yeongkyu YOO

Yeongkyu Yoo is an industrial designer known for blending product design, strategy, branding, materials, packaging, and digital experiences. He began his professional career in 1997 with Samsung Electronics' mobile team, and later worked with Nike's U.S. headquarters, LG Electronics, and joined iRiver as the Global Creative Director in 2006. Under his leadership, iRiver integrated industrial design, UX, retail, and exhibition design into a new user experience, establishing its global brand presence.

“iRiver made arguably the strongest design statement at C.E.S. this year. The Korean company has recently undergone a rebranding under the aegis of its creative director, Yeongkyu Yoo, who left Nike to reinvent the electronics maker. Everything we saw — the slick, white exhibit enclosure, the light-box display cases, the product packaging and the chic products themselves.” - The New York Times

Subsequently, as Creative Director at Microsoft, he developed new languages for Xbox and HoloLens.His minimalist design philosophy has continued to influence his work, with his independent design studios in Seoul and Seattle serving as inspirational spaces where he freely realizes his vision. He collaborates only with brands that empower him to share his philosophy and complete his design language.

"The Elegant, Beautiful Simplicity Of Cloudandco.” - FastCompany

Yoo is adept at integrating new materials and technologies into design to create exceptional outcomes. His patent for the Invisible LED concept from Nike has been applied to numerous everyday products, and his collaboration with Japanese artisans on the Floating Lamp showcased a blend of new technology and tradition, leaving many viewers amazed.

"Yeongkyu Yoo, a designer known for his innovative creativity and adept use of the latest technology, has brought out the best in the highly skilled artisans of Mihoya Glass. His theme for our project was: 'A fusion of the most traditional and the most futuristic.' The simplicity of his design, combined with the artisan spirit of the professionals at Mihoya Glass—who become even more inspired when faced with difficult challenges—has resulted in an innovative design that is marvelously fresh and new to viewers.” - Japan Creative

His work has earned over 40 top awards from Red Dot, Cannes Lions, Clio, The Unsigned, and IDSA. He is deeply invested in social design projects aimed at solving societal issues and is currently working on projects such as Dot Watch and Dot Pad for the visually impaired, developing new materials for environmental sustainability, and projects highlighting the value of craftsmanship.

Recognized as the “Outstanding Asia Talent of 2014,” Yeongkyu Yoo is celebrated as a leading next-generation designer in South Korea. His 27-year-long design philosophy has been highly praised by prominent media and top designers.

“Yeongkyu Yoo's design is extremely minimalist, giving a refreshing sense whenever you look at it.” - Kenya Hara, Japanese graphic designer.