Byeongjin Kim (김병진) presented his research, titled “Exploring the Effects of Lighting in Home Appliances (가전제품 조명의 효과에 대한 탐색),” at the 2025 Spring Conference of the Korean Society for Emotion and Sensibility (한국감성과학회). His study highlighted how in-product lighting goes beyond mere illumination—enhancing user experience and reinforcing brand value. For this achievement, he received the Best Paper Award.

The research involved expert interviews covering various appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, to gather diverse perspectives on the perceived impact of embedded lighting. From the interview analysis, 14 key attributes were identified, such as aesthetic appeal, information delivery, visibility, distraction, and expression of individuality. Two user surveys were conducted to evaluate perception and response to these attributes.

Through factor analysis, the study distilled three core dimensions: lighting quality, functional utility, and emotional appeal. These factors were mapped onto established theoretical frameworks—Hassenzahl’s Pragmatic-Hedonic model and Norman’s Three Levels of Emotional Design—reframing lighting not as a subjective aesthetic or ambient feature, but as a core element of user experience.