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Jihee Ko triumphs at iF Design Student Awards with groundbreaking project for immigrants

Jihee Ko, an IIE-Vega Pretoria alumna, has been named a winner of the iF Design Student Award 2025 – one of the world's most prestigious design competitions. Image: Supplied Jihee Ko, an alumna of IIE-Vega Pretoria, has been honoured with the coveted iF Design Student Award 2025. This prestigious accolade, recognised as one of the world's foremost design competitions for students, has spotlighted her innovative project entitled 'I'MIN - Unloading Your Visa Burden.' Selected from an impressive pool of over 7,000 submissions spanning 74 countries, Ko's concept emerged as one of just 100 noteworthy entries chosen by an international jury comprised of esteemed design and sustainability experts. I'MIN represents a forward-thinking solution designed to alleviate the obstacles associated with visa applications for immigrants seeking residence in South Africa. By amalgamating a website, mobile application, and social media platforms, Ko has developed a user-friendly and accessible guide that encompasses everything from detailed checklists to simplified instructions, all conveniently housed in one platform. Grounded in the United Nations' eighth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for 'Decent Work and Economic Growth,' Ko's project underscores the vital role that immigrants play in bolstering the South African economy. Her journey—having immigrated to South Africa in 2013—adds depth to her empathy-driven design. Currently employed as a Graphic Designer at a local marketing agency, she holds both an IIE Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and an IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Strategic Brand Communication from IIE-Vega Pretoria and is furthering her studies at another institution. 'As an immigrant myself, I know how overwhelming visa applications can be. The stress and uncertainty can really impact how welcomed you feel and even whether you stay. I wanted to create something that could change that experience,' Ko expressed, articulating her motivation to simplify the bureaucratic process that often burdens newcomers. The design of I'MIN features a clean and minimalist aesthetic, accentuated by inclusive illustrations and a restrained colour palette, which together convey a sense of approachability and diversity. The jury of the iF Design Awards commended Ko's initiative as 'a practical and well thought out solution which minimises the stress of visa application processes.' They highlighted the project's minimalistic yet engaging design language aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering user interaction. Following her win, Ko reflected on the significance of her achievement as a South African immigrant. 'I'm very honoured to be selected as one of the winners. I'm so grateful to IIE-Vega Pretoria and my supervisor Thlolo Modiba, who helped me with my project,' she shared, relishing her journey from design novice to award-winning creator. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ I'MIN – Unloading Your Visa Burden', aims to simplify the visa process for immigrants to South Africa through a website, app and social media platform. Image: Supplied This notable victory marks her debut in a design competition, an engagement she sought due to the absence of an entry fee—a rarity in prestigious competitions that often inhibit student participation. 'I was looking for an opportunity to enter my work, and I hoped that if I entered once, I'd gain the confidence to enter and win other award competitions,' she explained. Ko's concept emerged not only from personal experience but from thorough research, identifying the chaotic and often outdated nature of the visa application system. Her ultimate aim is to provide not just a solution but also a community platform where immigrants can lend support to one another. While initially designed to assist students with their visa applications, Ko envisions expanding I'MIN to incorporate other visa types, including work and critical skills visas in the future. The international recognition she has gained opens a plethora of opportunities, ranging from networking prospects to potential funding, with all award winners vying for a share of €50,000 in prize money. Ko hopes her narrative serves as motivation for fellow students to pursue their ideas, stating, 'If your idea can make a difference, go for it. We need more South African creatives showing their work to the world.' Lizette Carstens, Deputy Dean of Design at IIE-Vega, conveyed the institution's pride in Ko's accomplishments, noting that the inclusive and humorous nature of her project exemplifies the human-centred design philosophy IIE-Vega champions. She expressed anticipation for following Ko's career trajectory as she continues to innovate and inspire. IOL