For all businesses, production starts with design and ends with design. Regardless of the type, design has become instrumental in developing a product’s identity.

With technology evolving at an ever rapid pace, design has become more than just an expression of aesthetics and a tool of convenience. The convergence of design with technology has brought about new industries as it allows the businesses to break down the often fine lines that traditionally demarcate traditional industries.

Creating the greatest synergy of design, technology and business, thus, has become one of the main goals for both businesses and designers.

The 6th Herald Design Forum, slated for Nov. 8 in Seoul, will explore ways to bring such synergies with a number of leading global creative minds under the theme of "Design for Convergence."

The forum is an annual event organized by Herald Corp., the publisher of The Korea Herald, to bring together some of the worlds’ most respected names in the world of design to discuss creativity and the influence that design can have on daily life and industry.

Eight design gurus from diverse fields ranging from architecture to automobiles and e-commerce will share their professional knowledge and experiences on how they combine design with IT and business.

The one-day celebration of creativity and innovation in design will also serve as a prelude to Korea’s largest design business festival, Design Korea 2016, which kicks off on Nov. 9.

The forum will start with a lecture from crowdfunding site Kickstarter CEO Yancey Strickler on the change of the design paradigm and the necessity for it, especially, for startups. 

Alberto Alessi, the CEO of Italian houseware brand Alessi, will offer tips on creating innovative and unique designs in collaboration with other designers.

Architectural firm SANAA co-founder Kazuyo Sejima will deliver a lecture on finding solutions to architectural design in nature and humanity while BMW Chief Designer Karim Habib will give a talk on how designers should deal with the rapid pace of development in automotive technology.

Choi Eu-don, the CEO of fashion brand Eudon Choi, will offer a glimpse of how his collections embody a spirit of design that goes well beyond the borders of fashion. The British newspaper the Guardian picked Choi’s collection as one of the 10 most-notable collections at London Fashion Week in 2014.

UK industrial designer Ross Lovegrove will discuss how familiarity in design does not always lead to mediocrity but can move users’ minds and comfort them.

Bob Baxley, the former chief designer at Pinterest, will emphasize the importance of platform design in social networks.

Dick Powell, the co-founder of Industrial design firm Seymourpowell will highlight how design can bring dramatic change when designers place people as the top priority. 

Henrik Fisker, who created the world's first luxury plug-in electric car, will share his insights about how design has moved the luxury automobile industry.

The forum will also offer a premium talk session with Alessi, Lovegrove and two renowned Korean designers.

Since 2011, Herald Design Forum has provided opportunities for exploring the innovative design industry, becoming the largest forum on design in the country.

Dozens of global top minds -- ranging from world’s top industrial designer Karim Rashid, global automotive designers Chris Bangle and Peter Schreyer, architect Toyo Ito to Zuckerberg Media founder Randi Zuckerberg -- have shared their insights and experiences with thousands of participants.

More information about the Herald Design Forum is available at www.heralddesign.co.kr

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)