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| LG Chairman Koo Bon-moo, left, is briefed on the G4 smartphone by LG Electronics mobile chief Cho Juno during his tour of the company's research center in the Gasan Digital Complex, western Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of LG |
By Kim Yoo-chul
LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo asked his top lieutenants in group affiliates to invest more in design, Wednesday.
"Consumers are the king for all of us. All LG products should have designs and functions that are consumer-friendly and easy to use," Koo told senior LG executives during an inspection of LG's research center in Gasan Digital Complex, western Seoul.
He called on them to closely cooperate with design and technical experts for product competitiveness.
Koo stressed the importance of the interaction between engineering activity and the market environment for the production of designs that will fascinate users.
"Final touches are really important. You should be aware of that," the chairman said.
Koo's trip was guided by LG Electronics mobile chief Cho Juno, head of LG Electronics' home appliance division Cho Sung-jin, the company's television chief Kwon Bong-seok, head of LG Electronics' design office Nho Chang-ho and 26 others.
LG's key products from LG G4 smartphone, wearable devices, OLED TVs, refrigerators, washers and air-conditioners were inspected by Chairman Koo.
The chairman was briefed over LG Electronics' design strategies by its design chief Nho.
"During the briefing session, Nho said LG Electronics will constantly pursue design-focused initiatives for brand awareness. LG will team up with design experts and major design houses to implement an open innovation way to strengthen the company's performance," a company spokesman said.
LG plans to partner with longtime Bang & Olufsen (B&O) designer Torsten Valeur, a move aimed at expanding the role of LG's design council. The B&O designer will participate in LG's futuristic business projects.
It also formed an alliance with a global color lab Pantone and Material Connexion of the United States to put new materials and components on upcoming LG devices.
The chairman's call for greater focus on design came after LG Electronics saw an improvement of its hardware-related businesses thanks to enhancements made in its smartphone business.
Design was the top word for LG even under the reign of a former LG Electronics CEO Nam Yong. LG's Shine, Prada and Chocolate-branded feature phones were highlighted because of their intricate designs.
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