This blog post explores how visualization-based learning experiences can serve as a competitive advantage in an industrial design major’s academic plan. We examine how image-based thinking and problem-solving skills connect to suitability for the major.
Writing About Academic Experience and Reflections
“Gaining Learning Effectiveness Through Drawing”
As someone who dreamed of becoming an industrial designer, I studied all subjects in high school by visualizing them. Visualizing information as images to memorize was more efficient and suitable for me than simply writing and repeating to memorize. I believed it was a great way to build the skills of an industrial designer while memorizing. Creating visual aids that included fundamental concepts for subjects like English vocabulary, science, and social studies helped build my memory. The process of thinking, pondering, and creating the images multiple times to draw them actually led to deeper, more understanding-based learning than simple rote memorization.
Initially, simplifying concepts proved difficult, so I started drawing images for English vocabulary. However, capturing the essence of a word through a drawing was challenging; the images became so complex that I began to think simple repetition might be more effective. I even considered changing my learning method midway. But as I continued, I found I could incorporate the meaning of words into simple drawings. This deepened my understanding of the material and made me feel I was growing. Using this method, I solved problems not just by applying formulas, but by truly understanding them. As a result, even challenging application problems became easier to solve than before. As a result, I achieved significantly better grades than when I relied solely on rote memorization.
The learning method I chose might seem no different from repetitive memorization if it were just about drawing pictures. However, because I study to learn and understand during the process of creating those drawings, I believe that continuing this method consistently will not only help me with my university studies but also contribute to my future capabilities as an industrial designer. This includes incorporating a company’s image and values into products or logos.
Major School Activities and Reflections
“One Step Closer to My Industrial Design Dream”
Among the school clubs, there was an illustration club. I dreamed of becoming an industrial designer but had never used design tools before, so I saw this as an excellent opportunity and joined without hesitation. Learning the Illustrator program for the first time was challenging but incredibly fun. After mastering the basics and using Illustrator to create my first, albeit imperfect, finished piece, the sense of accomplishment was immense. This motivated me to practice consistently at home and brainstorm ideas for Illustrator projects. I participated in the club’s activities, including an exhibition and portfolio presentation. I selected two pieces I considered my best work from the first semester to exhibit. I received evaluations and feedback on areas needing improvement from the club advisor and senior members. Additionally, the exhibition selected two popular works to award certificates. While I didn’t receive a certificate, one of my exhibited pieces was chosen for third place.
In the second semester, I compiled a portfolio of my work from the entire year and gave a brief presentation. Unlike others who focused on characters, advertisements, or pure painting, I built my portfolio around products related to a single keyword, improving upon the weaknesses identified through feedback from the first semester exhibition. For example, I chose ‘furniture’ as my main keyword and created a portfolio featuring beds, wardrobes, chairs, and other related designs. During the club, I received positive feedback stating that no one else had created a portfolio like mine and that it clearly demonstrated what I wanted to achieve. Through these activities, I realized that growth comes from challenging oneself, even when imperfect, and learning through trial and error. I also came to believe that designers must see, experience, and feel many things to foster creative thinking. Participating in the club inspired me to resolve that, if given the chance, I would use vacations to visit new spaces, seek out works by other industrial designers, and steadily improve my skills through practice.
During my sophomore year, club activities exposed me to various design tools beyond illustration software, like Photoshop, helping me discover the programs best suited to me. Consistent practice built my skills. In the second semester, the entire club decided to enter an off-campus design competition. We provided each other feedback on the shortcomings of our submitted works, striving to create the best possible results, and we achieved the outcome of winning an award in the competition. From being a student who only dreamed of becoming an industrial designer but felt incapable of anything, I learned through the process of consistent learning and practice that if you believe you can do it and work diligently, you can achieve anything.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and Reflections
“Resolving Conflicts During Exhibition Preparation”
Our club activities include organizing exhibitions. When displaying physical works, conflicts rarely arise if visitor flow and the scale/form of the pieces align. However, since our club exhibitions feature printed works, significant disagreements often occurred over placement. Two students, in particular, struggled to agree on placement because each wanted their work to stand out. Realizing we couldn’t cause further disruption to others, I called them over and suggested that one of them display their work in the spot where my piece was originally intended. Since this location offered similar conditions to what they both wanted, one agreed positively, while the other insisted on displaying in their preferred spot. So, I decided to give up my spot to the friend who said mine was fine and display my work in the empty space instead. The cause of the conflict was very minor. While leading the discussion about the spots, I spoke in a harsh tone due to stress from creating the work at the time. Hearing that, the friend started becoming greedy about the spot selection. After resolving the misunderstanding through conversation, the exhibition preparations proceeded smoothly. The tense atmosphere caused by our conflict also softened considerably.
Conflict happens, and I learned that rather than coordinating opinions, we can hurt each other’s feelings and worsen the situation. I realized we must listen to those around us and, to coordinate opinions, be willing to consider each other and make concessions. I realized once again that misunderstandings arising from minor tone of voice or momentary moods can escalate into major conflicts. This taught me that mutual understanding through dialogue is paramount, and that cooperation ultimately yields better results.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation and Career Plans
I’ve been deeply interested in the field of design since I was young. Initially, I only knew about design in areas like interior and clothing design, but I happened to encounter industrial design. Industrial design, encompassing both visual design and product design, struck me as a highly attractive field. This sparked my dream of becoming an industrial designer, aspiring to design products that are both useful in daily life and feature designs everyone appreciates.
I realized that while theory is important in industrial design, consistent practice through extensive hands-on work is essential to improve one’s design sense. Therefore, during high school, I joined a club learning illustration. There, I learned about the software and gained practical know-how that proved useful when actually working on projects. However, I still feel my specialized knowledge is lacking, and my skills are significantly below those of a professional. Furthermore, I observed that Korean high schools still prioritize exam-focused education, and cram schools also emphasize test preparation. I concluded this approach would offer little practical benefit for actual design work. This led me to apply to Konkuk University’s Industrial Design Department, where I can learn both theory and practical skills through a systematic and balanced educational program.
I understand Konkuk University’s Industrial Design Department has produced many outstanding talents, and its graduates are employed across diverse fields. Persis exemplifies innovation in industrial design, releasing products that are both functionally excellent and aesthetically pleasing. Ilum and Sidiz are also brands under Persis, and I too wanted to design such innovative products. Therefore, while participating in club activities, I created a portfolio centered on furniture. I also consistently made efforts such as taking furniture images I had collected, adding my own ideas to them, and creating new furniture designs. Through this, I gathered idea materials that I could use when I became an industrial designer. No matter how talented you are, if you don’t understand changing market trends, you risk creating outdated designs and being seen as a designer who isn’t growing. To stay on top of trends, I frequently visited magazines, art fairs, living fairs, and other exhibitions and expos. Through these efforts and the professional skills and knowledge gained from the outstanding professors at Konkuk University’s Industrial Design Department, I will become an excellent designer and a proud talent of the department. Moving forward, I will create my own brand that everyone will prefer.
