Product Designs Through International Industrial and Academic Coordination Classes with China

Abstract

An international coordination class between the Kyushu University and the Dalian University of Technology developed products design for China cooperatively by nine small-scale companies in Fukuoka Prefecture. “FUJISAN” is a rubber band shaped like Mt. Fuji and formed by bands of different sizes molded together. “Blossoming Cloth Wrapper” is a decorative wrapping that becomes a cherry blossom petal with a message card attached. “DARUMA” is a selection-game toy modeled on a daruma doll–traditional Japanese tumbling dolls. “Honey Packaging and Logo” expresses the feeling of luxury demanded from gift items by the modern Chinese market. Our experience indicates that developing designs through an international coordination class improves the quality of education and also helps small-scale companies develop products aimed at overseas markets.