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Design Story

Meet the Creators

Design and the People within It

Design is born
when differences meet.

  • Kia’s designers create spaces that encompass everyday experiences,
  • emotions, and technologies that surround mobility
  • grounded in the philosophy of "Opposites United"
  • representing the creative integration of contrasting concepts.
  • Discover how Opposites United adds inspiration
  • and value to our lives.
  • Kia’s designers create spaces that
  • encompass everyday experiences,
  • emotions, and technologies
  • that surround mobility grounded
  • in the philosophy of "Opposites United"
  • representing the creative integration
  • of contrasting concepts.
  • Discover how Opposites United
  • adds inspiration and value
  • to our lives.

How Kia Designers Work

Person refining a side-view sketch of a Kia vehicle drawn on a wallPerson refining a side-view sketch of a Kia vehicle drawn on a wall
Side-view rendering of a futuristic Kia vehicle on a grid backgroundSide-view rendering of a futuristic Kia vehicle on a grid background

A Culture of Communicating
with the World Through Design

Visible though our products, Kia Design is the voice of the brand that converses with the world. Kia’s designers help to strengthen the brand’s identity and technological innovation through their design philosophy, "Opposites United," which creatively combines contrasting concepts.

A Global Design Collaborative Culture that Respects Diversity

Centered in Namyang, South Korea, Kia’s design is organically unified under a single philosophy. With studios in California (USA), Frankfurt (Germany), Shanghai and Yantai (China), and Hyderabad (India), Kia design is truly global and is shaped by the convergence of diverse ideas rooted in various cultural backgrounds and lifestyles.

Design for Life: A Human-Centered Design Approach

Kia designers prioritize user-centered design. They view mobility as living spaces integrated into daily life, creating designs that allow individuals to feel comfort, safety, and emotional connections in their spaces.

Life is a continuous journey.
Technology is always a part of it.
We design to enable people to
communicate, express
themselves,
and realize their unique ideas
within their lives.

Karim Habib

Head of Kia Global Design

Kia's Designers

Kia designers draw inspiration from diverse cultures and environments worldwide to create innovative and creative designs. They continually challenge themselves and evolve to transform these ideas into relevant and meaningful designs that reflect the brand's values for future customers.

  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Seungmo Lim, Head of Kia China Design
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Tom Curran, Senior Designer at Kia America Design Center
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Oliver Sampson, Head of Kia Europe Design Center
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Dongho Shin, Head of Kia Design Management
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Kyungkyun Shin, Head of Kia Design Model Development
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Taekkyun Kim, Head of Kia Design Operations
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Jeongbin Moon, Head of Kia Next Design
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Wonkyu Kang, Head of Kia Next Interior Design
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of John Buckingham, Head of Kia Next Exterior Design
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Marilya Bill, Head of Kia Next CMF
  • Black-and-white profile portrait of Johan Bates, Head of Kia Rookie Design

Seungmo Lim

Head of Kia Design China

Design is not defined by tools or technologies, but by the culture, attitude, and philosophy a team embodies. At Kia, we find creativity embracing differences and developing it into a unique value. With this bold design, we aim to illuminate the era and open a new path for Kia.

Where the Future of
Mobility Is Designed

The context and culture surrounding mobility vary by region. Kia pursues designs that go beyond the form, encapsulating customer needs and brand identity; collaborating with studios worldwide to evolve ideas that have enduring value.

  • Exterior view of Kia Global Design Center in Namyang, Korea

    Kia Global Design

    Namyang, South Korea

    We lead the entire design process, from concept planning and modeling to material development. As a global design hub, we collaborate with studios located in the U.S., Europe, China, and India to realize strategic designs that reflect local characteristics and needs.

  • Interior view of Kia China Next Design Studio in Yantai

    Kia Next Design China

    Yantai, China

    We develop designs for China-specific vehicles that meet local consumer preferences and regulations. This helps to fulfill customer expectations and contributes to strengthening market competitiveness.

  • Interior view of Kia China Future Design Studio in Shanghai

    Kia Future Design China

    Shanghai, China

    We analyze local design trends in China to establish preemptive design strategies optimized for the Chinese local market. In particular, we respond to changing market environments proactively and take the initiative in presenting the direction and vision for future design.

  • Kia India design team collaborating in Hyderabad

    Kia Design India

    Hyderabad, India

    We use digital tools to implement models and precisely analyze customer needs through UI/UX research. Based on this, we develop differentiated design solutions that provide customers with a more optimized vehicle experience.

  • Interior view of Kia America Design Studio in Irvine, California

    Kia Design America

    Irvine, California, USA

    We develop designs tailored to the North American market, focusing on SUV and crossover elements. We collaborate closely with engineers to meet safety and performance standards, incorporating innovative concepts and technologies based on consumer needs.

  • Kia Europe design team meeting in Frankfurt, Germany

    Kia Design Europe

    Frankfurt, Germany

    We establish a unique identity in the European market and develop innovative solutions based on Kia's design philosophy and trend research. This boosts brand competitiveness and helps us stand out in the global market.

Exterior view of Kia Global Design Center in Namyang, KoreaInterior view of Kia China Next Design Studio in YantaiInterior view of Kia China Future Design Studio in ShanghaiKia India design team collaborating in HyderabadInterior view of Kia America Design Studio in Irvine, CaliforniaKia Europe design team meeting in Frankfurt, Germany
Designer working in front of a clay vehicle modelDesigner working in front of a clay vehicle model

Where different elements meet
to create new forms of inspiration,
Opposites United is Kia’s design philosophy
For creating the future of mobility.

Finding harmony in contrasts and
finding balance in the unfamiliar,
we are designing the future of new mobility
experiences that go beyond transportation.

Experience the new movement
that Kia design is envisioning now.