We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Seung Bin Bae. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Seung Bin below.

Seung Bin, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

I believe our education system should focus more on helping students work together across different subjects from a young age. This would better prepare them for both life and their future careers.

In my own experience, I’ve noticed that while we often spend time with people in our own field, the real world requires us to collaborate with others who have different skills and knowledge. Being able to work well with people from different backgrounds is very important for success in today’s world.

Let me share a bit about my journey as a hobby filmmaker. I got my first smartphone in fifth grade and started making simple movies. Over time, I became more interested in filmmaking and began directing short films with friends, even while I was studying Industrial Design in college. This hobby gave me valuable experience in managing projects and working with a variety of people.

One of my most important projects was a film project I led in college. I brought together a team of 19 people from different fields, including entertainment, motion design, and graphic design. Some of the team members were even studying unrelated subjects like nursing but had a strong interest in filmmaking. Leading such a diverse team remotely was challenging. We had trouble with scheduling, meeting deadlines, and supporting less experienced members. But despite these challenges, the project was incredibly rewarding. The mix of skills and perspectives from each team member resulted in a final product that was far better than what I could have done alone.

This experience taught me important lessons in communication, leadership, and how to make the most of different talents. It also made me realize a gap in my Industrial Design program: there wasn’t much interaction between different departments. This lack of cross-disciplinary collaboration became clear when I took part in another college project that combined Industrial Design and Graphic Design students. At first, there was tension because we approached things differently. But as we learned to appreciate each other’s strengths, we created a design that was more innovative and complete than what either department could have done on its own.

These experiences have convinced me that encouraging teamwork across different subjects in schools would better prepare students for today’s collaborative workplaces. It helps them develop problem-solving skills, makes the most of everyone’s strengths, builds mutual understanding, and improves social skills—all of which are essential for success both professionally and personally.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that our education system should encourage students to work on projects with peers from different subjects. This approach not only makes their learning experience richer but also gives them the teamwork skills they need for a successful and fulfilling career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into industrial design began one summer in middle school when I stumbled upon a lecture by Professor Sangmin Bae from KAIST. This lecture profoundly impacted my career path, opening my eyes to the transformative power of industrial design and the concept of ‘Sharing Design.’ This experience ignited a passion within me, leading me to explore the field further through books and online resources. Today, I carry that passion into every project I undertake, driven by a desire to solve real-life problems and enhance everyday experiences.

My design philosophy centers on creating practical, user-friendly products that solve real-world problems rather than merely focusing on aesthetics. One project that embodies this approach is Ofiistory—a series of desk supplies designed to help people organize their workspaces and reduce clutter. Ofiistory addresses the common issue of losing office supplies by offering a uniform, modular system that eliminates the need for additional organizers. The components are not only easy to access, replace, and refill but are also designed with sustainability in mind, using no screws or glue, making them environmentally friendly and easy to disassemble.

Another project I’m proud of is LumiCraft. Designed specifically for ‘Art and Craft YouTubers,’ LumiCraft is a portable lighting device that allows for a versatile three-point lighting setup. Unlike traditional lighting equipment, LumiCraft seamlessly integrates with modern desk designs and features wireless charging through stacking modules. This design not only enhances video quality but also saves space and simplifies the setup process, addressing the specific needs of content creators.

What distinguishes my work is my unwavering focus on practicality, user experience, and sustainability. I strive to create products that not only serve a functional purpose but also have a positive impact on the environment. Projects like Ofiistory and LumiCraft reflect my commitment to thoughtful design—offering innovative solutions while inspiring others to think differently about everyday objects.

As I continue to explore new areas in design, my goal remains the same: to create products that improve lives, promote sustainability, and elevate the user experience. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next and invite you to be a part of it. Whether you’re a client, follower, or fellow creative, I hope my work resonates with you and inspires you as much as it does me.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team is a significant responsibility, and the key to success lies in aligning the team with clear goals and understanding each member’s strengths. Even the most talented individuals can struggle if they’re not working toward the same objective. As a leader, it’s essential to clarify the team’s mission and ensure everyone knows their role in achieving it.

Knowing your team’s skills allows you to delegate effectively and create an environment where everyone’s strengths are utilized. Flexibility is also crucial—plans may need to change, and a good leader is willing to adapt to keep the team on track.

Maintaining high morale is vital for motivation and productivity. Regularly remind your team of the purpose behind their work and the importance of their contributions. A confident and supportive leader instills a sense of security and enthusiasm, encouraging everyone to give their best effort.

Leadership can be challenging, but guiding a team to success is incredibly rewarding. By aligning goals, leveraging strengths, and keeping morale high, you can create a thriving, motivated team and enjoy the fulfillment that comes with effective leadership.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

My life is all about creativity, whether it’s in design, film production, or music. Even though industrial design is my main focus, I also find time to explore other creative outlets. Some of my friends find it unusual that I don’t spend my free time partying, drinking, or gaming. They often ask how I can stay so deeply involved in my work every day.

The truth is, I feel like time is limited because my creative energy never runs out. As an introvert, I have many thoughts and ideas that are hard to put into words. Art gives me a way to share these thoughts and connect with others without needing to speak. Whether it’s through music, video, design, or something else, art has always been my way of expressing myself.

In today’s digital world, art can be saved and shared forever. This means I can document my thoughts, values, and ideas for future generations. This desire to create and preserve is a big part of my journey. It might be hard for others to understand unless they’ve felt the same drive to create. For me, making art isn’t just a job—it’s how I express my inner world and make sure it lives on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naeillo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbin.bae/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seungbinbae

Image Credits

Seung Bin Bae