Design Meets Business

In order to create one product, there are various parts and numerous processes involved. In this 'Design Anatomy' work, various home appliances were disassembled with the concept of anatomy so that parts, cases, molds, etc. that make up the product can be visualized and reinterpreted through a 'product design process'. In this exhibition, a total of five products were 'design dissected' including: an air washer, a cat sand shovel, and a water purifier.

This exhibition is directed to show and spread the value of contemporary living design which transcends the time and space, and realizes a sustainable future by applying traditional craft skills to the everyday functional furniture.

When there is movement of cultures and products are redesigned to fit different purposes of another country or region this is referred to as vernacular design. Here is a new design of a kitchen tool that has been trans- formed by the Korean barbecue culture of grill meat. Bongjae scissors, which originated from the grilled meat culture of the 70s, have been redesigned according to the values and changes of the times to propose new values in food culture.

Homi began in the Iron Age in Korea and is part of the country’s unique history and culture. This type of farming hoe provides a glimpse of the labor activities and wisdom of farmers of a past agricultural society. It also shows the process of agrarian development which can be said to be the basis of economic and industrial development. This newly proposed Homi is a more developed version of the Homi of the past and has been completed with a modern design. 

Vernacular Design (brass ware) explores the beauty of brass vessels and their historical evolution. Used by Korean ancestors since the Bronze Age, these brass vessels combine natural forms and designs with the spirit and artistry of their times. Today, they are still as popular as ever. Therefore, the redesigned brass bowl is a connection of the past with the present and this exhibit seeks to create a sustainable future for traditional design.

Sobans from the Korea Dynasty, Chosun Dynasty and a conceptual trendy Soban from 2023 are presented in this exhibition. Soban, which was presented through the first Gwangju Design Biennale in 2005, is now available in a 2023 version as amass-produced and modernized Soban. The exhibit shows the modern changes in soban design and how traditional crafts can be used in our lives when they meet modern designs that employ mass production. 

Cross-hacking is a business design platform that solves corporate problems through design. The content is planned to be able to solve various problems with a single system construction like a platform, and this exhibition shows the problems of Smasworld which is leading the global NFT ART, through cross-hacking with various designs. 

This depiction of a world that coexists with robots on a destroyed earth in a space that reflects the worldview of Smasworld, provides an interesting experience for the viewer.

This multipurpose EPP chair for infants is a product made by combining the natural cultural elements of Mudeungsan columnar joints and eco-friendly high-tech materials called EPP foam polypropylene.

WIDE-GUN is a portable agricultural and livestock disinfection sprayer. It is a sprayer capable of effectively dispersing various liquid chemicals such as insecticides and pesticides.

This is an air purifier that combines a sterilization filter and a mood lamp. The filter uses a technology that can remove microviruses and VOCs, enabling air cleaning and sterilization at the same time. Visible light can be used as a mood light along with sterilization.

The AED is designed not only for quick use, but also for long term storage, maintenance, and mobility as important considerations. The product size is minimized and is lightweight compared with existing products. The overall shape and structure of the product is unified to ensure that the grip, usability, and its aesthetics are well balanced.

KOKKOS is an air purifier that is designed to remove bacteria and viruses in the air. It has a safe technology because there is no release of harmful substances in the process of removing bacteria and viruses. The filter does not simply reduce bacteria and viruses by filtering particles in the air, but instead employs a photocatalytic reaction to kill bacteria and remove viruses.

The Ecobi-500 is a floating water purification device whose design is inspired by nature to harmonize with the surrounding environment. At night, the light takes the shape of a swan illuminating the beauty of the object.

This bike is a reverse-wheeled electric bike that is a personal mobile device. By combining the advantages of mobility, eco-friendliness, space utilization, safety, etc., it can be used for various purposes.

The Power Pack_A1 is a fuel cell hybrid power pack that can be used for a variety of aviation drones and mobility, such as drones and multicopters.

This is a key AI robot that is used in the implementation of an intelligent building energy management platform that drives smart building sites and uses information and AI to predict energy consumption and identify anomalies in energy consumption early.

In old age, when self-sustaining walking is difficult, walking equipment should be used for convenience and safety. This is a senior walker designed to ensure stability and support, taking into account the lifestyle and physical conditions and limitations of the elderly user.

This is a unique design that extends beyond the beauty of the vase. In cooperation with local companies, we have created a unique image that represents the new values and possibilities of ceramics and the expressions of various people involved.

The incense of Gwangju is a concept design, which contains the incense of watermelon to represent Gwangju, the culture and art of the city. 

Bluewater, a new project by Korean artist, Jikheon Heo Daljae, who represents Korean painting, brings the diversity and new challenges of ink to a teacup with blue paint and light. He talks about various values by putting artistic values and humanistic ideologies into designs.

In an era of change and development, we considered the possibility of expansion and growth of traditional Asian medicine. If the experience of traditional Korean medicine is limited to herbal medicine, acupuncture, and physical therapy we would like to propose various design experiences that include smell, touch, and hearing. . By showing patients and consumers a fresh perspective toward Asian medicine, we hope to present positive awareness and marketing possibilities.

Inspired by the old practice of miners bringing a caged canary bird into a mine to detect gas leaks, this is an air quality meter that can be used in a car, on a tabletop, etc. It has a minimalist appearance and intuitive interface and is designed as an object with design value.

This work offers an AI-based memorial culture that combines new businesses with design that will change Korea’s memorial culture. . The idea proposes a revival of recollections of a loved one, by visually and acoustically evoking memories and nostalgia for the deceased.

This work was designed with the theme of digital coins as they relate to social contribution. The design was an intentional break away from the form of existing coins in order to create a form of coins that exist only digitally.

Stefano Giovanni participated in the Gwangju Design Biennale 2025 and carried out various projects with Gwangju. It consists of unique and stylish unreleased designs and products by Giovanni.

Advances in technology do not always solve social problems. Regional characteristics and various environmental constraints can arise and hinder solutions. Therefore, it is important to solve technology and social problems with design thinking.