Professor KwanMyung Kim from the Department of Design at UNIST has been honored with the Service Merit Medal for his contributions to design at the 26th Korea Design Award, held on October 13, 2024.
This accolade, bestowed by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP), recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of the design industry. Professor Kim has been instrumental in fostering the growth of design through innovative convergence education and research. He received this honor for his impactful work in advocating effective industrial policies, increasing public awareness of design, and elevating the global standing of Korean design.
With extensive experience in various sectors, including heavy equipment, commercial vehicles, medical devices, and industrial machinery, Professor Kim worked in design and development from 1994 to 2007. Since 2008, he has dedicated himself to nurturing a new generation of design talent by merging design and engineering education with practical experience.
Professor KwanMyung Kim (left) has been recognized for his instrumental role in fostering the growth of design through innovative convergence education and research.
In collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises, Professor Kim established an industry-academic cooperation education program, which introduced a successful model for industry collaboration. This initiative led to significant achievements in technology transfer and commercialization, earning widespread recognition within the industry.
Professor Kim’s contributions are further highlighted by the completion of 38 design projects and 165 research outputs, along with 37 design-related awards. He has delivered over 80 lectures and seminars for both domestic and international audiences, promoting design awareness and providing policy recommendations to government entities and businesses.
On the international stage, Professor Kim has made a lasting impact with the publication of more than 50 academic papers, enhancing his influence within global design academia. He has also served as an advisor and judge for the Spark Design Award, further promoting the reputation of Korean design worldwide. Notably, his research project “GOOPI” was featured in Valencia, Spain, recognized as the 2022 World Capital City of Design, where it was displayed for five months to showcase the excellence of Korean design.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Kim remarked, “This achievement is a testament to the robust platform provided by UNIST, which effectively integrates design and engineering.” He added, “We will continue to strive to promote convergence design education and research both domestically and internationally, aiming to create a meaningful impact on industry and society.”
