SAMSUNG DESIGN JAPAN

GLOBAL DESIGN STUDIO SERIES #5SAMSUNG DESIGNJAPAN

Japan is a place where technology and aesthetics
meticulously blend to perfection.

In Tokyo, a trend-setting city equipped with high-end technology and delicate infrastructure,
Samsung Design Japan (SDJ) contributes to raising global competitiveness through
novel and innovative research activities.

SDJ offers design solutions for hit products in Japan,
where diverse cultures are both embraced and
enhanced to excellence with their own significance.
One of the unique dynamics of Japan is their ability to accept and
characteristically develop various cultures and information to create a perfect
design solution for a hit product that appeals to everyone. It is an office of
convergence where research, experimentation, and prototype development
are all conducted in the processes of foreseeing future trends and
reflecting real user needs.
SDJ maximizes global competitiveness based on
CMF advanced technology, service, and infrastructure.
We’re able to raise the bar for product quality and develop new colors and post-processing
through a combination of highly advanced technology, design infrastructure, and craftsmanship
focusing on the smallest of details. SDJ has become the design bedrock on which global
competitiveness is maximized through the realization and proposal of prototypes with
various possibilities using a newly developed and innovative CMF(Color/Material/Finishing).

HISTORY

1 9 9 1

Established Samsung Design Japan
(Located in Nakano, Tokyo)
1 9 9 8

Relocated to Yokohama
2 0 1 5

Relocated to Iidabashi District, Tokyo

AWARDS

2008

Best of CES Innovation Awards Winner
2010

Good Design Awards Winner
2012

EISA Awards Best Product Winner
Good Design Awards Winner
iF Design Awards Winner
China’s Most Successful Design Awards Winner
2013

iF Design Awards Gold Winner
2014

TIPA Awards Winner
EISA Awards Best Product Winner
Good Design Awards Winner
iF Design Awards Winner
2015

IDEA Design Awards Finalist

SDJ is a design office centered on research and experimentation that also has the longest history as a global design office. Rooted in Japan’s advanced technology and design infrastructure, knowledgeable and experienced designers work passionately to improve design quality and value.: Our organization is small in size but intensely dedicated to our
craft. Rather than working strictly individually, each person
contributes their expertise of various fields in the design process,
altogether pursuing higher product quality and innovative results.
SDJ will continue to provide deeply abiding inspiration and
resonance throughout the world with our design.; Norio Okada, SDJ Head of Office

OUR TEAM

Product Strategy Team

The Product Strategy Team formulates
strategy by researching and analyzing the seeds
of next generation products and services
discovered from Japan’s social trends that have
been through both high and low growths over
the course of history. This strategy serves as
the foundation for Samsung to identify
new areas of opportunity.
Product Design Team

The Product Design Team develops products
for the purpose of creating new value
through design. The team develops design
mock-ups and evaluates marketability
(mass production capability) to provide
users with appealing products.
UX Team

The UX team designs optimal user experiences
for newly established product and service
categories. Considering potential user needs and
human factors, the team carries out GUI (Graphic
User Interface) design, UI (User Interface) design,
and UX prototypes to provide advanced
user experiences.
CMF Team

The CMF team designs products with materials
as the key focus. The team proposes innovative
designs, experiences, and insights to
stakeholders and internal divisions based on Japan’s
innovative and sustainable materials.

OUR WORKS

GLOBAL CMF INSIGHT

In collaboration with Samsung Design Europe, we hosted an exhibition showcasing next-generation CMF projects, under the themes of ‘state-of-the-art technology’ and ‘eco-friendly materials’. The exhibition was open only to Samsung designers, and featured a wide variety of design samples such as AI-powered advanced CMF and CMF that utilizes traditional crafts.
EARTH LIBRARY

Earth Library is a CMF project launched in partnership with a Japanese company based on the concept of ‘Human beings borrowing resources that exist on Earth and returning them in the best way possible.’ The project features design samples that leverage disposal materials, vegan leather, and processing methods that do not use molds.
PACKAGE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

This package design project aimed to create a package that employed biodegradable materials and had a purposeful internal structure that could repurpose the package even after unboxing.
SAMSUNG BOT™ HANDY

SDJ cooperated with SAMSUNG RESEARCH to design the SAMSUNG BOT™ HANDY. Announced at CES 2021, the SAMSUNG BOT HANDY is a domestic household care robot capable of recognition, autonomous driving, and handling items. The robot reduces the burden of housework by serving as an agent for tasks that involve organizing, delivering, and arranging.
NX1

NX1 is a product designed to establish the design identity of high-end mirrorless cameras. Its elaborately designed details and solid magnesium body are part of a stylishly classic design that provides a sense of perfected technology.
NX30

The NX30 inherited and improved upon the premium classic and ergonomic design of the NX series. A rubberized Wrap Grip was applied to all areas where the hand touches the camera, enhancing both the visual and tactile sense of grip.
WA-4000HH

This top loading washing machine has been developed with the rough laundering styles of users in India and Southeast Asia in mind. The product is a collaborative effort between the Digital Home Appliances design team, SDJ, and Samsung Design Delhi(SDD) that reflect Samsung’s design identity.
NEW A3 BIZ.

The purpose of the A3 printer is to increase intellectual productivity. Its UX design thus maximizes usability and intuitiveness by simplifying the steps a user would take to access the printer. Given the way printers are used by multiple users in offices, we expanded its functions to make group operations easier and more accessible.
GALAXY J

The Galaxy J is exclusive to the Japan market and has been completely designed, from product and UX to CMF by SDJ. The Parting Line has been minimized and the simplicity of Galaxy J’s exterior has been amplified by removing graphic patterns. On top of that, a fresh color much preferred by young women in their twenties and thirties has been applied.
GALAXY J UX

We developed and installed a new Japanese input system, System ‘8 Flick’, which can quickly switch between Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji all at once. Despite the limited space on a smartphone’s screen, users can enter characters more quickly with fewer errors. Also due to the history of natural disasters that occurred in Japan, we installed a ‘Long Life Mode’ function that maintains battery life in order to enable emergency communication.

SAMSUNG DESIGN JAPAN: IIDABASHI GRAND BLOOM, 2-10-2, FUJIMI, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO