SKIP NAVIGATION

How We Affect

Members of Samsung Design Membership mature as professional designers through ‘passion’ and ‘autonomy’. Members who have completed the program are vigorously working and achieving in diverse design fields, including Samsung Electronics, serving as living proof of the effects. Extensive interactions with majors of different fields, self-governing operations, and passionate creative experiences become essential nourishment for members to become set apart from the ordinary and possess incredible capabilities after completion of the course.

Members’ Talk

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 1st class, Dontae Lee.

    • Dontae Lee 1st Class

    • Samsung Electronics has always been deeply interested in conveying sentimental values to our consumers. Samsung Design Membership is part of these ongoing efforts, and it has provided a wide range of experiences for students to emerge as designers who can instill values in design. I believe that our determination to contribute to the enhancement of Korea’s design capabilities has propelled us to continually carry on Samsung Design Membership.
      At Samsung Design Membership, I was able to collaborate and compete in good will with many students from other schools. It was a great experience that enabled me to work with my friends and gain personal growth as a professional designer.
      Those who have ownership never gives up when faced with obstacles and instead perseveres with passion until the very end. I want to recommend Samsung Design Membership to those who are willing to press on and take an extra step forward to reach their goals.

    • Harry Choi 1st Class

    • As part of the first completing class of Samsung Design Membership, I was involved in creating the internal policies for the membership council. We wanted Samsung Design Membership to become a program that represented students in Korea who major in design and foster key design talents that can contribute to the advancement of Korea’s industrial design.
      At Samsung Design Membership, you will be able to practice guiding different ideas in a single direction when managing a project. This process will help you perceive overarching design contexts and implied meanings.
      Dear prospective members, join Samsung Design Membership and broaden your spectrum. I hope you can gain great inspiration by taking on challenges in a wide selection of fields from architecture, environment, interior, to furniture. The broad range of experiences you gain here will undoubtedly help your growth as a designer in other fields as well.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 4th class, Kyounghoon Kim.

    • Kyounghoon Kim 4th Class

    • I was able to make friends with talented design students from all around the country through Samsung Design Membership. Interacting with these talents became an incredible stimulus for me. During a time when the world was transitioning from analog to digital, we had the privilege of working on computers and developing our ideas by discussing each other’s progress.
      Samsung Design Membership provided a great momentum for my growth as a designer. I was able to widen my thinking and scope of design by exchanging thoughts, values, and culture with friends from other schools.
      I encourage you to firmly develop your own style of design at Samsung Design Membership. It’s more important to foster your own competitive edge as a designer rather than trying to do everything well. Samsung Design Membership will be a great place for you to establish the foundation on which you can build your unique identity as a designer.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 4th class, Sunggul Hwang.

    • Sunggul Hwang 4th Class

    • I applied for the membership because of a recommendation from one of my seniors. I recall being excited about working with students who are confident in their design capabilities. Being in an environment filled with energy and diverse characteristics fueled my passion and confidence for design.
      The relationships I built through Samsung Design Membership became an incredible asset to me, and I continue to keep in touch with this design network of friends who have since advanced to various fields of design. Meeting them has always given me inspiration and stimulus for design.
      To those who are applying to the program, I’d like to emphasize that Samsung Design Membership will be an opportunity for you to expand your perspective of the world. The experiences you gain here will serve as stepping stones for your career as a designer. Always cherish your first steps and engage in design with proactive fervor.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 6th class, Paul Cho.

    • Paul Cho 6th Class

    • I remember tagging along one of my seniors to check out the atmosphere of Samsung Design Membership and thinking that it was a dream-come-true for prospective designers. Most importantly, the fact that students passionate about designs gathering from around the country to collaborate was a powerful motivation for me to apply.
      The time I spent at Samsung Design Membership has been the propelling force that brought me to where I am today. The chance to meet prominent creators who are difficult to encounter as a student and the memories of pulling all-nighters with members on a single design project were opportunities of great personal growth. The confidence I gained through this program led me to start a company known as ‘VINYL’ with fellow members who completed the program, and I have since been working in the frontlines of digital design for 18 years.
      Dear prospective members, we’re living in the age of visuals. We’re in a period in which a designer’s ability of materializing great ideas can have noticeable impact and presence. Once you develop a love for design and flexibility in exploring new values by converging with new fields, you will be able to achieve growth as a great designer.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 8th class, Jeeyeun Wang.

    • Jeeyeun Wang 8th Class

    • When I was a student it was hard to get hands-on UX design experience unless I worked at a company. At Samsung Design Membership, you can get firsthand experience in topics that are normally hard to come by for students, such as mass production processes.
      Samsung Design Membership teaches you about identifying problems and proactively solving them. That is why I believe the level of ownership and sense of duty is exceptional at Samsung Design Membership. Those who end up joining the company after completing the program seem to strive toward upholding high standards and ownership.
      Samsung Design Membership will become the foundational nourishment for your growth as a designer. It is imperative to have a wide range of experiences when doing UX design, and Samsung Design Membership has the infrastructure necessary to obtain new experiences and knowledge. Most importantly, interacting with other passionate designers will serve as an excellent stimulant to fuel your motivation.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 10th class, Sukwoo Lee.

    • Sukwoo Lee 10th Class

    • When I was an undergrad, I noticed that the designs of my peers who were part of Samsung Design Membership were set apart from others, and that led to my growing interest in Samsung Design Membership. In addition to my studies I was also interested in getting hands-on design experience, so I was engaged with external design work at the time. I remember immediately applying for the program as soon as I heard that the program is a great place to get firsthand design work experience that also provides a workspace.
      At Samsung Design Membership, you can achieve balanced growth in your studies and real-life work experiences. Through the program, I had the opportunity to intern at the Samsung Electronics LA Mobile Design Lab for two months, and the experience of working with multicultural designers from abroad was a great source of inspiration for me.
      The tight-knit camaraderie between senior and junior members is the very strength that has sustained Samsung Design Membership over the years. I encourage you to gain plenty of experience through your encounters with a wide variety of people and take time to truly understand who you are and what you want.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 14th class, Jaehyung Hong.

    • Jaehyung Hong 14th Class

    • At Samsung Design Membership, I was able to design a product I was interested in with autonomy. I didn’t have to worry about grades and was able to freely design things that are abstract or beyond the scope of industrial design. It was a very enjoyable and memorable time for me.
      I also enjoyed working with friends from other schools to partake in new experiences. Each school’s approach and style for design is different, and it was interesting to observe the design solutions conceived by friends from different schools. I had the privilege of witnessing the creation of better designs through the collaboration of individually different design styles.
      For those who love design, I strongly urge you to apply to Samsung Design Membership. Through this program, aspiring designers can encounter a variety of experiences, broaden their horizons, and achieve personal growth.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 19th class, Soonkyu Jang.

    • Soonkyu Jang 19th Class

    • The experiences of working on design competitions and materializing actual product designs through industrial projects with professional designers empowered my confidence as a designer. Through Samsung Design Membership, I was able to learn what it takes to always proactively take on new challenges.
      At Samsung Design Membership, you will learn how to become self-motivated to study and conduct research. You will also get to work with diverse tools and cutting-edge technology before anyone else. Knowledge and experiences earned through this program also spreads organically to become great sources of inspiration for one another.
      For those who aspire to become designers, I encourage you to apply to Samsung Design Membership. It is a program that enables you to create designs that tell your own personal story. Don’t give up easily just because you lack in knowledge or skill right now. Take on the challenge and create your own passions and dreams through Samsung Design Membership.

    • This is a profile photo of a completed member of the 23rd class, Sunghyun Song.

    • Sunghyun Song 23rd Class

    • Coming from an engineering background without a lot of prior knowledge of design, I was pleasantly surprised by the ingenious ideas of my friends and the diversity of designs we worked on. Samsung Design Membership was a place that didn’t put limits on imagination and provided a fantastic opportunity for me to achieve the next level of growth.
      At Samsung Design Memberships, you must self-identify problems and proactively resolve them. I learned how to approach design with a passionate attitude through this process. The passion of my peers at the program still motivate me to this day.
      I want to strongly urge prospective students to apply to Samsung Design Membership even if you currently lack in skill or are limited by physical distance or time. The only and most important thing you need at Samsung Design Membership is a passionate attitude. The degree of joy you’ll experience from the interacting with projects and people at this program will be equivalent to the degree of your determination and passion.

News & Events

    • These are images of 33rd Class New Member Recruitment

    • 33rd Class New Member Recruitment

      Nov.-Dec. 2024

    • We’re selecting new members for the 33rd class, who will join us from 2025. We invite all aspiring designers ready to become professionals leading the future to join us at Samsung Design Membership. A detailed guide and application for the preliminary assignment can be found at the website below.

      • □ Website: https://samsungdesignmembership.recruiter.co.kr
      • □ 1st Round
        • - Application Period: 12/21(Sat) - 12/24(Tue)
        • - Submission Documents: Online application form, Preliminary assignment, Portfolio
        • - Announcement of 1st Preliminary Assignment: 11/25(Mon)
      • □ 2nd Round Practical Exam: Separate notification for those who pass 1st round
      • □ 3rd Round Comprehensive Interview: Separate notification for those who pass 2nd round
    • These are images of MEP Course Exhibition 2024 ‘No Futureblem’

    • MEP Course Exhibition 2024 ‘No Futureblem’

      Aug. 2024

    • The MEP Course Exhibition 2024, “No Futureblem,” presents nine innovative design solutions to overcome the difficulties of an uncertain future, inspired by the hidden potential within our hopes and anxieties about the future. As an exhibition where future endeavors and design innovation intersect, “No Futureblem” was a space for designers to share the inspiration required for a journey toward the future.

    • These are images of 32nd Class New Member Recruitment

    • 32nd Class New Member Recruitment

      Nov.-Dec. 2023

    • We’re selecting new members for the 32nd class, who will join us from 2024. We invite all aspiring designers keen to become future-leading professionals with Samsung Design Membership, and look forward to your keen interest and application.

      • □ Application Website: https://designmembership.incruit.com
      • □ Announcement of 1st Preliminary Assignment: 11/27 (Mon)
      • □ Submission of 1st Preliminary Assignment: 12/22 (Fri) – 12/23 (Sat)
      • □ 2nd Round Practical Exam: Separate notification for those who pass 1st round
      • □ 3rd Round Comprehensive Interview: Separate notification for those who pass 2nd round
    • MEP Course Exhibition 2023 ‘Super Social’

    • MEP Course Exhibition 2023 ‘Super Social’

      Aug. 2023

    • The 2023 MEP course exhibition theme 'Super Social' was planned to deeply explore our presence in today’s rapidly changing world, presenting a new perspective on what it means to be ‘together.’ A total of nine teams contributed their works to the exhibition, and nine unique design solutions known as ‘Super Things’ were exhibited based on the teams’ individual definitions of what it means to be ‘together’ and on a set of ‘Super Rules’ emphasizing the notion of being ‘together.’

    • These are images of Recruiting New Members for the 31st Class

    • 31th Class New Member Recruitment

      Aug.-Nov. 2022

    • New members were selected for the 31th Class, which begins their membership in 2023. It was the first onsite recruitment in three years since 2019, following a more relaxed social distancing policy. The process consisted of an initial resume screening, a practical exam, and a final interview. The selection process took three months, starting in August. We sincerely express our deepest gratitude for all applicants who showed incredible passion for design.

    • These are images of 2022 MEP Course Exhibition ‘Groovy-Groove’

    • MEP Course Exhibition 2022 ‘Groovy-Groove’

      Aug. 2022

    • The ‘Groovy-Grove’ exhibition wraps up the 2022 MEP Course with a creative narrative that redefines 11 cultural phenomena that connects the lifestyles of present and future into ‘keystone species’ that take the leap toward a new eco-system. The 2022 MEP Course brought diverse perspectives of young designers to explore the ideal direction of our ever-inventive societies and culture. This MEP exhibition was the first offline exhibition in three years since 2019, and was held at 2nd floor of the Samsung Electronics Seoul R&D Campus.

    • These are images of Online Briefing Session for 30th Class New Member Recruitment

    • Online Briefing Session for 30th Class New Member Recruitment

      Aug. 2021

    • Due to the social distancing policy, Samsung Design Membership’s vision, mission, and main programs were introduced through online promotional videos instead of offline public presentations. Active members made an appearance to share details of their ongoing design process. Through these online presentations that can be viewed anywhere and anytime, Samsung Design Membership took the opportunity to answer various questions.

    • These are images of MEP Course Exhibition 2021 ‘Vivify (Object)’

    • MEP Course Exhibition 2021 ‘Vivify (Object)’

      Aug. 2021

    • The Samsung Design Membership MEP course is a summer program that focuses on design leadership pursuing social values, develops convergence thinking, and builds collaboration capabilities based on each member’s design identity. The 2021 MEP course ‘Vivify (Object)’ exhibition centers on the ‘designer’s role’ which engages self-made questions and problem solving, rather than the ‘design method’ which provides the problems. The valuable lifestyle favored by Generation Z was visualized through this exhibition, ranging from solutions for inconvenient problems to services that enhance pleasures of life.

    • These are images of 30th Class New Member Recruitment.

    • 30th Class New Member Recruitment

      Aug-Nov. 2021

    • We have selected our 30th member who will be active from 2022. In accordance with the social distancing policy, online assignments, video presentations, etc., were conducted under the non-contact system. Beginning with the first round of document screening to the second round of a two-day practical screening, ending with the final interview, the process was directed tirelessly from August to November. We would like to express our deep gratitude for all the applicants who were passionate with merely a single category that is design.

    • These are images of Samsung Design Membership Open Seminar 2021.

    • Samsung Design Membership Open Seminar 2021

      Mar, May, Aug. 2021

    • We held an open seminar with Samsung Design Membership graduates from all over the world gather to share stories on design experiences, philosophies, and values. Some of the main participants included Jihong Kim, Design Spectrum CEO (17th Class), Yoonsu Kim, UX Designer at Samsung Electronics Design Center (16th Class), and Haeok Shin, CEO of Shin-Shin Graphics Design Studio (16th Class). The new design culture pursued by Samsung Design Membership was disseminated, and various social roles and responsibilities of designers were presented. Check for open seminar updates or news on the Samsung Design Membership Instagram channel. @samsungdesignmembership

    • These are images of MCP Course Exhibition 2020 ‘NEW NORMAL’.

    • MCP Course Exhibition 2020 ‘NEW NORMAL’

      Aug. 2020

    • The MCP Course exhibition, for which all members of Samsung Design Membership were entirely devoted in the summer of 2020, was held as Samsung Design Membership’s first ever online exhibition in accordance to social distancing policies. Under the theme of ‘NEW NORMAL,’ the exhibition was prepared by the members with the assistance of various advisory groups, such as design, humanities, and marketing, to contemplate on the ‘ways of yesterday and the new days of tomorrow’ in different perspectives. As the first global online exhibition held by Samsung Design Membership, the MCP Course Exhibition successfully wrapped up its course and became the talk of the town in both domestic and international media. It was truly a valuable learning experience for all members.

    • These are images of 29th Class New Member Recruitment.

    • 29th Class New Member Recruitment

      Nov. 2020

    • We have selected our 29th member who will join us in studying design starting 2021. In accordance with the social distancing policy, online assignments, video presentations, etc., were conducted under the non-contact system. Beginning with the first round of document screening to the second round of a two-day practical screening, ending with the final interview, the process was directed tirelessly for nearly a month. We would like to express our deep gratitude for all the applicants who were passionate with merely a single category that is design.

    • These are images of Briefing Session for the 29th Class New Member Recruitment.

    • Briefing Session for the 29th Class New Member Recruitment

      Aug. 2020

    • Due to social distancing regulations, Samsung Design Membership’s vision, mission, and main programs were introduced through online promotional videos instead of offline public presentations, and active members made an appearance to share details of their ongoing design process. Through these online presentations that can be viewed anywhere and anytime, Samsung Design Membership took the opportunity to answer various questions from prospective members.

    • These are images of the 28th Class New Member Recruitment in 2019.

    • 28th Class New Member Recruitment

      Sep. 2019

    • We recruited the 28th class of new members who would be studying design with us starting from 2020. Beginning with the first step of examining candidate histories and personal statements, a 3-day long practical skill test was conducted, which then lead to the final interview. It was a busy, month-long process. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all applicants who gathered and showed incredible passion for the field of design.

    • These are images of Briefing Session for the 28th Class New Member Recruitment in 2019.

    • Briefing Session for the 28th Class New Member Recruitment

      Aug. 2019

    • This year’s public briefing session introduced Samsung Design Membership and provided an opportunity for aspiring designers to hear various stories about the hands-on work of the design industry. It was an impressive sight to see so many people attend the sessions and pay close attention to the topics for a prolonged period of time.

    • These are images of MCP Course Exhibition in 2019.

    • MCP Course Exhibition 2019 ‘Alice in Wonderland’

      Aug. 2019

    • The MCP Course Exhibition, which is the ultimate culmination of the sweat and tears of all members of Samsung Design Membership in the summer of 2019, was held from August 20th to August 22nd at the Samsung Electronics Seoul R&D Campus. Members prepared this exhibition based on the theme of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ exploring new perspectives toward elements that ‘we take for granted,’ with the help of a diverse panel of experts in the fields of design, humanities, marketing, and more. This exhibition was held successfully, attracting many visits from Samsung Electronics employees and the general public. It was a valuable learning experience for all members.

    • These are images of Intensive Course 2019 External Critique Session.

    • Intensive Course 2019 External Critique Session

      Apr. 2019

    • For members who completed the Intensive Course, an additional critique session with renown experts was held as an opportunity to further enhance members’ projects. Byungyong Song from Duotone, Charry Jeon from CFC, Jiyoun Kim from Jiyoun Kim Studio were invited to critique member projects. This session helped members discover their strengths and areas needed for improvement through the perspectives of experts in the field.

    • These are images of the 27th class new member recruitment in 2018.

    • 27th Class New Member Recruitment

      Oct-Nov. 2018

    • The 27th Class of new members who will be part of the Samsung Design Membership in 2019 were freshly recruited. More than 100 passionate, aspiring designers joined the public presentation in October to learn about and discuss the program. We’d like to sincerely thank all applicants who joined the recruitment process from the October public presentation to the three rounds of selection that consisted of documentation screening, practical skill examination, and final interview.

    • These are images of the MCP Course Exhibition called ‘The Discovery for Coexistence’ held in 2018.

    • MCP Course Exhibition 2018 ‘The Discovery for Coexistence’

      Aug. 2018

    • The MCP Course that ran from August 21st to August 23rd during summer of 2018 held its Design Exhibition at the Samsung Seoul R&D Campus. This year’s exhibition was conceived under the theme ‘The Discovery for Coexistence,’ showcasing artworks that expanded their perspectives through team projects that consulted diverse fields from not only design but humanities and marketing as well. The exhibition was a great success, attracting Samsung employees and visitors from all sorts of fields and expertise.

    • These are images of the global workshop with Vitra in 2018.

    • SDM X Vitra WorkHackathon

      Aug. 2018

    • The global workshop that transcends boundaries to understand the world and provides novel design experiences was held with the world-renown furniture company Vitra. With Vitra, members had the opportunity to suggest new ideas for Space and Work that can be applied to a society 10 years in the future. At this tightly packed one-day Hackathon, members let their imaginations run wild to envision and materialize new concepts for future societies.

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