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The one-week Future of Design and Technology customised program, in partnership with (Korea Institution of Design Promotion) and Aalto University Summer School, included lectures on artificial intelligence, responsible innovation, UX design, and the future of urban living, among others. A company visit to Konecranes also accompanied the program.  

Students worked on group projects alongside the lectures all week, where the aim was to take on the role of future journalists and storytellers and create a newspaper front page from 2040, reporting on a significant breakthrough, event, or controversy that connects to one of the program themes.  

Tell us a bit about yourselves 

Jaehyung: I'm from South Korea, currently majoring in Industrial Design at Konkuk University in Seoul. My biggest passion is audio products, and my dream is to have my own audio brand in the future. My next goal is to work for design agencies for a couple of years, potentially abroad. This short-term study program in Finland has truly been a beneficial experience for me – I can definitely see myself working outside my home country after this.  

Yein: I am from Seoul, Korea, majoring in the English language, literature, and design from Korea University 

How have you experienced the Future of Design & Technology program at Aalto? 

Yein: The culture of asking questions here in Finland is something that really made the program stand out for me. In Korea, asking questions during class is often seen as quite disruptive, whereas here, it’s a sign of showing interest towards the topic and the professor, and staying active during class. No question is too silly to ask here!

Jaehyung: It's impressive so far. I had been feeling fatigued with designing because it started to feel more like doing assignments than exploring creativity. However, after participating in the program here at Aalto University, I feel refreshed – it reminded me of my first year of studies. It encouraged me to try new things and see design from a different perspective. 

How would you describe the teaching style or learning environment?  

Jaehyung: Compared to Korea, I think the focus here is more on design fundamentals and theory. In Korea, I learned more about how to work as a designer rather than how to be one. It’s efficient and leads to strong results quickly, but can also lead to burnout. 

Although the process here is slower, it emphasises enjoying design, which I believe is essential for staying motivated. I appreciate that the teaching style and environment focus on keeping future designers inspired and passionate. 

Have you noticed anything specific about Aalto University campus or study life in Finland? 

Jaehyung: During the campus tour, I paid attention to how each department is constructed to meet its own needs. I'd love to study here!

What was your favourite part of your stay at Aalto and in Finland?  

Yein: The nature is so incredibly lush here, and the buildings and their architecture so playful and unconventional. Each building is unique, even in the heart of downtown Helsinki. 

Jaehyung: I really liked that the university was so close to the city center of Helsinki, only a 10-minute metro ride away. Tap water tastes great, and don’t even get me started on the salmon – my goal is to try as many salmon dishes as possible while I’m here. 

Why do you think it is important for students to go abroad for short-term programs like this? 

Yein: You’ll get to experience everything at once – culture, food, nature, academics. This is a great way to test what it’s like to study abroad for a longer period, as I’m sure it can feel intimidating for some students. It provides a soft landing into living and studying in another country, and I think many students will be eager for more after this. 

What do you take with you from this whole experience? 

Jaehyung: This experience refreshed me as a designer and gave me a lot of new perspectives and inspiration, while also encouraging me to consider moving abroad for work in the future. 

Yein: I learned to push my own limits. Since I’m not used to travelling and this was my first time in Europe, it encouraged me to keep challenging myself and trying new things – you never really know until you’ve tried.