Beyond: A Hand Mirror Inspired by a Wing Mirror

A Unique Reflection on Inner Beauty

'Beyond' is a hand mirror designed by Dajeong Jang, inspired by the functionality of a wing mirror on a car. Just like the wing mirror helps the driver see areas beyond their peripheral vision, this hand mirror encourages individuals to look beyond their physical appearance and reflect on their inner beauty.

The design of 'Beyond' is truly unique and thought-provoking. On the surface of the mirror, a phrase is marked: 'You are more than you appear.' This simple yet powerful message prompts users to contemplate their own beauty beyond their external features. It serves as a reminder that true beauty comes from within.

Aside from its meaningful message, 'Beyond' also boasts a distinctive physical design. The mirror features a generous volume shape on the back, providing a comfortable and gentle feel when held in hand. Additionally, the mirror is slightly recessed within a wooden rim, offering protection when the mirror is turned over.

The hand mirror is crafted using high-quality materials and precise techniques. The wood part is made from ashwood with a soap finish, giving it a natural warmth and lightweight feel. The mirror part is made from acrylic mirror, which is laser-cut and marked with the inspiring phrase.

With dimensions of 96 × 69 x 25 mm, 'Beyond' is compact and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use. Its design and functionality make it a versatile accessory for anyone seeking a reminder to embrace their inner beauty.

The 'Beyond' hand mirror project began in July 2020 and was completed in January 2021 in Seoul. Throughout the design process, Dajeong Jang conducted extensive research on wing mirrors to capture their essence and incorporate it into the hand mirror's design. The shape of the mirror was refined through sketches and model making, resulting in a visually striking and conceptually meaningful product.

Creating 'Beyond' came with its fair share of challenges. One of the main hurdles was transforming the original phrase on the wing mirror into a concise and impactful statement while retaining its essence. Additionally, finding the perfect volume shape that felt comfortable both in hand and when placed on a table required numerous iterations. However, these challenges pushed the designer to go beyond their initial expectations and create a truly remarkable hand mirror.

'Beyond' has garnered recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Beauty, Personal Care, and Cosmetic Products Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards. 'Beyond' stands out for its integration of industry best practices and its ability to evoke positive emotions, contributing to a better world.

'Beyond' is not just a hand mirror; it is a reflection of the beauty that lies within each individual. With its unique design, meaningful message, and impeccable craftsmanship, this hand mirror serves as a constant reminder to look beyond appearances and embrace the true essence of beauty.