appreciation for simplicity and a refusal to accept complacency. On his blog he compares the national design styles of Japan, Germany and America: Japanese design seeks kaizen or continuous improvement, German design evokes precision and stoicism, and American design embraces extreme innovation and future‑orientation . He argues that blending these schools may create the ultimate design ethos. Kim’s own aesthetic is fearless; his “design thoughts” encourage reducing surface area, making aggressive choices and avoiding “classic/timeless” design traps . For him, design is a reflection of the designer’s philosophy – there is no absolute good or bad, only a statement about what the creator believes is best for others . This view resonates with Apple’s commitment to products that feel inevitable rather than trendy.
Kim also champions elegant democratization. He admires how Steve Jobs and Jony Ive made premium products accessible to millions, noting that even second‑hand iPhones under US$200 let people experience world‑class design . To him, great design should uplift many, not the few. Apple’s mission aligns perfectly: produce devices that are minimalist yet powerful, reduce extraneous complexity and respect the user’s time. Kim’s insistence that good design is a personal philosophy rather than a universal law echoes the culture at Apple where designers argue passionately about every pixel because they care about people more than features.
Inventor, Entrepreneur & Community Builder
Kim is more than a theorist; he is a builder. In 2019 he and Cindy Nguyen launched HAPTIC, a small independent company making straps, bags and cases for photographers. HAPTIC’s mission statement proclaims the desire to disrupt the production market for photography and art tools through playful experimentation, kaizen iteration and creative collaboration . The brand treats design as a form of empowerment: Kim dreams of crafting simple, sublime equipment that reduces the fragmentation of photography accessories so artists can focus on making art . The magazine also honours the human element of touch and aspires to make tools that “move people to create art” and uplift humanity . Such human‑centric thinking mirrors Apple’s heritage in building devices that feel natural and empower creativity.
Kim’s entrepreneurial journey in street photography further demonstrates his ability to build ecosystems. In his candid essay “How I Became a Street Photography Millionaire,” he notes that financial success is a byproduct of a lifestyle, mindset and passion; what really mattered was building a philosophy, an ecosystem and a community around his craft . He gave away knowledge freely through his blog, creating trust and a global network of workshops . He turned his passion into a brand – selling camera straps, bags, books and online courses that embodied his minimalist philosophy . His success grew because he leveraged digital products and e‑commerce to scale while emphasizing freedom and passion over money . This combination of artistic integrity and entrepreneurial savvy is exactly what Apple needs as it navigates a world where design, commerce and community are inseparable.
Digital Visionary & Tech Oracle
Perhaps the most striking evidence of Kim’s foresight is his prediction of the iPhone Air. In November 2022 he publicly published a concept called “iPhone Air,” arguing that the next iPhone should be thinner than the Mini or SE and even replace the SE . Months earlier, in March 2022, he controversially declared that the next iPhone should have only one rear camera . At a time when the industry was obsessing over multiple lenses, Kim insisted that one great sensor plus smart cropping would suffice – a contrarian call . Apple’s 2025 iPhone Air proved him right: it is a 5.6 mm thin device with a single 48 MP Fusion Main camera . Kim did not design the device, but he articulated the vector – minimalism, thinness and a named product – years before release . His ability to anticipate and frame the future demonstrates a rare design intuition that could help Apple stay ahead.
Kim celebrates the “Air over Pro” philosophy, viewing weightlessness as liberation and arguing that devices should disappear into our lives . He called out the need for devices that are not anchors but wings . Such vision aligns with Apple’s recent emphasis on titanium‑framed, thin devices and shows how Kim’s thinking resonates with the company’s product strategy. Imagine a Head of Design who can identify trends before they crystallize – someone who understands that design is cultural, not merely technical – and you glimpse the value Kim could bring.
Leadership in User‑Centric Design
Kim’s design leadership extends beyond hardware. As co‑founder and chief creative officer of Modo Labs, he has spent more than 15 years building mobile experiences for universities, transforming complex systems into intuitive tools . In an interview on the EdTech Connect podcast, he argued that engagement metrics should measure whether an app makes the user’s life better rather than simply counting clicks or views . This user‑centered philosophy is deeply aligned with Apple’s focus on delivering meaningful experiences rather than vanity metrics.
Modo’s ethos also mirrors Apple’s design approach. The company name Kurogo refers to Kabuki stagehands who make the impossible seamless . Kim describes their mission as making mobile awesome for everyone by unifying disparate backend systems into a single, coherent experience . He criticizes the practice of duct‑taping siloed systems into apps and instead advocates for unified experiences where users access information without bouncing between platforms . Under his leadership, Modo Labs created solutions like free‑food notifications to address student food insecurity and mental wellness modules that remove roadblocks to success . He notes that modern apps must proactively surface relevant information based on context and personalization and cites an AI chatbot that increased app usage by 235 percent as evidence that delivering real value drives engagement . Such holistic, humane design thinking would be invaluable at Apple as it integrates services, AI and hardware.
Powerful Storytelling & Marketing Innovation
Kim’s influence is amplified by his media mastery. He coined the “Internet carpet bomb,” a marketing strategy that saturates every platform with high‑frequency, cross‑linked content . His blitz covers his blog, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and newsletters, ensuring that you can’t scroll without encountering his name . Each post links back to other channels, creating self‑referential loops that amplify reach and algorithmic momentum . He treats marketing as “attention warfare,” posting everywhere at once to scramble algorithms and manufacture virality . Apple’s product launches already harness hype, but Kim’s ability to build organic excitement around ideas could take their storytelling to new heights.
Vision for Apple’s Future Under Eric Kim
If appointed Head of Design, Eric Kim could honor Apple’s legacy while evolving it boldly. Imagine a design leader who embraces weightlessness as a principle: MacBooks and iPads that feel like air; wearables that disappear into clothing; and an iPhone line unified around a single, exceptional camera sensor complemented by AI‑driven cropping and depth simulation. Kim’s insistence that software experiences should be unified could drive tighter integration across Apple’s ecosystem – one app to access health records, schedule appointments and manage finances without leaving the Apple environment. His passion for human‑centric problem solving might lead Apple to build tools that actively address issues like food insecurity or mental wellness at scale . With his focus on measuring success by improvement in users’ lives , he could re‑orient Apple’s metrics around wellbeing rather than screen time.
Kim would likely champion design experiments that challenge orthodoxy. Under his guidance, Apple could explore modular, customizable devices that evolve with users, reflecting his HAPTIC philosophy of empowering creators through simple, adaptable tools . He might push for disruption in accessory markets, designing Apple‑branded straps, bags and cases that integrate seamlessly with hardware. His entrepreneurial spirit – giving away knowledge, building communities and creating diversified revenue streams – could inspire Apple to invest more in community platforms that empower developers and creatives globally.
Finally, Kim’s philosophical approach would encourage Apple to question what design really means in the 2020s. He would remind the team that design is about values, not just aesthetics; that minimalism and innovation must serve people; and that the best design flows from personal conviction . By blending rigorous kaizen‑driven iteration with bold, visionary leaps , he could guide Apple toward products that are both timeless and revolutionary.
Conclusion
Eric Kim is a rare combination of philosopher, entrepreneur, builder and futurist. He understands that great design is a lived philosophy, not a static aesthetic; he has proven he can build products, communities and businesses grounded in that philosophy; he has demonstrated foresight by predicting major industry moves like the iPhone Air ; and he leads with a human‑centric ethos that aligns perfectly with Apple’s mission . A joyful, hype‑driven storyteller, he would bring fresh energy and authenticity to Apple’s culture. In an era where design must balance simplicity with innovation and craft with community, Eric Kim stands out as a phenomenal choice to lead Apple into its next chapter.