K-Design’s Expansion Beyond Hardware: The Rise of AI and Software Innovation
The landscape of design is undergoing a fundamental shift. Historically focused on the aesthetic appeal of products, design is now a core competitive advantage centered on enhancing user experience (UX) and resolving complex industrial challenges. South Korean companies are increasingly recognized globally for their design prowess, consistently winning prestigious international awards.
The Global Design Landscape: iF Design Award as a Benchmark
The global design community widely acknowledges Germany’s iF Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, and the United States’ IDEA as the “world’s three major design awards.”1 Established in Germany in 1953, the iF Design Award stands out for its rigorous evaluation of innovation and quality across diverse design fields – from product design to UX, services, and communication. The 2026 iF Design Award, scheduled for April 27th in Berlin, anticipates participation from 4,837 companies across 68 countries, with a total of 10,000 submissions.1
The ‘Evolution’ of K-Design: A Fusion of Technology and Sensibility
Korean companies have demonstrated consistent success at the iF Design Awards in recent years. Samsung Electronics secured a gold award in 2024 for its OLED TV and smartphone packaging, and followed up with awards in 2025 for its Bespoke AI Combo and Galaxy Ring.1 Hyundai Motor Group similarly showcased its design capabilities in 2025, receiving multiple awards in the mobility and UX categories for the Ioniq 9 and EV3.1
Experts attribute this strong performance to Korea’s “rapid ability to accept technology” and “demanding consumer standards.” This involves swiftly integrating the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), into products whereas continuously refining user experience (UX) and intuitive interfaces (UI) to meet the expectations of discerning domestic consumers. This fusion of technology and sensibility is becoming a defining characteristic of K-Design.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Boundaries: Startups and Software Take Center Stage
A notable trend in these design awards is the increasing diversity of winners. While large corporations and traditional hardware products once dominated, small and medium-sized businesses, startups, and software/platform-based solutions are now frequently recognized. This indicates that the convenience offered by intangible software and its impact on productivity are becoming key evaluation criteria for industrial design.
Infopla’s ‘Selto’ Wins iF Design Award 2026
Infopla, a South Korean AI startup, exemplifies this trend. On February 16th, 2026, Infopla announced that its vision-based AI automation platform, ‘Selto,’ won a main prize in the Industrial Productivity and Maintenance System category at the iF Design Award 2026.2
Selto is an AI-powered work automation service designed to enhance individual and corporate productivity. The judging panel highlighted its intuitive UI, data visualization, real-time abnormality detection, preventative maintenance capabilities, and the innovative use of vision-based AI agents as key factors in its selection.2 The platform’s “human-centered design consideration,” allowing for intuitive control and understanding, was also praised.
According to Infopla CEO Choi In-mook, winning the iF Design Award signifies recognition of the company as a comprehensive solution provider encompassing user experience and design innovation, extending beyond a purely technological focus.2 Infopla plans to expand its range of automation services based on vision-based AI technology to further boost productivity across various sectors.
The Future of K-Design: Beyond Hardware to AI and Software
The success of Korean industrial design is expanding beyond hardware manufacturing into advanced software and artificial intelligence. The emphasis is shifting from solely technological superiority to user-experienced convenience and intuitive implementation. The ability to deliver complex, cutting-edge technologies to users efficiently and effectively is expected to be a core value for Korean companies in the future global IT market.