San Francisco Design Week 2025
Highlighting Korea’s growing design influence through global engagement in Silicon Valley
In June 2025, six Korean design companies traveled to the United States to take part in San Francisco Design Week (SFDW)—a globally recognized celebration of design, technology, and innovation. The initiative was part of the 2025 Global Market Development Delegation, organized by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP), aimed at supporting Korean designers in reaching international markets and forming meaningful partnerships.
Among the participating companies was Unichest, an industrial design firm based in South Korea. Their field report offers a closer look at what the experience meant on both a professional and cultural level.
(1) Immersed in Innovation: A Visit to Plug & Play Tech Center
One of the key stops was the Plug & Play Tech Center in Sunnyvale, a renowned startup accelerator that has helped launch companies like Google and PayPal.
It provided a unique opportunity for the delegation to explore Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem firsthand.
Unichest participated in IR pitch sessions, one-on-one consultations, and a customized mentoring program with U.S.-based design and tech professionals.
These sessions provided concrete feedback and helped clarify strategies for entering the American market.
“The experience offered a valuable shift in perspective,” said a Unichest representative. “It allowed us to rethink our approach from a global standpoint.”
(2) K-Design Symposium: Meaningful Conversations in the Heart of San Francisco
The K-Design Symposium was held at Blue Stream Gallery, located in downtown San Francisco. The event brought together Korean and American professionals in design, technology, and entrepreneurship to exchange ideas and showcase creative work.
“Engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds helped us reflect on how we present and communicate design. It was truly insightful,” they shared.
At the symposium, Unichest introduced recent projects that emphasized user-centered design and the integration of function and aesthetics. During the networking session, the team engaged in thoughtful discussions about design philosophies, user needs, and market adaptation.
These moments of exchange allowed the team to gather valuable feedback while also sharing Korean design sensibilities with a global audience.
(3) About Unichest
Unichest is a full-service industrial design company that offers end-to-end development—from research and concept planning to prototyping and production. With experience across industries such as consumer electronics, healthcare, and smart home technology, the company prioritizes both functionality and visual harmony in its work.
A close collaboration between designers and engineers allows Unichest to deliver solutions that are not only practical but also emotionally engaging and technically sound.
(4) Looking Ahead: Design as a Global Connector
For Unichest, this U.S. visit was more than just an exhibition opportunity—it was a chance to reset, learn, and explore new directions. Firsthand exposure to international design environments and diverse perspectives helped deepen the team’s understanding of global standards and creative approaches.
It also sparked internal reflection on how to better align their design philosophy with the needs of a broader, more culturally diverse audience.
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Building on the momentum from San Francisco Design Week, Unichest is committed to expanding its global presence through long-term partnerships with overseas companies, design institutions, and innovation networks.
“This trip gave us clearer direction for what comes next in the global market,” the team noted. “We’re excited to continue building connections through design.”
The company views this experience not only as a successful showcase of its capabilities, but as a catalyst for deepening its understanding of global design trends, user behavior, and regional market dynamics. By integrating these insights into future projects, Unichest aims to develop solutions that are not only aesthetically refined and technically sound, but also contextually relevant and globally adaptable. Looking ahead, the company will continue to invest in cross-cultural collaboration and design-driven innovation to position Korean design as a vital contributor to the international design landscape.