Nam Hyun-gyu and Lee Do-ryeol, student researchers at HXI Design Lab in Daejin University’s Department of Industrial Design, received the Bronze Award at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). The students conducted their research under the guidance of Professor Song Gyu-ho. IDEA is recognized as one of the world's three major design awards, alongside Germany's Red Dot Design Award and iF Design Award. Winners are selected through a comprehensive evaluation of design innovation, user experience, and social impact.

The award-winning work, MUSIT, is a furniture design that uses mushroom mycelium, an eco-friendly material. It received high praise for addressing contemporary social issues from a user-centered perspective and translating those insights into innovative design solutions.

Nam Hyun-gyu and Lee Do-ryeol expressed their excitement, saying, “We are delighted that our countless hours of research and dedication, day and night, have led to recognition at such a prestigious international design competition.” Professor Song Gyu-ho commented, “I hope this achievement, made possible by the students’ months of hard work, will serve as an inspiration to younger students.”