Core77

Good news for designers, or 700 of them, anyway: LG Corp has announced they're expanding their focus on design. With a steadily increasing design budget--US $77 million in '06, $88 million in '07, and nearly $100 million this year--and a recently formed LG Design Committee, the South Korean conglomerate is expanding their design staff from 640 to 700 designers. Chairman Koo Bon-moo's "design-first management philosophy" is said to be driving the surge.

LG is probably best known outside of Korea for their mobile phones and appliances; what is not well-known about the company is its history.

LG claims that it was the first Korean company to introduce the concept of industrial design in the 1950s. Started as a cosmetics maker, the group has been considered to have more feminine qualities among Korean conglomerates, compared to Samsung and Hyundai Group that are based on heavier industries such as cars, ships and construction.

"Design does not only mean visual beauty. It has become a crucial factor in improving the value of people's lives," the group said in a statement. "With sustainable investment in design, LG will focus on creating unique designs that can lead the lifestyle of customers."

via korea times