The Pant Project Launches Flagship Store In Kochi On July 19, 2025

The Pant Project, India’s rising clothing brand, is all set to launch its flagship store in Kochi on July 19, located on Mahatma Gandhi Road. This marks a major milestone in the brand’s expansion journey, bringing its signature focus on fit, comfort, and premium fabrics to Kerala.

Designed with a multi-use approach, the store highlights The Pant Project’s bestselling categories including Power Stretch, Formals, and a versatile pants universe featuring Linen, Wool, Chinos, Cargos, and Jeans. Customers can enjoy a personalized experience through in-store masters and an AI-based sizing technology currently under testing.

“We’ve had consistent demand from our Kochi customers over the years, and this store is our way of bringing them closer to a tailored pant experience,” said Dhruv Toshniwal, Founder. In line with Dhruv, Udit Toshniwal, Founder said “We’ve seen a high volume of repeat customers from Kochi via our online channels. This store is our way of giving back by offering high-quality fabric, class-leading fit, and real value.”

Further Sharath Raju, VP-Retail added “We plan to expand across key cities this year, bringing our unique fit experience closer to customers nationwide.”

With linen and PV cotton collections tailored for Kerala’s climate, and water-repellent pants ideal for monsoon wear, the store brings both relevance and innovation to local shoppers. The brand currently operates in six cities, with plans to expand to three more by year-end. As a launch offer, the Kochi store will feature a 30% discount on all products on Saturday and Sunday (19th & 20th) and it's valid only for early visitors.

EDII Incubated Omspace Rocket & Exploration Secures $3M Pre-Seed Funding To Build Indigenous Small Satellite Launch Vehicle

Omspace Rocket & Exploration Private Limited, an Indian space-tech startup incubated at CrAdLE (Centre for Advancing & Launching Enterprises), Technology Business Incubator at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), has successfully raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment, led by a Family Office and an Angel Investor, marks a significant milestone in Omspace’s journey to develop Infinity One, an indigenous, modular launch vehicle designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite missions.

Founded in 2020 by a passionate team of engineers and innovators — Dr Ravindra Raj Binod Mistri, Mr. Maulik Mota, and Ms. Stutika Padamshali, Omspace is headquartered in Ahmedabad, with an international presence in Dubai, UAE. Omspace's flagship innovation, Infinity One, aims to deliver payloads of approximately 350 kg to altitudes of up to 800 km. With an emphasis on fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the launch system seeks to offer reliable launch solution for India’s growing space-tech sector.

The newly raised funds will be utilized to:

• Finalise and begin test launches of the Infinity One prototype

• Expand Omspace’s research & development team and hire specialised talent

• Strengthen the company’s manufacturing infrastructure and ground systems

CrAdLE, the Technology Business Incubator at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), plays a pivotal role in nurturing early-stage ventures across sectors, especially in deep-tech and innovation-led domains. Backed by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, CrAdLE has been instrumental in guiding Omspace through technical validation, strategic mentoring, and business planning. With its support, Omspace is now accelerating the development and testing of its flagship launch vehicle, Infinity One.

Dr Mistry, Co-Founder of Omspace Rocket & Exploration Private Limited, said, “This funding is a major milestone in our mission to democratise access to space from India. We are deeply thankful to CrAdLE and EDII for believing in our vision and enabling us with the resources, mentorship, and environment to take bold leaps.”

Dr Satya Ranjan Acharya, Director, CrAdLE, EDII, said, “At CrAdLE (Centre for Advancing & Launching Enterprises), we’re proud to support ventures like Omspace Rocket & Exploration that are pushing the boundaries of technology and placing India on the global space-tech map. Their journey reflects the potential of indigenous innovation backed by the right ecosystem.”

As India strengthens its space-tech ecosystem with a vibrant private sector push, startups like Omspace are emerging as key contributors to building indigenous, scalable, and affordable space solutions.

Till date, CrAdLE has supported 135 startups, fostering technology and knowledge-based entrepreneurial ventures in four focus sectors: manufacturing, food processing, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Sri Eshwar College of Engineering, Coimbatore, New Horizon College of Engineering & PES University wins ‘The Great Learning AI Challenge’

• Marking World Youth Skills Day, the Challenge sparked a nationwide movement with participation from 12,000 students representing over 200 colleges.

• 45+ GenAI Courses, worth Rs 40,000, were offered free on Great Learning Academy Platform between July 13-15

 

In a bold step to accelerate GenAI literacy among India’s youth, Great Learning successfully concluded the inaugural edition of “The Great Learning AI Challenge” on World Youth Skills Day, drawing massive participation from across the nation.  Over 16,000 individuals across India enrolled in 45+ GenAI courses, with certificates worth ₹40,000, offered completely free through Great Learning Academy between July 13 - 15. The three-day upskilling sprint witnessed enthusiastic participation from 12,000 college students, representing over 200 colleges and 4,000 early career professionals. Notably, 60% students were from tier 2 cities, highlighting the growing awareness of the importance of acquiring Generative AI skills in these cities.

 

Following competitive tracking through a leaderboard, the winning institutions were crowned in two categories. In both the GenAI Super Squad (highest number of unique participants) and GenAI Masterminds (most course completions) categories, Sri Eshwar College of Engineering, Coimbatore, New Horizon College of Engineering, and PES University, Bangalore secured the top three positions.

 

Commenting on the challenge, Aparna Mahesh, Chief Marketing Officer, Great Learning, said, “What we witnessed with The Great Learning AI Challenge was truly heartening. Gen Z is not just adapting to the AI revolution; they are leading it with passion and purpose. While we did set out to offer free courses, it sparked something bigger, a sense of possibility, of confidence, of being future-ready. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed from students across the country reflected a generation eager to shape India’s future in technology and innovation. What began as a learning initiative quickly turned into a national movement and reminded us why we do what we do. At Great Learning, we are committed to keeping this momentum alive by empowering youth with meaningful opportunities to build successful, future-ready careers in an AI-driven world.”

 

Enrollment trends revealed a strong focus on core GenAI concepts, with Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT, Generative AI for Beginners and ChatGPT for Beginners being the most popular courses during the challenge, followed by ChatGPT for Marketing, ChatGPT for Excel, and Build a Website using ChatGPT. Some of the other courses that were of interest to students were Data Analytics Using ChatGPT with Excel and Python, ChatGPT for Business Communication and Interview Preparation Using Gemini.

 

Harshit Gajendran from New Horizon College of Engineering distinguished himself as the top performer of The Great Learning AI Challenge by completing 45 GenAI courses within just three days, a truly exceptional accomplishment that demonstrated both determination and a deep commitment to upskilling. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: “The Great Learning AI Challenge was unlike anything I have done before. It really pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and dive deep into the world of Generative AI. Finishing all the courses in just three days wasn’t easy, but it helped me build a strong understanding of everything from prompt engineering to problem-solving with AI. What made it truly special was being part of something bigger, a nationwide challenge where thousands of us were learning, competing, and growing together. Being named the top performer among thousands of participants is incredibly motivating. It feels like all the effort has truly paid off.”

 

The initiative, anchored by the campaign tagline ‘Gen Z Goes GenAI — Because careers don’t start with jobs, they start with skills’, underscored the growing urgency for young professionals to build expertise in emerging technologies. Designed to accelerate GenAI adoption across India, the challenge served as an accessible and inclusive platform for learners to gain in-demand skills, earn recognised credentials, and engage with AI meaningfully. By offering high-quality learning at scale and no cost,  the campaign helped bridge the gap between traditional education and industry expectations, while laying a strong foundation for India’s youth to thrive in an increasingly AI-powered world.

 

About Great Learning

Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional learning and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology, and interdisciplinary domains, driving the digital economy. These programs are developed and offered in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions in various formats, such as - certificate programs (ranging from 3-11 months), online degrees, as well as hybrid degrees. Great Learning is able to leverage the highly qualified, world-class faculty at these universities, together with its vast network of 7800+ industry expert mentors, to deliver an unmatched learning experience for over 13 million learners from over 170 countries around the world.

Driving The Future: Kotak Mahindra Prime Is Now A Preferred Financier For Tesla In India

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• Kotak Mahindra Prime first to be appointed as a Preferred Financer for Tesla in India

• Kotak Mahindra Prime will offer specially curated finance schemes for Tesla buyers

• Buyers can check financing options on Tesla’s India portal / mobile app

 

With Tesla bringing in its revolutionary electric vehicles to India, Kotak Mahindra Prime (KMPL) has been officially announced as a Preferred Financer, offering its seamless financing experience for their futuristic EVs.

 

Kotak Mahindra Prime, one of India’s leading auto finance company, is the first among financers to be appointed as a Preferred Financer for Tesla in India. KMPL will be offering specially curated car finance schemes for Tesla EV buyers. Buyers would be able to check financing options by KMPL on the Tesla India portal / mobile application itself for a seamless buying experience.

 

Shahrukh Todiwala, MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Prime, put it best: “Tesla has redefined mobility with their cutting-edge technology. Their entry in the Indian market is a pivotal moment as the Indian automobile industry continues to make new strides towards green mobility. We at KMPL have always been at the forefront of financing sustainable mobility solutions. Our collaboration with Tesla will give further impetus to our efforts in enabling customers realise their aspiration towards a more sustainable living.”

 

About Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited:

Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL) is a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and has been one of India's leading car finance company since 1996. In 2018, KMPL successfully kick-started its two-wheeler loan business and has also begun offering Loan Against Property since 2022. In the automobile space, KMPL finances new, pre-owned passenger cars and two wheelers for retail consumers as well as provides wholesale financing to automobile dealerships. The company has preferred financier relationships and tie-ups with various automobile manufacturers in India. KMPL provides Loans Against Property against both commercial and residential real estate, ensuring ready finance for business or personal needs. KMPL's retail distribution network comprises of 161 branches across 24 states in India that is further supported by a wide network of direct marketing associates and agencies across the country. https://www.primeloans.kotak.com.

Kinetic Green, Tonino Lamborghini Of Italy Partner To Unveil Electric Luxury Golf & Lifestyle Cart Range For Global Markets

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  Themed as “Lifestyle in Motion”, this sophisticated range represents a synergy of Italian design and Indian innovation

In a landmark collaboration set to redefine luxury mobility, Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited of India and Tonino Lamborghini SpA of Italy, today proudly hosted the grand global unveiling of their exclusive range of sophisticated and advanced golf and lifestyle carts for the global markets. The meticulously crafted golf and lifestyle carts are set to redefine luxury mobility, marking Kinetic Green’s groundbreaking entry into the bespoke 4-wheeler mobility segment and signals a major global expansion by the EV maker, along with Tonino Lamborghini SpA, where unparalleled Italian design seamlessly blends with Kinetic Green's proven electric vehicle expertise.

 

The unveiling ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister of Industry and Commerce of India, Shri. Piyush Goyal, as the esteemed Chief Guest, joined by H.E. Dr. Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India, as the Guest of Honor, further cementing the strong ties between the two nations. Dr. Arun Firodia, Chairman of the Kinetic Group, and Dr. Tonino Lamborghini, Founder, Tonino Lamborghini SpA were among the key distinguished guests. The launch was attended by senior government officials, leading golf enthusiasts, prominent industrialists and hospitality moguls, as well as national and international media.

 

A fusion of Italian design and Indian Technology               

A symphony of Italian design and Indian engineering, the Tonino Lamborghini Golf Cart embodies a luxury lifestyle statement. In a world first, these advanced electric vehicles - designed in Italy - will be manufactured in India and marketed globally under the prestigious Tonino Lamborghini brand and will sport the hallowed red shield with the iconic Bull. Tonino Lamborghini is one of the world’s foremost prestigious luxury brands, founded by Dr. Tonino Lamborghini over 45 years ago. This illustrious brand redefines lifestyle and has seen its business burgeon from bespoke furniture and lifestyle accessories, watches, the smart café format TL Rosso Café, iconic branded real estate to hospitality.

 

The golf and lifestyle carts created by this unique joint venture are sophisticated and stunning. Their design expresses a language that is differentiated, bold, elegant and timelessly Italian! Infused with the very soul of bespoke luxury, this golf cart extends the Tonino Lamborghini legacy, promising an unparalleled aesthetic. The Tonino Lamborghini Golf and Lifestyle Carts will be available across 2-seater, 4-seater, 6-seater, and 8-seater configurations, ensuring a perfect fit for a multitude of upscale applications – from championship golf courses and sprawling luxury resorts and hotels to vast private estates, exclusive gated communities, airports, corporate campuses, large recreational properties and industrial facilities.

 

Expressing her excitement during the special unveiling occasion, Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green said, "For a long, the golf cart segment has awaited a true disruptor – an extraordinary offering that transcends the mundane. Over the years, the use of golf carts has extended well beyond golf- to luxury resorts, world-class airports, sprawling townships and corporate campuses and to personal use. But the design and specifications of popular golf carts has remained much the same, and this is where we see a large global market ready for disruption!

 

Our JV will leverage the long legacy of the Kinetic Group in automotive engineering, Kinetic Green’s pioneering expertise in design and manufacture of electric vehicles and the experience of our partner, Tonino Lamborghini’s global experience in redefining design and lifestyle experiences and to top it all, marketing our products globally using the famous red shield with the iconic Bull. This fusion of our robust Indian engineering and EV capabilities with Tonino Lamborghini’s unparalleled design prowess and global luxury vision is not just a partnership; it is a confident declaration. We are poised to create a disruption in this segment and work towards seizing leadership, globally, bringing a confident, and ambitious new benchmark to markets that are ripe for revolution. For Kinetic Green, this marks the beginning of our global journey, bringing Made in India EVs to the World. Kinetic Green’s aim is to build a USD 1 billion EV business by 2030 and this JV will play a key part in our global ambitions.”

 

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Ferruccio Lamborghini, Vice President, Tonino Lamborghini SpA said, "This collaboration with Kinetic Green marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the brand founded by my father over 45 years ago. Together, we have created a project that combines the best of two worlds: the elegance and identity of Italian design with the strength, efficiency, and innovation of Indian manufacturing. This is more than an industrial joint venture – it is a bridge between two entrepreneurial cultures, united by a shared vision of the future. At Tonino Lamborghini, we believe in redefining everyday experiences into expressions of style, performance, and unmistakable identity. Our brand philosophy is deeply rooted in my family’s heritage yet constantly driven by innovation and a passion for excellence.

With these golf and lifestyle carts, we are bringing that philosophy to life in a new segment – delivering not just vehicles, but a bold statement of lifestyle in motion. We chose India not only as a strategic production base, but also as a symbol of openness, growth, and global ambition. With Kinetic Green, we share fundamental values: a deep focus on the customer, continuous innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. The result is a product range that reflects the very soul of our brand – powered by cutting-edge technology and destined for discerning customers around the world. The Tonino Lamborghini Golf Carts embody our vision of electric lifestyle mobility: elegant, high-performing, and purpose-driven. We are proud to launch this journey in such a dynamic market as India, confident that it will carry our style and passion for excellence to every corner of the world."

 

Design and Technical Specifications

Beneath that captivating exterior lies an engineering marvel, delivering unrivalled performance and absolute peace of mind. Key features include Tailored MacPherson Suspension for unparalleled smoothness and Hydraulic Assurance with advanced four-wheel brakes for rock-steady stability. One can feel the ‘Power of the Bull’ with a robust 45 Nm of torque and 30% gradeability, ensuring effortless navigation anywhere. Tonino Lamborghini Golf Carts offer a whisper-quiet ride, powered by an advanced Li-Ion battery - with wireless battery charging system – which boasts of maintenance-free operation, 10-year life, and an impressive range of up to 150 km; all secured by a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.

 

The luxury lifestyle of these exclusive golf carts extends to functionality with enhanced ergonomics, featuring luxurious seating, generous legroom, and intuitive controls for an effortless driving experience. A testament to innovative design and engineering, the Universal Drive capability allows the Tonino Lamborghini Golf Carts to seamlessly adapt to both left and right-hand drive, truly embracing the freedom to drive in style in any part of the world.

 

Tonino Lamborghini Golf Carts are replete with intelligent features designed to elevate everyday convenience. A Smart TFT Dashboard provides vital information, complemented by essential safety features like Hill Hold for safety and Electronic Parking Brakes. Modern living is catered to with Wireless Mobile Charging, while LED Headlights ensure clear visibility. Practicality is not overlooked, with Extended Smart Storage, a dedicated Golf Bag Holder, an On-Board Charger, a Caddie Stand, and a Foldable Windshield.

 

Global Business Plans

The global electric golf and lifestyle cart market is estimated to be a USD 5 Billion market and stands on the precipice of extraordinary transformation, due to growing use of these carts for multiple applications beyond golf, and due to preference for sustainable transportation for the last mile. North America's commanding 40.3% market share, alongside Europe's sophistication and Asia-Pacific's meteoric ascent, creates an unprecedented opportunity across golf's 60% dominance and lifestyle's growing contribution at 40% penetration. Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini Pvt Ltd. has an ambitious global expansion plan, beginning with Asia, specifically India and UAE, and then plan to foray rapidly into the markets of Europe, USA and beyond. Over the next five years, the JV intends to be present in 30 countries representing 80% of the global golf cart market, with an aggressive growth plan targeting an annual revenue goal of $300 million within 5 years.

 

The company has unveiled their range of Tonino Lamborghini golf carts, with two significant series: The Genesis Range, a legacy to the origin, representing a chic Italian design; and the ultra-premium, futuristic Prestige Range, a legacy to the future. The two variant series will enable the Company to provide multiple applications and target different segments of the market.

 

The company has commenced the manufacturing of these stunning e-carts at its integrated manufacturing facility located near Pune and intends to leverage the Nhava Sheva port near Mumbai for its export operations. The company has appointed distributors in India, various markets in UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, Maldives; and soon plans to finalize its distribution partners in New Zealand, Sri-Lanka and key markets in Asia including Thailand and Indonesia. After tapping these markets in the first phase, Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini will expand its operations to rest of Asia, Europe and USA markets. 

 

About Kinetic Green

Kinetic Green is one of the leading players in India’s electric vehicle sector, offering a wide range of electric 3-wheelers and electric 2-wheelers. Helmed by Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, a third-generation scion of the Firodia family, Kinetic Green is dedicated to building a robust pan-India EV ecosystem and developing sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions, with a vision to democratise electric mobility, and to bring EVs to the mainstream- accessible to not just the classes, but to the masses

 

Kinetic Green has formed a Joint Venture with the world’s leading luxury brand, Tonino Lamborghini of Italy, to develop a range of Electric Golf Carts and Lifestyle Carts for the global markets. To fuel its aggressive growth plans, the company recently secured $25 million in its Series A funding round from UK based PE fund, Greater Pacific Capital and is in the process to raise another $30 million.

 

About Tonino Lamborghini SpA

Since 1981, Tonino Lamborghini has been celebrated for innovative design and exclusive luxury. The brand has expanded from eyewear to watches, fashion accessories, and into sectors such as hospitality, real estate, total living, luxury beverages, and even electric golf carts - all reflecting the elegance and sophistication of Italian design. More information can be found at: www.lamborghini.it.

The Next Chapter In Innovation: Galaxy Z Fold7 And Galaxy Z Flip7

The Galaxy Z series has set the standard for foldable phones from its very first launch, with a new release every year. Now in its seventh chapter, the latest design revisits where it all started. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are the result of refinements made over each year of innovation. Samsung Newsroom spoke with Hubert Lee, Head of the Design Team and Huichul Yang, Head of the UX (User eXperience) Team, to discover the story behind the products and the designers’ persistent pursuit of incredible design. 

Hubert Lee, Executive Vice President, MX Business, Samsung Electronics: Since joining as Head of the MX Design Team in late 2022, Lee has overseen the design direction for all MX product launches. With the launch of the new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, Lee showcases Galaxy’s ultimate pursuit of ultra-sleek and modern design.

 

Huichul Yang, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung Electronics: Since joining Samsung in 2005, Yang has played a pivotal role in advancing mobile UX innovation as an HCI (Human Computer Interaction) expert. Since late 2023, Yang has led the UX Team in the MX Business, crafting the mobile experiences powered by Galaxy AI.

 

Q. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 have finally been unveiled. As the heads of the Design and UX teams, it must mean a lot to both of you.

 

Lee: Among the products I’ve designed at Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold7 stands out as the one I am most proud of. Most people said, “Wow!” as soon as they saw it. It’s the thinnest, lightest Galaxy Z Fold series model yet. I believe it captures the essence of what a foldable phone can be. It’s only just been unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in New York, but I’m confident that customers will understand its true value as they see it up close and get a feel for it in their hands.

 

Yang: Alongside the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, we also introduced One UI 8, an interface optimized for the AI experience. I believe that a sleek, modern design — paired with an intuitive interface — can really resonate with users seeking a more elevated mobile experience in this age of AI.

 

Q. It’s clear you’re both really proud of the products. It must have taken a lot of work to get it out into the world.

 

Lee: The Galaxy Z series marked the very beginning of foldable phones. To solidify that symbolism, we knew we had to create a product that felt truly impressive to anyone who saw it. There was a shared understanding within the team that simply repeating what we had done in the past wouldn’t be enough to meet customer expectations. Change wasn’t a choice; it was a must. That’s why with the seventh models of the Galaxy Z series, we didn’t approach it as a refinement — we approached it as a redesign from the ground up. We approached it as if we were starting completely from scratch. We design lifestyle products. To be part of people’s daily lives, portability is essential and reducing weight was key to achieving that. Our mobile R&D office put in a huge amount of effort in that respect. The nature of the hardware meant there was a certain weight we had to carry, but we kept wondering if we could make it just a little bit lighter. That led to a lot of research and testing. As it became lighter, it became thinner and the display larger, until we arrived at the sleek, modern form we had envisioned. The product you see is the result of countless hours of deliberation, passion and engineering.

 

Q. How did changes to the design of products affect the user interface?

 

Yang: Since One UI 6, we’ve been introducing a range of AI features as an AI companion. With One UI 8, we focused on meaningful productivity. We took advantage of the Galaxy Z Fold7’s large-screen form factor to enable users to easily compare original and AI-generated content side by side and move it seamlessly between apps.

 

Q. What are the changes to the Galaxy Z Flip7 UX?

 

Yang: One of the standout features of the Z Flip7 is its full-front FlexWindow. Gemini is now optimized for the FlexWindow, enabling quick and seamless interaction with AI — anytime you need it. It’s our new take on an AI companion — one that unfolds right in the palm of your hand. Notably, the form factor is such that the main camera faces you when folded, so now you can launch Gemini Live from the FlexWindow and ask about everyday things, like if your outfit is appropriate for the weather or your schedule for the day.

 

Q. The products come in a range of colors. Which one is your favorite?

 

Lee: I love them all but if I had to choose one, it would have to be Silver Shadow. It’s the most straightforward and simple one, but I think it represents Galaxy’s “Ultra Sleek, Ultra-Modern” concept really well. When customers buy premium products like the Galaxy Z Fold7, they tend to prefer values that feel timeless, so we really took that into consideration when choosing the colors for this series. We leveraged the metallic material to bring the colors to life in a way that expresses our design intent and complements the foldable form factor. One of the standout colors of this series is Blue Shadow. As you move the product around, the shine and sophistication are noticeable from all angles.

 

Q. Even though you’re on different teams, you’ve been working on the same product. How did the Design and UX teams get connected?

 

Yang: Wallpaper design is where we really tend to collaborate closely. We work together to make sure the message the Design team wants to convey is properly communicated through the wallpaper, the face of the product. For One UI 7, we aligned the product’s corner radius with the One UI icon geometry. We’ll continue to align the GUI (Graphic user interface) with the underlying style of the product for future releases, too.

 

Q. How do the team members collaborate?

 

Lee: The Design team holds a session called Design Clinic. Group leaders and managers come together to share ongoing projects and insights. It’s not a formal meeting, but rather a relaxed gathering to share ideas over coffee and dessert. It’s an open discussion where even criticism is seen as a way to make our products better and support each other. In the MX Business’s Design team, we cover everything from smartphones and wearables to PCs, tablets, CMF (Color, material and finish) and packaging, each item with its own functions. The Design Clinic helps us gain insights from other fields or discover early-stage ideas.

 

Q. How do you encourage synergy between designers on the team?

 

Lee: I often emphasize the phrase, “Let’s Design Together.” Rather than just holding onto what they’ve been assigned, I encourage the team to think collectively about what we’re making and how we can improve it. If feedback or advice isn’t sincere, it just leads to silos between teams. Designing together as one team with an authentic, shared mindset is what I emphasize most within the organization.

 

Q. Aside from designers’ intuition, sensibilities and qualitative insights, do you also incorporate user testing or quantitative validation during the design planning phase?

 

Lee: The Design team has established a Galaxy Design principle called “Essential Design,” aimed at focusing on core value and removing unnecessary elements. It’s based on three key elements: Simple, Impactful and Emotive. We believe that when these three elements come together in harmony, they create a truly aspirational product. We use the principle and its key elements as evaluation tools during the design planning stage; through a process we call Design Analytics. We conduct evaluations with internal employees to make sure our design intent is being communicated to users effectively. We use the data and insights from this to refine current designs and even identify future products. It’s how we strengthen our design identity, and it’s an integral part of the Galaxy design process.

 

Q. Do you use AI in your work?

 

Yang: We refer to AI tools during the testing process. We’ve observed that results from AI-based virtual user testing are fairly close to tests done by recruiting actual users. This leads us to expect that AI can play a significant role in UX evaluation going forward. We’re also experimenting with AI in other ways, like testing multiple versions of motion or animation effects, or turning 2D assets into 3D or animated formats. In this way, we’re continuously learning more about how to enhance our designs with AI.

 

Q. The age we live in is constantly changing. What kind of mindset and vision should guide designers today?

 

Yang: AI is a new momentum for designers. There are more and more of us thinking about how to use AI to make our work more meaningful. I believe those who show interest in how the world is changing and make new tools their own will be the ones leading in the age of AI. Some say designers will fade away as AI advances, but I see it differently. Design direction, the ability to guide AI creations and enrich them, is bound to become even more essential.

 

Lee: When it comes to new devices like foldable products, we’re not designing features. We’re designing the entire experience. I believe it’s our role as designers to deeply consider why a device folds, why it unfolds and what kind of value and convenience those actions should provide. That’s because we’re not just product designers, we’re lifestyle designers, and in the end, the user is the most important part of all. We have to read the trends constantly and keep asking ourselves what users truly need. To me, design that makes their lives better is design that’s truly meaningful.

 

For more information, visit Samsung India Newsroom