Design Korea presents wide range of design-driven solutions

Graphic Cells [Courtesy of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion]

Pharmaceutical errors and accidents during the drug dispensation process can have critical consequences for patients. To address this issue, Dalim Biotech has initiated the ‘Graphic Cells’ project, aiming to swiftly and clearly communicate the extensive medical information listed on medication packaging. To achieve this, the company has visualized medical conditions and drug efficacy using background colors and graphic cells (3D icons). For instance, a metabolic syndrome drug is indicated in green, emergency medicine in red, and vitamins in orange, creating distinct color groups for different medical conditions to enhance intuitive recognition. This design-oriented approach is receiving recognition for contributing to the systematization of communication for specialized pharmaceuticals from the patient’s viewpoint.

The system exemplifies one of the increasing efforts by companies in Korea to use design to address societal issues. The country’s largest design industry exhibition, Design Korea 2023, opened on Wednesday and showcases a variety of initiatives focused on using design to resolve societal problems aesthetically and functionally. The exhibition will run until November 5 at COEX in Samsung-dong, Seoul.

Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and organized by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, Design Korea the country’s largest comprehensive design fair, which began in 2003. This event features works that reflect the latest design trends, including technology convergence design, human-centered design, and eco-design, as well as a diverse range of design innovation products from both domestic and international companies.

The design exhibition includes over 800 companies presenting more than 2,000 products, including LG Electronics’ ‘Universal Upkit’ for washing machines and dryers, as well as KG Mobility’s Torres EVX. The Universal Upkit is a collection of accessories designed to enhance the convenience of using LG home appliances. The Universal Upkit accessory ‘EZ Handle,’ which can be applied to washing machines, is designed to make it easier for customers with limited physical strength, such as those with mobility impairments, to open and close the washing machine door with ease.