[행사리뷰] 배려하는 디자인 국제경진대회 Inclusive Design Challenge

Fifty designers from more than ten countries get together for sleepless 48 hours in Seoul

The British Council Korea teamed up with Seoul Metropolitan Government to co-host the 48-hour Inclusive Design Challenge. It was one of the main events of the second Seoul Design Olympiad that ran from 11–14 November 2009, which was launched in 2008 to celebrate Seoul’s designation as World Design Capital 2010. The Design Challenge was managed by Julia Cassim from RCA. Seven UK mentor designers and 13 overseas designers, recruited through our global BC network, were among the 46 designers who took part.

One of the main aims was to show local policy makers and designers how they can benefit from inclusive thinking. Six disabled people and two senior citizens were invited as design partners to share their views and experience with the designers. The design experts observed the designer partners, while having in-depth discussions about their experience. Many of those involved said they gained a lot from this approach.

Based on findings from study of their design partners, each of eight teams led by British designers developed their design ideas for product, system, service and communication for the given theme, ‘leisure, pleasure and social interaction for all’. “It was a big challenge to draw agreement on our design project among team members who come from different disciplines and backgrounds. At the same time, I’ve learnt a lot while working with them and it was great fun”, according to one participant.

The challenge reached a climax when the two winning teams for Best Idea Prize and Best Presentation Prize were about to be announced. Each team pitched their ideas in an eight-minute presentation in an air-dome filled by more than 200 people. The winning teams were chosen by a combination of a panel consisting of respected professors and the director general of Seoul Design Olympiad, as well as by popular vote. One happy winner said: “It was a unique and valuable experience that will stay with me for a long time. It is sure to influence my future work”.