From hongik university — a quick note to anchor this piece for readers.

From hongik university: Quick notes

Dezeen School Shows: a wearable AI device designed to help people with sensory sensitivity is among the projects from Hongik University.

Also featured is a project reshaping the influence of the Met Gala and a robot designed to assist with everyday home lives.

Hongik University

Institution: Hongik University
School: College of Fine Arts
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutors: Tate Eunyoung Kim, Sook Yeon Kim, Kang Hyun Lee, Joo Yun Kim, Seung Il Lo and Dre Ahn

School statement:

“The Department of Industrial Design at Hongik University continues to push the frontiers of design education, nurturing designers who understand the evolving relationship between humans, technology and society with both analytical thinking and creative sensitivity.

“Graduates extend this vision across diverse fields – from product and mobility to spatial and interaction design – embodying Hongik University’s commitment to shaping design as an open dialogue between function, emotion and culture.

“The 2025 Hongik Industrial Design Graduation Exhibition presents ‘The Use of Uselessness: What If’ as a way to move beyond conventional purpose-centred design, which has long taken practicality as its only standard of judgment.

“What If suggests the possibility of spontaneous inaction – accidental and organic – which only students can propose by breaking free from binary ways of thinking.

“It represents a future-oriented design attitude, in which students explore new possibilities grounded in the core value of uselessness.

“Through this exhibition, we pose the question What If – a process of discovering creative value within uselessness. The theme reflects Hongik’s belief that design is not confined to solving problems but also reveals beauty, ambiguity and meaning beyond utility.

“It celebrates curiosity, imagination and the poetic potential that emerges when design is liberated from purpose.”

Lunaris by Jaewoong Lee and Junhong Yang

“Lunaris enhances zero-gravity exploration with two key solutions. The ‘Homo Prehensilis Lunaris’ is a tail device acting as a third hand for astronaut balance and posture control.

“‘Aves Custos Luaris’ is an intelligent mobility robot designed for autonomous transport and facility inspection.

“Together, these robotic partners maximise safety and efficiency, significantly expanding human capabilities in the era of deep space exploration.”

Students: Jaewoong Lee and Junhong Yang
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Kang Hyun Lee
Emails: ljwoong1104[at]gmail.com and mozzr2101[at]gmail.com

Pinnaclix by Seojun Yun

“Pinnaclix is an integrated outdoor system designed to support large dogs and their handlers through four coordinated components: a harness, a leash, a tent and an anchor.

“The harness offers storage convenience, strong durability and enhanced nighttime visibility while ensuring a comfortable, wearable fit.

“The leash provides strength, efficient force transfer, and long-term reliability for demanding outdoor use.

“The tent creates a calming barrier by visually blocking all directions except the owner’s side, improving security during camping.

“The anchor functions like a safety belt, acting as a retractable system during normal movement and braking instantly to prevent hazardous, sudden lunging.”

Student: Seojun Yun
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Kang Hyun Lee
Email: a01074466823[at]gmail.com

Alfred by Youngjoon Bahng

“Alfred is designed to live harmoniously alongside people in future homes.

“This humanoid robot combines practical functionality with emotional resonance, using soft CMF, intuitive interactions and gentle motion to provide not only physical assistance but also a comforting presence.

“By concealing complex mechanisms beneath a clean and approachable exterior, Alfred invites natural engagement rather than intimidation.

“It breathes, observes and responds in ways that feel familiar rather than mechanical.

“Ultimately, Alfred redefines human–robot coexistence by positioning technology as a quiet supporter, integrating seamlessly into daily life while enhancing moments of care, connection and shared experience.”

Student: Youngjoon Bahng
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Tate Eunyoung Kim
Email: joonbwork[at]gmail.com

Oribn by Jiho Kim

“Oribn is an adaptive, multi-modal mobility platform redefining lunar transportation for the Artemis missions.

“Designed to perfectly integrate with NASA’s planned ‘float’ infrastructure, it ensures seamless connectivity through three transformative modes: compact, ground and levitating float.

“The vehicle autonomously adjusts its configuration, realigning wheels to transition from standard ground driving to energy-efficient magnetic levitation.

“By combining context-aware transformation with optimal astronaut support, Oribn empowers users to navigate between habitats and execute daily operations efficiently.

“Ultimately, Oribn establishes a new space lifestyle, serving as the essential link for humanity’s long-term presence on the moon.”

Student: Jiho Kim
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Tate Eunyoung Kim
Email: a4727776[at]gmail.com

Sherpa by Yeongjun Yun and Jaeyun Lee

“Sherpa is an AI-driven onboarding service that supports beginner drivers from the moment a route is set to the moment the engine turns off.

“It identifies challenging points before departure, then delivers real-time visual and voice guidance through AR glasses and the in-car infotainment system to keep the driver focused and aware.

“After each trip, Sherpa provides clear, actionable feedback that visualises progress and builds confidence.

“By combining intuitive assistance with post-drive coaching, Sherpa transforms early driving into a safer, clearer and growth-oriented experience for anyone learning to navigate the road.”

Students: Yeongjun Yun and Jaeyun Lee
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Sook Yeon Kim
Emails: yjcj0607[at]mail.hongik.ac.kr and jytt1223[at]gmail.com



Bollo by Minseo Kang and Yoonjung Jang

“Bollo is an XR-based active-aging platform that interprets physical changes through golf-swing data, designed for 5060 pre-seniors.

“Within immersive XR environments, users can safely practice golf while a tracking device monitors joint movement and provides aging-adaptive feedback.

“The collected body and swing data extend beyond practice sessions, informing personalised product recommendations, medical documentation and other third-party applications.

“Aging is visualised through blooming-flower graphics and intuitive data icons, establishing a cohesive and accessible visual language.

“Ultimately, Bollo empowers users to build their own ‘health algorithm’ and embrace a self-managing, data-driven approach to aging.”

Students: Minseo Kang and Yoonjung Jang
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Sook Yeon Kim
Emails: cherry9109[at]naver.com and jang.stephanie7[at]gmail.com

Plot 12: From Muse to Maker by Hyeryeon Na and Gyeongseo Cho

“Plot12 reimagines the influence of the Met Gala by relocating it to Red Hook, a once-industrial neighbourhood in decline.

“Instead of celebrating spectacle, the project shifts the focus back to creation, highlighting designers as makers rather than muses.

“Through exhibition, spatial design and a reinterpreted backstage-inspired environment, Plot12 proposes a new cultural ecosystem where fashion’s power is used not for display but for regeneration.

“By merging local context, creative labour and community-driven revitalisation, the project explores how a single night of influence can spark long-term change for a city’s creative future.”

Students: Hyeryeon Na and Gyeongseo Cho
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Joo Yun Kim
Emails: hyeron0929[at]gmail.com and rudtj60111[at]gmail.com



Souz by Jagyeong Kim and Hanbom Jang

“Souz is a premium retreat brand that merges Korea’s traditional healing principles with a modern lifestyle.

“Rooted in the medical philosophy of So-uju, the ‘human microcosm,’ Souz reinterprets Korea’s healing culture for global audiences.

“The retreat programme is shaped around three dimensions – body, mind and soul – each aligned with Korea’s long-standing healing wisdom.

“Visitors receive personalised body therapies based on traditional Korean constitutional diagnosis, experience Korean bathing culture to clear the mind and restore balance in the soul through sound therapy inspired by Pungnyu music.

“Through this journey, every visitor rediscovers their complete self as a ‘So-uju’ through the experience of Souz.”

Students: Jagyeong Kim and Hanbom Jang
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Joo Yun Kim
Emails: 0209ray[at]gmail.com and jhbspring[at]gmail.com



Mini Playground by Yoonpyo Hong

“Mini: Playground is a mobility concept designed to deliver a playful mobility experience. The interior is divided into two distinct areas.

“The front space, which focuses on driving, features an adjustable steering position that allows users to drive from either the left or right side.

“The rear space offers expandable daybed-style seating that creates a cosy atmosphere for passengers to relax.

“The exterior features Union Jack graphic details on the front mask and the roof, giving the overall design a playful vibe.

“Additionally, the rear door surface incorporates adjustable – transparency glass, allowing passengers to control how much they can see outside.”

Student: Yoonpyo Hong
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutors: Seung Il Lo and Dre Ahn
Email: yoonpyo99[at]gmail.com



Qualia by Seunghyun Ko and Gain Lee

“Qualia is a wearable sensory-calibrating device designed for Highly Sensitive People (HSP) to use outdoors.

“It analyses sensory stimuli from the user’s biometric signals and surrounding environment in real time while correcting visual, auditory and olfactory inputs that may trigger stress.

“Qualia AI learns each user’s unique response patterns to help maintain emotional balance.

“Qualia proposes a new lifestyle of the future, where artificial intelligence and human senses interact to help users maintain emotional stability and sensory balance in the outside world.”

Students: Seunghyun Ko and Gain Lee
Course: BA Industrial Design
Tutor: Kang Hyun Lee
Emails: starlight5218[at]gmail.com and 1234rkdls[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Hongik University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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