Spotlight on South Korea

Nov 1, 2023|Fixtures|Kaija Wilkinson

Kaija Wilkinson
Nov 1, 2023

OEMs earn accolades for innovative designs.

Otis and TK Elevator (TKE) announced in August their South Korea teams earned recognition for fixtures aimed at enhancing usability, public safety and aesthetics. Düsseldorf, Germany-headquartered TKE said it “once again demonstrated its exceptional design prowess” by winning the Red Dot Design Award 2023 for the Color Index System concept in the Interaction and User Experience category. The Korea division of Farmington, Connecticut-headquartered Otis had two concepts recognized as finalists in the 2023 International Excellence Awards (IDEA): the Gen3^TM Ambiance Series and Lifeguard Handrail, which were honored in the Environments/Concepts and Speculative Design categories, respectively.

Developed in Korea, TKE’s Color Index System represents the fourth Red Dot Award the company has received since becoming independent in 2020. In 2021, its rebranding initiative garnered two awards and its S200 Stairlift, one. The Color Index System uses a different color for each floor in an underground carpark elevator system, enabling passengers to instinctively remember on which floor they parked. In addition to the fixtures, colors of the elevator cabin and lobby are unified “to reinforce users’ perceptions and maintain consistency in design,” according to the TKE Korea team. TKE called the system “a testament to the approach of delivering exceptional customer experiences by gaining an in-depth understanding of user needs.”

Considered one of the world’s top three design awards along with Germany-based Red Dot, IDEA is organized by the International Designers Society of America. IDEA finalist Otis’ Gen3 Ambiance Series is themed around a “voyage to another world,” featuring designs that capture four different cultures of the East and West. Otis observes:

“The nature, architecture and artworks representing each culture are reinterpreted into elevator designs to deliver a unique experience for passengers. Indirect lighting, which provides a dynamic spatial impression by changing color temperature, is also one of the factors that enhance the aesthetic value of the product.”

Lifeguard Handrail is a digitally connected handrail that provides what Otis Korea describes as “a passenger reassurance rescue service.” After a passenger presses the emergency call button in an elevator, they are connected to the OTISLINE^® 24/7 call center. When a support center agent connects via video call on the Otis eView^TM display and assesses the situation in the car, the agent can deploy handrail resources such as emergency drinking water, an oxygenator and an air aroma purifier built into the handrail. Otis Korea Design Center Director Ji-Hyun Jeong observes:

**Otis’ Lifeguard Handrail; image courtesy of Otis**

“As the expansion of the Internet of Things ecosystem grows, connectivity is becoming a key aspect of our lives and, accordingly, mobility is getting more and more attention. The Gen3 Ambiance Series and Lifeguard Handrail are optimized designs for such trends. Based on safety — one of our absolute values to pursue — we are responding to the needs of the times, and we are honored to be recognized on the world stage.”

**TKE’s Color Index System; image courtesy of TKE**

The finalist designation earns Otis Korea a digital listing in the IDEA Gallery, a print listing in INNOVATION Magazine: Yearbook of Design Excellence and permission to use the IDEA Featured Finalist logo in promotional materials.

Major OEMs including Otis and TKE are focused on South Korea as a vibrant and growing market. TKE states:

“Over the past few decades, we have played a significant role in development of Korea’s urban infrastructure by offering innovative and user-friendly mobility solutions to commercial and residential developments, as well as transportation infrastructure projects. TKE’s multipurpose facility in Cheonan, South Korea, is not only a world-class manufacturing facility, but also a center of excellence for training and innovation.”