Hyundai x RISD
Exploring the future of mobility through advanced biodesign.
timeline:
10 weeks / summer 2025
Internship
R&D
The Brief
During the summer of 2025 I was a Research and Development (R&D) Intern for the annual summer collaborative between Hyundai Motor Group and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The 10-week program focused on designing new concepts in bio-innovation, by examining natural environments, systems, processes, and organisms with the intent to design a more circular and less harmful human-planet relationship.
what we did
Designing for the future of mobility
Hyundai designers from South Korea came to Providence to take part in this collaboration. I was paired with two CMF (Color, Material, Finish) designers from Hyundai and KIA. My team focused on exploring bio-leather and bio-varnish fabrication methods and their applications.
our visit to parsons healthy materials lab in nyc
Field Research day in east Greenwich, Rhode Island
our impact
Deepening Hyundai's commitment to a future where mobility is regenerative
Although concepts developed during the R&D phase are not expected to be deployed for another 3-5 years, RISD's partnership with Hyundai Motor Group emphasizes the importance of pushing for sustainable design solutions and lays the groundwork for actualizing a future where mobility is regenerative.
Humans
↑
Improved physical + mental health
↓
Lower exposure to toxins
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Reduced ecological footprint
Our Planet
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Restoration of planets natural systems
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Improved air quality
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Reduced resource extraction
my role
Wearing many hats…
As an R&D Intern, I juggled many roles as a Researcher, Documenter, Fabricator, and Coordinator.
*Click on each task to learn more about my role*
reflection
Key lessons learned
Think more blue sky
My previous design experiences were all under strict parameters. It was refreshing to see Hyundai push for its designers to think of imaginative solutions for the future, and in doing so expand what "mobility" could encompass.
Always consider the system
As a designer, I would often design a solution for a specific moment. This experience urged me to think about how my designs fit within our rapidly changing society and how they would remain sustainable, or evolve over periods of time.
curious for more?
This is just a small part of my experience, please contact me if you want to learn more!