The writer holds the title of Professor Emeritus in Design from Seoul National University and previously served as the head of the Korea Federation of Design Associations.
In 1997, Apple's share value dropped beneath a single dollar, placing the firm near bankruptcy. Now, Apple stands as an international emblem of creativity, achieving a valuation exceeding $2 trillion during 2020. This recovery, primarily attributed to Steve Jobs' comeback, resulted from more than just technological advances; it also involved courageous innovations in aesthetics.
Design holds great influence. It brings vitality and significance to technology by recognizing unmet human requirements. It extends past aesthetics, integrating functionality, feelings, storytelling, and overall user interaction. In modern times, the importance of design has grown even more—now it serves as an essential element in city development and tackling societal issues.
The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Ahn Duk-geun, inspects an exhibit during "Design Korea 2024" taking place at COEX in the Gangnam district of Seoul on November 13, 2024. [MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND ENERGY]
Acknowledging this opportunity, numerous nations have started viewing design as a key component of their national innovation approach. In the UK, the government created the Arts and Humanities Research Council to support design and artistic fields. From 2018 onward, they have been executing an extensive "Design Action Plan" program aimed at improving societal welfare, reinforcing community bonds, and generating economic gains via creativity and effectiveness.
In 2020, Denmark established its "Design Vision Committee" and implemented a national brand strategy to promote Danish design internationally. In this country, design is integrated into various levels of education, including primary, secondary, engineering, and business programs, serving as a fundamental discipline designed to enhance creative thinking.
South Korea has experienced comparable advancements from the private sector. Firms such as Samsung Electronics gained international recognition largely because of deliberate investments in design. However, even with these business successes, the country's overall design industry continues to be less developed.
As per the 2024 Design Industry Statistics Survey, approximately 300,000 designers are employed in South Korea; however, just 37.3% of small and medium-sized businesses incorporate design into their activities. Despite having over 20,000 dedicated design companies, most operate as tiny ventures with less than five staff members and an average yearly income of roughly 300 million won ($215,000).
John Maeda, who previously served as the president of the Rhode Island School of Design, stated that the creative economy and a nation's competitive edge in the 21st century will be driven by design. During an era dominated by artificial intelligence and automation, design needs to advance to steer the moral, user experience, and cultural aspects of progress. It’s not merely focused on visual appeal anymore; rather, it involves defining how individuals engage with technology and society.
For South Korea, a country with scarce natural resources, design must serve as a fundamental component of its forward-looking industrial plan. It's now an opportune moment to introduce a nationwide design innovation program—the Korea By Design initiative—to position design as a catalyst for innovative policies and national competitive advantage. This will necessitate a comprehensive strategy.
Initially, the government should acknowledge design as a fundamental driver of industrial and societal progress, establishing a national approach that promotes design throughout various fields. Design needs to go beyond just production and reach into service-based businesses, farming, fishing, marine activities, travel, and city development.
Second, the government ought to fund research and development with an emphasis on design in order to develop emerging industries and commercial strategies for the 21st century. Establishing a startup environment centered around design, supported by organizational and monetary backing, is crucial for encouraging innovative business owners.
Thirdly, educational institutions need to emphasize design thinking. A deeper understanding of design principles should be fostered not just within academic settings like schools and colleges, but also via community initiatives targeting adults and general audiences.
Fourth, South Korea requires an infrastructure focused on future development. Establishing a "Design Innovation Valley" – a center integrating design companies, academic institutions, research facilities, display spaces, and commercial areas – would create a long-term, cooperative environment conducive to growth driven by design.
People tour the DDP Design Launching Fair during Seoul Design 2023 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in the Jung district of downtown Seoul on October 26, 2023. [YONHAP]
Fifth, design-related policies need to be aligned among different governmental departments. For consistent planning, a "National Design Council" ought to be created within the presidency or prime ministership. This organization would oversee comprehensive design policy and strategy formulation at the topmost level.
Former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who led her nation during an economic revival in the late 1980s, once posed a dilemma to her staff: "Design or Decline." This issue continues to be critical for South Korea now. With the rise of artificial intelligence and ongoing worldwide instability, the response needs to be decisive.
Produced through generative AI translation from the JoongAng Ilbo and edited by the Korea JoongAng Daily editorial team.