Tyre manufacturer, Hankook, is opening an in-house creative database in collaboration with its prototype and manufacturing solutions subsidiary, Model Solution. The initiative includes the ‘CMF Lab’, a facility located at Model Solution’s headquarters in Seoul, which will support product development at Hankook by providing unique industry insights and new concepts. CMF stands for ‘colour, materials and finish’, an area of industrial design that deals with the basic principles and processes of using these tools in the design and development of products.
One of the first joint projects due to be undertaken between Hankook and Model Solution is the development of a tyre prototype that adapts its shape according to the road conditions. The research carried out by Model Solution is intended to enable the tyre to maintain a perfect balance during the transformation. The CMF Lab will serve as a place to research and categorise trend developments and possible product applications in colour, materials and surfaces. Divided into six areas covering various design aspects related to CMF – from the latest design trends to Pantone colour trends and lead projects – Model Solution will use the lab as a strategic springboard for new business expansion.
The CMF Lab, in collaboration with UK-based materials design studio, Chris Lefteri Design, will be based on four themes of retro, sustainability, feel, and fantastic. This theme package, named ‘CMF Package Box’, is designed to convey unique insights and forward-thinking design processes to help inspire designers. Chris Lefteri Design provides consulting services to global companies in various sectors, including the automotive, electronics and sports industries.
