Jihye Kim wins 2026 NY Product Design Award for VeriFlow

Jihye Kim, a New York-based product designer, earned a Season 1 win at the 2026 NY Product Design Awards for VeriFlow, a real-time transit intelligence platform. The award highlights growing demand for design that turns complex mobility data into clearer, more usable experiences for urban travelers.

Why it matters: - VeriFlow was recognized in a competition that drew more than 2,500 submissions from around the world. - The win underscores how product design is being judged not just on visuals, but on usability, functionality and real-world problem solving. - The project targets a common urban pain point: helping riders make better decisions when transit systems are delayed or disrupted.

What happened: - The 2026 NY Product Design Awards announced its Season 1 winners. - Jihye Kim won in the User Experience (UX) - Product UX category for VeriFlow. - The awards are organized by the International Awards Associate. - The competition uses an international jury panel and a blind judging process. - Thomas Brandt, spokesperson for the International Awards Associate, said the strongest entries showed how design performs over time in real-world application.

The details: - Jihye Kim is a New York-based product designer with experience on consumer-facing and enterprise products in Japan and the United States. - Kim’s work focuses on turning complex systems into intuitive and accessible experiences. - VeriFlow is a real-time transit intelligence platform designed to help people navigate uncertainty in urban transportation systems. - The project was inspired by commuting experiences in Tokyo, Seoul and New York. - VeriFlow uses real-time information, trust indicators and community-driven insights to support travel decisions. - The platform translates complex mobility data into a clearer user experience. - The stated goal is to improve accessibility, reduce uncertainty and create a more reliable commuting experience. - Entries were evaluated on innovation, functionality, usability and overall design excellence. - The award organizers said the process was intended to recognize work on merit alone. - More information about VeriFlow is available on the official winner page. - Jihye Kim can also be reached at jk4works@gmail.com. - Jihye Kim’s website is here.

Between the lines: - The win points to a broader shift in product design toward systems that help users interpret live information, not just complete tasks. - Transit tools like VeriFlow are increasingly valuable in cities where delays, disruptions and information gaps can change trip decisions in real time. - The judging language suggests the awards are rewarding execution and practical impact as much as concept.

What's next: - VeriFlow’s award visibility could help the project reach more designers, transit-focused teams and potential partners. - The Season 1 winners may also shape the tone for the rest of the 2026 awards cycle, with usability and real-world performance likely to remain central criteria. - Jihye Kim’s recognition may strengthen attention on product design work that bridges complexity, trust and accessibility.