Seoul Design
International Forum
서울디자인국제포럼

[Special Interview] Deana YU

Q. In what areas does the NYC Service Design Studio work and which departments do you mainly collaborate with? Could you share one project that was most memorable for you? At the Service Design Studio, we kind of work like a city agency but we're a consultancy. So, we work with many different city agencies to improve their social services using service design. And as a consultancy, I get to work with a lot of different partners and one of those is the Department of Social Services, which is, I believe, one of the nation’s biggest social services departments. They administer so many social services like housing. And in particular, we partnered with them on the CityFHEPS Program, and we helped create flyers and sort of assets and tools that they can use to talk to people about programs. So we worked with them, and we conducted interviews to think about how can we make these fliers accessible to the people that are going to read them. Using pictures, icons, graphs, things to communicate really complicated New York City policy.

[Special Discussion] Soft City, Global Design Seoul!

[Oh Se-hoon] I would like to sincerely welcome Ms. Helle Søholt from Denmark and Mr. Uwe Cremering from Germany to Seoul City Hall. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has set “Walking Together with the Vulnerable” and “Enhancing Urban Attractiveness” as its core goals. Through these efforts, we are striving to become one of the world’s Top 5 cities in terms of global competitiveness and quality of life. At this point in time, I find it very meaningful to have this conversation with both of you on the theme of design.

[Special Interview] Uwe CREMERING

Q1. How much more importance does social value and sustainability have in the iF Design Award today, and how are these changes influencing the design scene in Korea and Asia? Actually, at iF Design, we have a holistic view of the product itself, and sustainability, social responsibility, as well as environmental responsibility, has played a significant role over the last decades. But over the last years, we have really focused a little bit more on this topic and we did it in line with our main participants and also a consultation of external experts, and we have dedicated criteria for this, called sustainability. And, it has 20 percent of our overall ratings go to this criterion.

[Special Interview] Helle SØHOLT

Q. What are the key conditions needed to make Seoul a more human-centered and attractive city? For Seoul to be a more human centered and attractive city, the city needs to focus on the public spaces. And by that I mean streets, squares, parks, rivers. The public spaces are an untapped resource for supporting the social infrastructure of the city. And that is what is needed for the city of Seoul to become a livable city in the future.

[Abstract] Design with 10%

<Bridging the Gap of Experience> The gap of experience refers to the disparity that arises in the process of using products and services when designers and users come from different backgrounds and life experiences. Can a designer ever fully understand the user? If it were a product made solely for oneself, perhaps it would be possible. However, in designs intended for others—especially for the majority—it is almost impossible for a designer to completely understand all users. The smaller the experience gap, the higher the level of user satisfaction. This is because the better a designer understands the user’s circumstances and context, the more accurately they can create what the user truly needs. Conversely, when the gap is large, it is difficult to satisfy users. Therefore, the designer’s goal must be to reduce the gap of experience.

[Abstract] Design by Community: Advocating for Community Power in New York City Government

Deana Yu is the Assistant Director of New York City’s Service Design Studio: the United States’ first municipal team dedicated to improving services for low-income residents. As a team within the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Yu will reflect on the Studio’s unique role in advocating for service design in city government. Yu will introduce participatory design as a foundational tool for civic innovation. From co-creating public services with marginalized communities to reimagining government communications, she shows how design can build more equitable and responsive city systems.

[Abstract] Design Connecting People, Cities, and the Future: Focusing on Seoul’s Design Policies

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has implemented “people-centered design” that citizens can tangibly experience in their daily lives, and “creative design” that enhances the city’s attractiveness and global competitiveness. Looking ahead, it aims to advance toward “future-oriented design,” opening new pathways to address the pressing global challenges of climate change, digital transformation, and shifting lifestyles.

[Abstract] L’Oréal: Collaborative Design for Sustainability

1. Introduction to the L’Oréal Group and its global sustainability program, “L’Oréal for the Future.” 2. Case studies of sustainability design shaped by citizen participation A. L’Oréal has implemented an empty-bottle recycling program that collects used cosmetic containers from consumers and transforms them into various upcycled creations. Examples include: (1) Kiehl’s “Circular Resource Concept Store,” (2) the “Scented Tree” upcycling art installation at Seoul Beauty Week, (3) upcycled benches at Shinsegae Gangnam Department Store, and (4) a collaborative project with Korea Railroad Corporation to install upcycled benches in the waiting hall of Seoul Station’s second floor.

[Abstract] Designing Trust: How the iF Design Award Shapes Global Design Culture

Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF International Forum Design GmbH, presents how the iF Design Award is not only a mark of excellence but also a long-term infrastructure that fosters trust, shared values, and international collaboration. The talk explores how design awards shape the expectations of industry, policy, and civil society by reinforcing the cultural and ethical dimensions of design. Drawing on examples from Germany and global design ecosystems, it shows how institutions like iF act as platforms connecting policy, business, education, and the public to generate meaningful societal impact.

[Abstract] Designing Cities for People & Planet: From Vision to Impact

• Brief introduction of our mission at Gehl (Making Cities for People), incl. working for cities and communities to be equitable, healthy and sustainable places for all. • Argue why urban design must shift from infrastructure-led models to human-centered approaches and call for holistic approaches that not only aim at good design of public spaces but also contribute to greater societal goals. • Today a stronger focus on “all life”/our planet the past couple of years to enable climate action and impact, though our approach to planning and design and “old” principles remains the same and are just as relevant today. • Across the world, we’re in a time of poly-crisis (climate change, energy transition, urban security) and since 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities by 2050, we need a new urban approach. • Helle will argue about the need for climate-aligned urbanism and that we at Gehl dare to believe that averting the worst of climate change can bring out the best in cities. • Illustrate how this will impact and change the way residents move, consume and live – with more time in active mobility together, more sharing of resources and more shared spaces.

Monthly <Design> Nov Issue. Toward a City of Empathy and Inclusion, SDIF 2025

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has made continuous efforts to build a city where design serves as a standard for everyday life. Since launching Design Seoul 1.0 in 2009, the city has steadily expanded its design strategies through initiatives such as Design Seoul 2.0. In 2025, Seoul presents a new vision for enhancing the city’s global appeal and charm under the theme “Attractive City of Seoul: Designing a Better Global Life.”

SDIF, : Illuminating the Future of Global Cities through the Philosophy of the “Soft City”

- Seoul Design International Forum to be held on Friday, September 19, under the theme “Designing a Better Global Life” - Mayor Oh Se-hoon to hold a special discussion on “Soft City” with Helle Søholt, CEO&Founding Partner of GEHL, and Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF International Forum Design GmbH - Experts present strategies for urban identity and sustainability, reaffirming Seoul’s global potential as a design city - Citizens participate in the “Design Manifesto,” shaping the forum as a public arena for Seoul’s design future

SDIF 2025 Highlight Video

We are pleased to share the highlight video of the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF 2025), held on September 19, 2025 (Fri) at the Multipurpose Hall of Seoul City Hall. Under the theme “Attractive City of Seoul: Designing a Better Global Life,” global design experts gathered to share insights and discuss Seoul’s design vision and future. Relive the inspiring moments through this video.

A vivid review of the SDIF 2025

The 2025 Seoul Design International Forum I attended recently was an event that gave me tremendous inspiration. It was actually my first time attending this year, so I was curious about what the atmosphere would be like, but once I was there, I realized it is a forum that anyone interested in design should definitely experience.

My Visit to the SDIF 2025

Hello, this is Sseugo! How have your days been lately? I’ve had a pretty busy week in many ways. I went to Mangwon Hangang Park, joined a printing workshop… I was really all over the place. And of course, I can’t leave out the Seoul Design International Forum 2025! (Because I’m a SDIF 2025 supporter!)

Review of My Participation in the SDIF 2025!

Hello! This is Lia, supporter of the Seoul Design International Forum 2025! On September 19, the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF 2025) was held at the Multipurpose Hall in the main building of Seoul City Hall! Event Overview - Date & Time: Friday, September 19, 2025, 13:00–18:00 - Venue: 8F Multipurpose Hall, Seoul City Hall - Theme: Attractive City of Seoul: Designing a Better Global Life - Format: Hybrid (On-site & Online) - Languages: Korean, English (Simultaneous Interpretation Provided)

Keynote Session at the Seoul Design International Forum 2025 – Helle Søholt’s Urban Design Philosophy

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Seoul Design International Forum 2025, an experience that was both educational and inspiring for me as a design student. Among the sessions, the keynote “Urban Design for People and Planet: From Vision to Action” by Helle Søholt, CEO and Co-founder of the global urban design firm GEHL, was especially memorable. She explored how cities can be designed with people and the planet at the center—not just as a concept, but as a practical approach to shaping everyday urban life. Listening to her talk helped me think more deeply about what responsible and forward-looking urban design should look like.

SDIF 2025 Theme Video Full Version

Seoul Design International Forum 2025 – Full version of the theme video. Seoul Design International Forum is a global platform to share the power of design that transforms cities and lives. Your interest and participation are the driving force that leads Seoul to become an even more attractive global design city. In the upcoming SDIF 2026, we will continue the in-depth discussions on sustainability, creative collaboration, and the quality of life.