Case Study 1
Case Study 2
The three avenues of interest I have developed are the departure gate, arrival/baggage claim area, and airport lounge. As an international student since 5th grade, I have been traveling the United States and South Korea 6 times a year going back home every single break. This enabled me to experience many different airports across the globe due to numerous connecting flights and I was always able to experience the identity of each airport and its unique features.
As a frequent traveler, my favorite settings in airports were departure gates, baggage claim, and lounge. These specific areas always gave me an intense mixture of feelings such as excitement, concern, and uncertainty. That is why I have narrowed down to these three avenues of interest inside airports.
Group Research
The next task I conducted was researching the airport lounge. My partner and I first categorized the characteristics of lounges into subgroups and analyzed each trend or identity.
We realized that many of the lounges are owned by various airlines or credit card companies. Lounges are also secluded based on the class of each passenger.
Something interesting I have realized is that there aren’t any lounges available just for seniors. I found this surprising because the main purpose of the lounge is to provide comfort inside the airport for passengers and seniors should be the passengers that should receive the most assistance. I am starting to develop an idea of designing a specfic space for seniors/elders.
Potential Directions
Wayfinding
Reflecting on the prevalent challenges faced by travelers in airports, I’ve identified wayfinding as a major concern. This realization stemmed from a conversation with my grandparents, who expressed how traveling has become increasingly difficult for them. They particularly struggle with deciphering complex signage and navigating to their gates. This insight has led me to consider wayfinding as a key area for my analysis and design efforts, aiming to address and alleviate such difficulties for travelers, especially the elderly.
Airport Lounge
Having been an international student since the 5th grade, I’ve frequently traveled between the USA and Incheon, making this journey solo around 80 times. This experience has afforded me the luxury of spending considerable time in airport lounges, which I’ve generally enjoyed. Yet, despite these comforts, I’ve often felt a sense of discomfort, sensing that something about the lounge in Incheon isn’t quite right. This realization has sparked an interest in me — the idea of redesigning the lounge space. It appears to be a promising and exhilarating design challenge that could enhance the travel experience
9/14 — Speaker Reflection
This week’s studio session was exceptionally informative, featuring presentations from an architect at JPMorgan Chase and a representative from the Chicago Department of Aviation. Their insights provided valuable guidance for the direction of our project.
The Chase architect stressed the significance of cohesive branding, especially in terms of design. The idea of using repetitive design elements to build customer recognition and trust particularly resonated with me. This concept highlighted how consistent patterns or elements could profoundly influence the perceptions of travelers and visitors. Additionally, his focus on practical aspects, such as choosing non-flammable materials for airport design, underscored the importance of detail in our work.
Annie’s presentation from the Chicago Department of Aviation was equally enlightening. Understanding the intensive work her team has invested in analyzing and enhancing ORD’s signage system was remarkable. Their method of segmenting vertical space for varied functionalities opened my eyes to the importance of accommodating diverse user groups in a communal setting like an airport. This insight aligns perfectly with my budding interest in wayfinding and signage, sparking new ideas for potential improvements.
These sessions have been invaluable, equipping me with fresh insights and considerations to incorporate into our airport project design.
How Might we? ….
Brainstorm/persona
I have ultimately chosen to focus on enhancing wayfinding, with a specific aim to develop more effective signage that caters to the needs of senior travelers. This forms the basis of my finalized project question.
“How might we help senior travelers navigate their way from the moment they arrive at the airport to boarding the plane? “
User Journey, Ecosystem Mapping
Having completed a detailed analysis, I crafted a user journey map that tracks passengers from the security checkpoint to their gate. This map centers on passengers’ emotions and their most significant challenges. Constructing this journey map, along with an ecosystem mapping, has deepened my understanding of the airport environment. It has also clarified the specific issues I should target to enhance the passenger experience.
MoodBoard/ Ideation
To better conceptualize the environment I aim to design, I’ve developed a mood board focused on three central themes: innovation, futurism, and efficiency. This board visualizes an airport experience enhanced by advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and AI-driven robots, specifically tailored to improve passenger navigation from security to the gate.
The use of AR in this concept is envisioned to offer interactive, user-friendly navigation, potentially through AR glasses or smartphone applications, creating virtual pathways that are easy to follow. This would be particularly beneficial for seniors or first-time travelers in airports.
AI robots are imagined as mobile assistants, offering real-time information, language support, and a dynamic presence that adapts to passengers’ needs. This integration of technology is not just about aesthetic appeal but about practical, helpful interactions that elevate the travel experience.
Overall, this mood board represents a futuristic, technology-enhanced airport environment where ease of navigation and passenger comfort are paramount, blending advanced technology with human-centric design.
Project Development/ Iteration
One straightforward approach to improving wayfinding and assisting passengers in navigating airports is to provide clear, direct guidance on where to go. Leveraging the capabilities of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), I’ve conceptualized a solution that involves installing a dynamic direction line to guide passengers through the airport.
This system would work by integrating with passengers’ flight information. Upon entering the airport, passengers could opt into this service through a smartphone app or an AR device provided by the airport. The system, powered by AI, would then generate a personalized, virtual line on the floor, visible through the AR interface. This line would lead the passenger directly to their destination, be it their gate, a lounge, restroom, or any other location within the airport.
The beauty of this idea lies in its simplicity and personalization. Each passenger’s route is tailored to their specific flight details and preferences, potentially including stops at shops, restaurants, or rest areas. This level of customization not only enhances the travel experience but also helps manage airport traffic flow more effectively by distributing passengers more evenly throughout the facility.
Furthermore, this AR navigation system could be programmed to consider real-time data, such as crowd density, delays, or gate changes, dynamically adjusting the route to avoid congested areas and ensuring the most efficient path is taken. It could also provide estimated walking times, making it easier for passengers to manage their time in the airport.
In addition, this system could incorporate multilingual support, catering to the diverse passenger demographics typical in international airports. By providing directions and information in the user’s preferred language, the system would make the airport experience more inclusive and accessible.
Overall, this concept aims to revolutionize airport navigation by combining the intuitive nature of following a line with sophisticated AR and AI technology, offering a seamless, stress-free, and personalized journey through the airport.
Pivot/ New Start
After considerable deliberation, I have decided to pivot my focus from wayfinding to a new venture: redesigning airport lounges. This change in direction is driven by my desire to work on a project that aligns more closely with my interests and areas of personal expertise. As someone who has frequently flown with Korean Air, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding their lounge system. This unique perspective equips me with the insights necessary to identify and address the specific areas that need improvement.
My decision is also influenced by my fond memories of a rebranding project I undertook during my junior studio. That experience was not only immensely enjoyable but also enlightening, revealing my passion for transforming existing spaces and concepts into something new and exciting.
Embarking on this new journey in airport lounge design, I aim to draw upon my extensive firsthand experiences as a passenger. These experiences provide me with a nuanced understanding of what makes a lounge comfortable, functional, and appealing. I plan to conduct a thorough analysis of existing lounge designs, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and exploring how they can be reimagined to better meet the needs of today’s travelers.
Moreover, I envision incorporating elements of modern design trends and technology to enhance the lounge experience. This could include integrating smart technology for personalized comfort settings, exploring sustainable design practices to minimize environmental impact, and considering the diverse needs of passengers from various cultural backgrounds.
In addition, I see this as an opportunity to apply the lessons learned from my previous rebranding project. I intend to explore how branding and design can work together to create a cohesive, inviting, and memorable lounge experience that resonates with passengers and strengthens the airline’s brand identity.
This new direction in airport lounge design is not just a change in my academic focus; it’s a step towards fulfilling a personal passion and applying my unique skills and experiences to create meaningful and innovative design solutions in the aviation industry.
After considerable deliberation, I have decided to pivot my focus from wayfinding to a new venture: redesigning airport lounges. This change in direction is driven by my desire to work on a project that aligns more closely with my interests and areas of personal expertise. As someone who has frequently flown with Korean Air, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding their lounge system. This unique perspective equips me with the insights necessary to identify and address the specific areas that need improvement.
My decision is also influenced by my fond memories of a rebranding project I undertook during my junior studio. That experience was not only immensely enjoyable but also enlightening, revealing my passion for transforming existing spaces and concepts into something new and exciting.
Embarking on this new journey in airport lounge design, I aim to draw upon my extensive firsthand experiences as a passenger. These experiences provide me with a nuanced understanding of what makes a lounge comfortable, functional, and appealing. I plan to conduct a thorough analysis of existing lounge designs, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and exploring how they can be reimagined to better meet the needs of today’s travelers.
Moreover, I envision incorporating elements of modern design trends and technology to enhance the lounge experience. This could include integrating smart technology for personalized comfort settings, exploring sustainable design practices to minimize environmental impact, and considering the diverse needs of passengers from various cultural backgrounds.
In addition, I see this as an opportunity to apply the lessons learned from my previous rebranding project. I intend to explore how branding and design can work together to create a cohesive, inviting, and memorable lounge experience that resonates with passengers and strengthens the airline’s brand identity.
This new direction in airport lounge design is not just a change in my academic focus; it’s a step towards fulfilling a personal passion and applying my unique skills and experiences to create meaningful and innovative design solutions in the aviation industry.
Korean Air First Class Lounge
Having made the decision to undertake the rebranding and redesign of Korean Air’s first-class lounge, my first course of action was an in-depth study and analysis of the brand. This process involved delving into various aspects of Korean Air’s brand identity, its history, customer perceptions, and the current design language used in its lounges.
My research was comprehensive, encompassing not just the visual elements of the brand, but also its service ethos, market positioning, and the unique aspects that set Korean Air apart in the competitive airline industry. I explored customer reviews, brand history, and existing marketing materials to gain a holistic understanding of the brand’s core values and public image.
From this extensive analysis, I distilled my findings into several key insights. These insights were crucial in informing the direction of my design process. They helped me to identify what was most valued by Korean Air’s customers, as well as areas where the current lounge design might be falling short of the brand’s standards or customer expectations.
Based on these insights, I developed three primary concepts to focus my design efforts. Each concept was carefully crafted to align with the brand’s ethos and to address specific needs or desires of the target user group. These concepts served as guiding principles throughout my design process, ensuring that every element of the lounge redesign was cohesive, purposeful, and reflective of Korean Air’s brand identity.
In summary, this initial phase of brand study and analysis was a critical step in laying the foundation for a thoughtful and informed approach to the rebranding and redesign of Korean Air’s first-class lounge. It ensured that my design decisions were deeply rooted in an understanding of the brand and its customers, setting the stage for a successful and impactful redesign.
Target Audience
For my first-class lounge design, the target demographic is primarily individuals in their 50s to late 60s. This was determined after thorough research and data collection, which revealed that the majority of users fall within this age range. Typically, the first-class lounge caters to professionals like business executives and celebrities, as well as retired couples. Identifying these specific audience groups has greatly assisted me in conceptualizing how to structure and design the lounge space to best meet their needs and preferences.
Improvement, Problem
In my evaluation of the existing first-class lounge of Korean Air, I identified several issues that detract from the desired luxurious experience. Firstly, the lounge’s design appears outdated, lacking the contemporary elegance one would expect from a premium space. This outdated style fails to reflect Korean Air’s core brand identities of Modernity, Tradition, and Excellence.
Furthermore, the color palette currently employed in the lounge’s design contributes to a perception of cheapness rather than luxury. The choice of colors does not align with the upscale, refined image that a first-class lounge should project. Additionally, the low ceiling height in the lounge space is a significant concern, as it creates a cramped feeling rather than the spacious and open ambiance that is more fitting for a first-class environment.
Overall, the entire design structure of the lounge requires a comprehensive overhaul to elevate its aesthetic appeal, align it with Korean Air’s brand identity, and enhance the overall experience for its users.
Sketch up/ Prototype
After extensive design explorations and prototyping with foam core, I’ve finalized the basic structure of the lounge. Opting for dimensions of 20ft by 40ft, I believe this size offers an optimal balance of space. This new layout significantly surpasses the current lounge in terms of spaciousness, contributing to a more luxurious feel for passengers.
A key feature of the redesigned lounge is the entire back wall made of glass, providing a panoramic view that adds an element of scenic beauty to the space. Additionally, incorporating wood in the design not only pays homage to traditional Korean architecture but also brings a sense of nature and warmth to the environment.
The entrance of the lounge is designed with a 7ft high tunnel. This intentional design choice is aimed at creating a dramatic transition for passengers: as they emerge from the lower tunnel, they are greeted by the high-ceilinged lounge, enhancing the sense of openness and spaciousness. This architectural element is designed to offer passengers an immediate and impactful experience of luxury and comfort as they enter the lounge.
Final Rendering
The rendered images present a sophisticated and modern first-class lounge for Korean Air. The space is defined by a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements, aimed at providing a luxurious experience for passengers.
The interior design features pine wood, a choice that nods to the traditional wood used in Korean architecture, adding warmth and a touch of heritage to the space. The walls and partitions are adorned with black metallic glass, contributing to the sleek and modern aesthetic while also reflecting light to enhance the sense of openness. The floors are laid with cream-colored marble stone, whose luxury is palpable and complements the wood and glass materials.
The furniture selection is purposeful, offering passengers both comfort and privacy. The seating is arranged to create intimate spaces within the open layout, allowing for personal retreats amidst the communal setting. The inclusion of a bar area signifies indulgence and convenience, providing passengers with unlimited access to refreshments in a social yet refined environment.
Additionally, the space features a flight information screen next to the bar, ensuring passengers remain informed without compromising on comfort. The walls enclosing the lounge deliver a sense of exclusivity and protection, further enhancing the premium experience.
Overall, the design of the lounge is meticulously curated to embody the opulence expected of a first-class environment. It promises a tranquil and plush haven for travelers, balancing the need for both social interaction and private relaxation.
Physical Prototype
Utilizing MDF wood and acrylic, I constructed a physical model of the first-class lounge. Achieving a high-fidelity representation and ensuring the quality of the model posed some challenges, particularly when crafting the curved wall. Despite these difficulties, I was satisfied with the final outcome as it effectively conveyed the concept and allowed for a scaled-down visualization of the design.
Final Presentation
