Soo Soo (2026)

I had a question while researching smart glasses in an HCI lab: “Why don't people actually want to wear them?” I realized the biggest barrier was not the technology itself but perception. People saw smart glasses as futuristic gadgets rather than something they would genuinely want to wear.

At the same time, I noticed a similar pattern in Korean culture. While Korea is often represented through modern images like K-pop, the aesthetics of traditional culture are still waiting to be reinterpreted in contemporary ways. To me, both smart glasses and Korean culture shared the same challenge: moving beyond a fixed image.

Using the aesthetics of traditional Korean accessories, I reimagined smart glasses as a fashion object instead of a tech product. From the name “Soo Soo” to the product design, model styling, and campaign visuals, every creative decision was guided by one consistent concept: presenting smart glasses as something people would genuinely want to wear, rather than simply admire as technology.

This project is meaningful to me because it reflects how I like to think: finding unexpected connections between two unrelated subjects and using them to change the way people perceive both. Reinterpreting the everyday familiarity of glasses alongside the timeless values of Korean culture reminded me that meaningful design is about giving enduring values a new way to be seen.

CONCEPT

Rebranding, Traditional, Refined, Elegance, Modern

PROCESS

Moodboard > Product Design > Model Shots

TOOLS

ChatGPT, Midjourney, Runpod, ComfyUI, NanoBanana, Figma

Ideation

"Soo Soo" is the central concept of this project.

I reimagined this Korean word through three Chinese character combinations

守秀, 修秀, and 秀秀 to represent preservation, refinement, and beauty.

Product

Before generating designs directly, I first explored how Korean aesthetic elements could be integrated into different parts of the glasses. Using a defined color palette, patterns, and accessories, I carefully considered their placement on the rims, temples, hinges, and end pieces.

Model

Rather than relying on stereotypical Asian appearances, I reimagined Korean identity through aesthetics inspired by traditional Korean colors, patterns, and design elements.

Result