Mass Customization and the Transition of Design Paradigms

This study aims to examine the historical flow of mass customization and the resulting changes in design paradigms.The mass production system has, with the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution, expanded into areas such as user experience, sustainability, and AI-based design, thereby requiring a redefinition of the relationships among producers, consumers, and designers.Focusing on platforms, simulations, UX, and direct connections between producers and consumers, various case analyses were conducted with interviews of users of mass-customized products to analyze the interactions between theory and practice.It was confirmed that the center of design has shifted from efficiency to personalization and autonomy.Furthermore, it was derived that the role of the designer is important as a facilitator who insightfully grasps and analyzes the needs of consumers, then presents appropriate solutions reflecting those conclusions while designing experiences that solve problems.Meanwhile, consumers are changing into active participants who maximize brand satisfaction by visualizing their own preferences.This study presented the key elements of future experience design and proposed ways to redefine the strategic role of designers.