[On the Job] LG SIGNATURE: A Legacy of Customer-Centric Design
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By News Reporter
Good product design is all about understanding and meeting customers’ needs. As a leader in the home appliance industry, LG integrates ‘customer-centricity’ into every stage of the design process to ensure its products deliver a more convenient and emotionally satisfying user experience. The company continues to show the way forward, making innovative appliances and smart home solutions for a better life based on its ‘3F’ design philosophy.
The Essence of 3F: Fit, Feel, Finish
“LG uses the term ‘3F’ to refer to the appearance, performance and other tangible and intangible qualities of its products experienced by the customer,” said Chung Wook-jun, vice president and head of H&A Design Lab at LG Electronics’ Life Innovation Design Center. “In essence, 3F is a set of principles that guides the company as it weaves the core values of completeness, ease of use and emotional satisfaction into each product it makes.”
3F stands for Fit, Feel and Finish. ‘Fit’ refers to seamless (zero gap) product design and overall design uniformity, while ‘Feel’ encompasses the smooth and resilient operation of moving parts as well as the satisfying feedback that interfaces, doors and other components provide when handled by users. ‘Finish’ focuses on matching the right colors with the right materials and achieving a clean, consistent aesthetic across product lines. The definition of 3F has gradually expanded over time and now extends to elements such as ergonomics, user experience (UX) optimization and user interface (UI) usability.
Officially introduced in 2001, 3F is now deeply ingrained in the way LG works. The company even formed a specialized organization to focus on 3F, which collaborates closely with several departments – including product planning, design, development, quality control and sales – to maintain a cohesive approach to customer-centric design.
Customer-Centric Design Research
The core aspect of 3F work is to guarantee the completeness of every product LG develops. Through securing a high level of completeness in the development phase, the company helps to prevent potential quality issues from arising during production.
At the concept planning stage, LG identifies and addresses any deficiencies or inconveniences associated with previously released models to prevent their recurrence in new products. Using its own internally developed ergonomic standards, the company thoroughly evaluates products for ease-of-use and to determine if further improvements are needed. Prior to finalization and mass-production, LG re-evaluates its products using up to 160 different criteria to assess whether completeness has been achieved.
When a prototype is produced at the design verification stage, it is tested under actual usage conditions. Data-driven feedback derived from these tests – such as the precise measurement of the force needed to open an appliance’s door – enables the relevant departments to make necessary adjustments.
Quality testing at LG involves extensive processes to ensure products meet usage and reliability standards. Should a product fail any test, LG carefully identifies and addresses the root cause of the issue. Subsequently, the product undergoes hundreds of additional tests until it meets the company’s exacting internal standards. Multiple methods are employed to confirm that each unit produced matches the usability and reliability standards set during the development phase. The data gathered throughout these various processes is meticulously analyzed to refine future designs.
Subtle Details that Reflect LG’s 3F Design Principles
The recently launched LG SIGNATURE washer/dryer exemplifies the company’s commitment to its 3F design principles. Manufactured using the same methods employed to produce luxury goods, the washer/dryer successfully delivers the ‘high-end’ aesthetic and feel of LG’s original design concept. The attention to subtle details that is so much a part of 3F design can be seen in the dryer’s filter grip, which has been designed in accordance with knuckle-width studies and numerous customer acceptance surveys to provide optimal usability.
To enhance the sophistication and operability of the control knobs applied to its washing machines, LG conducted a comprehensive range of 3F research initiatives and even developed its own custom measuring equipment. The company’s efforts led to the creation of a control knob reminiscent of the center-console control dials found in luxury automobiles, providing a pleasingly premium look and feel while also contributing to a better user experience in both a practical and emotional sense.
Introduced last year on select LG refrigerator models, the Auto Soft Closing System is another example of LG’s customer-centric 3F design. The system uses dampers to ensure that the refrigerator door closes softly and quietly, enhancing usability, convenience and customer satisfaction.
The 3F design principle, which reveals LG’s strong commitment to the pursuit of perfection, is intertwined with another uniquely LG concept: ‘Affection-ism.’ Affection-ism could be described as a ‘design mindset,’ centering on caring for customers via the delivery of ‘Uncompromising Customer Experiences,’ ‘Human-centered Innovation’ and the ‘Warmth to Power a Smile.’ By staying true to its core values and customer-first philosophies, LG will continue to provide products that exceed expectations and make everyday life that much better.
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By News Reporter
Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile, is the world’s preeminent furniture and design fair. Held in Italy’s famous fashion capital, it is a truly global showcase of innovation, creativity and luxurious style. Amidst this year’s celebration of inspiring and aspirational home living, LG presented its latest premium built-in products, including collaborations with renowned designers, at the Signature Kitchen Suite Showroom on Milan’s Piazza Cavour.
Open since 2020, the showroom artfully exhibits the sleek offerings of the Signature Kitchen Suite while introducing visitors to the brand’s True to Food philosophy. This stylish space, where tradition meets innovation, spans three levels – ground floor, basement and mezzanine – each featuring stellar Signature Kitchen Suite built-ins designed and made to the most exacting standards. The advanced appliances on display are complemented by a nature-inspired décor designed by Calvi Brambilla, an esteemed multidisciplinary design studio based in Milan.
One of the showroom’s special zones cleverly evokes the natural beauty of Italy through the use of Milano Pink, a warm, soothing color inspired by the pink hues that adorn the Alps when viewed from Milan at sunset. Visitors can experience the unique value of Signature Kitchen Suite and LG home appliances firsthand by exploring the showroom’s Food Academy and simulated domestic spaces, which include a kitchen, living room, bedroom and laundry room.
Structured around the theme of the Art of Precision, the showroom compellingly conveys the Signature Kitchen Suite design philosophy through a hand-picked selection of artworks and engaging experiential programs. Visitors can discover different examples of the ‘art of precision’ via the exhibit’s Master Craftsmen encounters, where a flavorist, a watchmaker, a baker and a glazier each demonstrate the level of care and skill that LG’s premium built-in brand has come to represent.
A delightful display of delicate origami decorations, which greets guests as they enter the showroom’s reception area, serves as another symbolic tie to the craftsman-like quality of Signature Kitchen Suite appliances. The origami pieces are accompanied by dozens of bottles containing artisanal vanilla essence, each with its own unique aroma.
Coinciding with Milan Design Week, LG showcased a variety of stunning appliances brought to life through its collaborations with high-end furniture brands and design groups. This year, acclaimed furniture designer and architect Patricia Urquiola, known around the world for iconic designs such as the Dudet Chair and Sengu Table, partnered with LG to create a new masterpiece for Signature Kitchen Suite. Visitors to the Signature Kitchen Suite Showroom have the privilege of seeing Urquiola and LG’s ultra-chic undercounter modular refrigerator in person.
A seamless fit for both kitchens and living rooms, Urquiola’s unerringly elegant creation aligns with the popular home and interior design trend of blurring the boundaries between living spaces. Resembling a sophisticated cabinet or set of drawers,the refrigerator offers custom size and color choices to suit the specific needs and preferences of each customer. Its upper compartment can be used for the efficient storage of bottled water, beer, wine (or other beverages) and even cosmetics, while its lower compartment functions as a convenient freezer.
Another aesthetically-unimpeachable appliance that debuted during Salone del Mobile was the Signature Kitchen Suite Wine Cabin. A collaboration between LG and m2atlier, a Milan-based architectural design group, this remarkable piece provides temperature-controlled wine storage in its lower compartment, storage space for wine glasses and bottles in its upper compartment, and a beautiful cigar box in between.
The Wine Cabin’s central rotating base supports a structure that can be customized with different finishes. Encased in micro-ribbed glass, the effortlessly luxe m2atlier design was conceived as a “precious container” for the Signature Kitchen Suite under-shelf wine cellar.
From creative collaborations with leading designers to carefully curated exhibits, the Signature Kitchen Suite Showroom in Milan celebrates the essence of design, technology and luxury living.
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By News Reporter
The harmonious marriage of minimalist aesthetics and functionality is a hallmark of some of the most successful examples of industrial design. Launched earlier this year, the link hidden, please login to view (model HU710PB) portable projector exemplifies the ‘less is more’ approach, shedding all superfluous design touches to achieve a timeless look and maximum usability. Since its global debut at CES 2024, the LG CineBeam Q has won a steady stream of praise for its practical, user-friendly features and distinctive yet understated style.
The LG CineBeam Q produces immersive large-scale pictures in ultra-sharp 4K resolution. In order to achieve this, the technologically sophisticated projector utilizes more components than a conventional model – an impressive feat considering its small size. To efficiently house all of the parts required – most of which are square in shape – the design team found that a simple square shape was the most ideal for the device itself. The result is an ultra-portable projector that pairs high-performance with a super-clean, minimalist design.
The ‘boxy’ form factor of the LG CineBeam Q is augmented by a sleek metallic look; something rarely seen in today’s projector market and a point of difference that further sets LG’s product apart from the competition. Typically associated with premium IT devices, the metallic finish enables the device to double as a stylish interior accessory while also providing a pleasing tactile quality.
Thoroughly minimalist in appearance, the LG CineBeam Q’s exterior does away with any and all non-essential design elements, leaving only that which is truly needed: the lens, handle, connection ports and power button. Even the information label on the bottom of the device has been streamlined, providing a selection of essential product data for the customer’s reference, and nothing else.
The handle of the CineBeam Q not only maximizes usability, but also helps to make the product instantly recognizable. The elegant simplicity of the CineBeam Q’s 360-degree rotatable handle belies the ingenious practicality of its design, serving both as a carry-handle and as an adjustable stand.
The remarkable LG CineBeam Q delivers moving cinematic experiences in almost any setting, indoors or out. Due to its exceptionally light weight – only 1.49 kg – the CineBeam Q is easy to pick up, and can be conveniently carried to wherever it is needed. Along with prioritizing portability and performance, Lee Eun-bong, the lead product designer on the CineBeam Q, sought to create an intuitive design that users could instantly understand and feel comfortable with – even those who had never owned a projector before.
A great choice for anyone seeking a stylish, take-anywhere* projection solution, LG CineBeam Q offers a unique combination of modern minimalist design, stellar portability and stunning 4K image quality.
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* The projector operates solely through external power sources and does not feature a built-in battery. It necessitates connection to a power cord or external battery.
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By News Reporter
Milan Design Week, the world’s largest and most well-known design and furniture fair, is a mecca for the aesthetically-inclined. At this year’s event, the biennially-held EuroCucina exhibition put the spotlight on the latest trends in kitchen appliances and furnishings, with many of the industry’s major players taking part. A regular at Milan Design Week, LG delivered a stunning showcase of premium built-in kitchen appliances at a booth designed by GamFratesi, the acclaimed architecture and design studio co-founded by Italian Enrico Fratesi and Denmark’s Stine Gam.
To highlight both the ultra-premium Signature Kitchen Suite and LG’s built-in appliance lineups, the diverse range of built-in products on display clearly reflected the company’s dedication to promoting an inspired culinary lifestyle centered around the joy of sharing and savoring quality food.
“One particularly memorable episode during our collaboration with LG was the differentiation strategy for Signature Kitchen Suite and LG built-in appliances,” said GamFratesi. “This differentiation strategy was well reflected in the booth design.”
The coming together of Signature Kitchen Suite’s True to Food philosophy – founded on the importance of preserving the original flavors of fresh ingredients – and GamFratesi’s design ethos revealed a new vision for kitchen design. LG’s emphasis on quality natural ingredients was echoed by the natural materials and design elements incorporated into the exhibition booth itself, which also reflected the impact of environment and culture on different cuisine traditions. GamFratesi’s subtle use of wood and stone accentuated the beauty of the natural world while simultaneously drawing attention to the connection we form with the planet when cooking and consuming real food.
“The key points to pay attention to are the design of each island and the materials used,” noted GamFratesi. “Each island represents an independent piece of furniture that reflects our design aesthetic.”
Within the booth’s Signature Kitchen Suite zones, GamFratesi complemented the built-in brand’s gorgeous kitchen appliances with natural materials and finishings. Each display kitchen represented a seamless harmony of appliances, cabinetry, counters and décor, highlighting the transformative power of design to create special sanctuaries that celebrate authentic cooking and nature’s beauty.
Evocative, entertaining, yet entirely elegant, the Signature Kitchen Suite wine cellar zone made a lasting impression on visitors to LG’s booth. Here, GamFratesi drew inspiration from the wine-maturation process to craft a calm, almost-meditative space with a ‘cave-like’ sense of depth and a rich, atmospheric mood.
Although the synergy between LG’s built-in appliances and GamFratesi’s kitchen designs is undeniable, the process of smoothly integrating the two for the Milan Design Week showcase was not without challenges. However, through the thoughtful and purposeful placement of appliances with distinct functionalities, and via the introduction of LG’s panel-ready concept, the two innovative companies achieved the ultimate union of form and function. The results, as one can see from the images, speak for themselves.
Through the unprecedented fusion of design, technology and space, the compelling collaboration between LG and GamFratesi presented a new kind of value and a refined kitchen lifestyle. As demonstrated at Milan Design Week, and at other major exhibitions around the world, LG is committed to partnering with like-minded innovators who share its passion for pushing boundaries and elevating everyday life.
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By News Reporter
Company Introduces Stunning Home Appliances Featuring Moooi’s Distinctive
Patterns at Must-see Exhibition
SEOUL, Apr. 16, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG), in collaboration with premium Dutch lifestyle brand Moooi, is presenting the ‘A Life Extraordinary’ exhibition at Milan Design Week (MDW) 2024, running from April 16-21. The exhibition is a fusion of bold aesthetics and advanced technologies, where LG’s innovative home appliances meet Moooi’s distinctive designs and interior objects, coming together in a stunning showcase of sophisticated home living.
A Must-see Exhibition: Innovative in Home Appliances as Objet d’Art
Moooi’s “creative luxury” is immediately apparent in each engaging and elegant display that makes up the memorable exhibit. The Dutch company’s curated furniture pieces, lightings, patterns and interior accessories are perfectly paired with a wide range of stylish, premium LG appliances. Among these are the PuriCare AeroFurniture, InstaView bottom-freezer refrigerator with MoodUP, Styler clothing management system and Styler ShoeCase. LG’s state-of-the-art products and Moooi’s designer offerings not only offer convenience and comfort but also create a visually harmonious ensemble that can instantly elevate any indoor space.
Works of Art: LG Home Appliances with Exclusive Moooi Patterns
Following up last year’s successful collaboration, LG is introducing even more eye-catching Moooi designs for the PuriCare AeroFurniture at MDW. Moooi’s new Silk Bombis patterns, embodying the distinctive appearance and habitat of the silkworm, augment the unashamedly modern styling of LG’s table-type air purifier. These patterns infuse the surrounding décor with gorgeous colors and imaginative aesthetics, adding a sense of liveliness.
The LG PuriCare AeroFurniture, with its cutting-edge air purification technologies, convenient functions and a compact, cylindrical form factor, provides cleaner indoor air and a décor-friendly yet highly practical design. In addition to 360-degree air purification for a healthier, more pleasant environment, the AeroFurniture offers a mood lighting feature that allows users to easily alter the ambiance of the room to match their mood or occasion.
Lifestyle Appliances: Harmonizing Design and Tech in an Extraordinary Space
The Milan showcase also puts the spotlight on the evolved design and thoughtful features of groundbreaking LG home appliances, such as the LG InstaView bottom-freezer refrigerator with MoodUP. The impressive new model incorporates an InstaView panel with color-changing LED lighting on its fridge door, and a color-changing MoodUP panel on its freezer door. Users can choose from 438 color combinations for the freezer door and InstaView lighting, giving them considerable scope to customize the fridge’s appearance and transform the atmosphere in the kitchen.
Another lifestyle innovation on show in Milan is the LG Styler ShoeCase. The product allows users to display their favorite sneakers as if they were works of art, thanks to its 360-degree rotating turntable and transparent ‘display case’ panels. The Styler ShoeCase also provides a complete shoe care solution by maintaining the ideal conditions for shoe storage. Visitors can also explore LG’s latest Styler, a steam clothing care solution which blend seamlessly into the visually sumptuous LG x Moooi showroom.
“Our collaboration with Moooi at Milan Design Week presents an extraordinary experience where technology and design meet, and seamlessly merge,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “Leveraging the best of technology and design, we will continue to deliver advanced innovations tailored to the needs and tastes of each customer.”
Moooi’s exhibition envisioned by LG is being held during Milan Design Week from April 16-21 at the Salone dei Tessuti, 29 Via S. Gregorio, Milan, Italy.
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