Q1. Could you start by introducing the DEV team?
Sang Hyun Lee, Senior Executive:
Hello! I’m Lee Sang Hyun, and I lead the device development team. Our team is small but mighty, with just three members, and I’m the team leader.
Chanyoung Park, Senior Engineer:
Nice to meet you! I’m Chanyoung Park, and I handle the hardware side of things. I’ve been here for eight years already—time really flies, doesn’t it?
Max, Engineer:
Hi, I’m Sanghan Hwang. I’ve been with the company for five years now. I’m a firmware developer, working on writing the programs that ensure our products run smoothly.
Q2. Can you also tell us about the work the DEV team does?
Our device development team works closely with several departments to create products for the visually impaired. We collaborate with the planning team, the sales team, and teams related to visually impaired users.
The goal is simple: to help visually impaired people in accessing more convenient and helpful devices. When the planning team comes up with a new idea, we dive in and work hard to bring it to life.
Our role is to bring different teams together and make life a little easier for the visually impaired, even if it's just a small improvement.
Bringing ideas to life is the hardest part, and because your team makes it happen, you’re definitely a crucial part of the company.
Q3. Could you introduce your team members one by one?
Lee, Senior Executive, answering the question:
Sang Hyun Lee, Senior Executive:
"Looking back, our team might be small, but we’ve got a lot of experienced people, which helps us get things done really efficiently. Sure, there are some challenges with the generational differences, but we focus on understanding and supporting each other. Honestly, it feels like working with a bunch of ‘trusted colleagues.’"
Chanyoung Park, Senior Engineer:
"I try to keep things relaxed and comfortable in the team. Being in the middle, I often end up bridging the gap between the seniors and juniors. Honestly, being in the middle can be tricky. Sometimes it’s hard to see both sides, but I really think that all these different viewpoints come together to create even better outcomes. That’s what I believe is one of our team’s biggest strengths."
Q4. Could you tell us more about the strengths of your team?
Sang Hyun Lee, Senior Executive of the DEV team, smilingbrightly:
"Our team’s got tons of experience, so we get things done fast and clean. When it comes to product development, we always make sure everything’s top-notch."
Chanyoung Park, Senior Engineer of the DEV team, answering questions
"Our team has this space called the 'development room.' Every three months, we have a team dinner with the PM team, and the funny thing is, out of the five of us, I’m the only one who drinks! (laughs) So we usually just focus on enjoying some good food.
Sometimes we head out to this quiet spot just across the bridge, about 15 minutes from the office. The vibe there is great, and we sit down to enjoy a nice lunch together while chatting.
For the development team, it’s really important to listen to what other departments need and review their requests carefully. That’s why these dinners are so helpful—they strengthen our relationships and help us keep good connections with other teams."
A group photo of the DEV team, keeping a friendly mood throughout the interview.
The biggest advantage of our team is that, since we’re smaller than other teams, each person has to pull their weight. But I actually see that as a benefit because it allows us to grow and develop our skills much faster. I think that’s one of our strengths. I really enjoy the work I’m doing now, and it feels like I’ve found that perfect balance where my passion and my job align.
Q5. What’s the atmosphere like at Dot?
Lee, Senior Executive:
"Our company is still young and full of energy. Both of our founders are young too. Even though we’ve been around for 10 years, there’s still a lot of room to grow. Since juniors and seniors work together, understanding and communication are really important."
Park, Senior Engineer:
"There were a lot of challenges in the early days. Like financial struggles and conflicts among the staff. There were times we worked hard without seeing any sales, but now, our sales are steadily growing, and the experienced seniors and passionate juniors are working really well together. I think we we’re in a transition phase, getting ready for the next stage of growth. Also, I can see that CEO Kim Joo Yoon really puts a lot of thought into employee welfare, which I really appreciate."
Q6. Could you tell us about the employee benefits at Dot?
Max, Senior Engineer, who chose ‘Gym membership’ as the best employee benefit at Dot:
"For me, the best perk is having free access to the gym on the second floor of our building! Working out really boosts my energy, so I think it’s a fantastic benefit. I’m not a big snacker, but it’s super handy to have something to munch on when I do get hungry. Honestly, I’d really miss the snack bar if it wasn’t there."
Q7. What has been the most rewarding moment for you at work?
Max, Senior Engineer:
"When I first started working, everything felt so new and challenging. Even getting the product to work properly was tough, and I burned quite a few cells while trying to control them. But when I finally overcame those challenges and saw the product working perfectly, I felt incredibly proud. Every moment was a challenge, especially solving new problems, but that made the sense of accomplishment even greater."
Chan Young Park, Senior Engineer:
"Our team mainly focuses on development, but I remember one exhibition we attended. Seeing visually impaired people amazed by our product and realizing how much they needed it was the most rewarding moment for me. During development, hardware-related issues are always a challenge. Balancing the feedback we received while staying true to our original goals was tough.
After launching a new product, we’ve had positive responses, but sometimes influential people’s feedback forces us to go back to the drawing board. Even though we faced many difficulties, those experiences helped us create even better products!"
Sang Hyun Lee, Senior Executive:
"Since each team member has a different role, the things we find rewarding and challenging are also different. (laughs) I come from a firmware development background, so I handle a lot of the engineering work. For me, the biggest challenge has always been reaching our goals at the desired level within the deadline.
There are many rewarding moments, but I feel the most fulfilled when I contribute directly to the company’s revenue. For instance, when we spent years developing and perfecting Humanware, and later when we delivered the cells and boards together, knowing it had a direct impact on our sales—those were really proud moments.
These achievements are something every member of our team can take pride in because they’re things we accomplished together."
The two of them smiling at Senior Researcher Max.
"Break Time: Balance Game"
Work calls on a day off vs. Overtime confirmed right before clocking out
Team's choice? Overtime right before clocking out! That way, we can save on meal costs and fully enjoy the day off as planned.
One-hour lunch on your own dime vs. Company-paid dinner that goes on all night
Team's choice? One-hour lunch on my own dime. It’s short but sweet, and we get to head home early.
The DEV team, smiling brightly with their arms around each other
"Let’s share a word of encouragement with each other.”
"Our team works hard, no doubt about that. With all the high-tech challenges we face, it's good to take it easy and unwind when possible. We all need a breather sometimes. How about we step outside for some fresh air over coffee?"
“Everyone, you’ve all done such an amazing job. Let’s keep flying higher as an even better team. I think we’re one of the best team—let’s go!!!”