In May 2025, we held a design workshop at our Kyoto headquarters for the first time since the establishment of the Design & CMF Group. Designers who usually operate from bases in the United States, China, and Germany gathered with designers from headquarters.
During the workshop, we uncovered what is important when designing the surfaces of products and what is essential to continue providing our customers with comfortable designs.

Benefits of In-Person Communication

A discussion among designers involved the design process of sample books, such as the latest trend-absorbing “CMF DESIGN BOOK” and “SENSE” series, was held as one of the workshops.

Following an explanation from the director based on the progress of the sample creation, we shared our opinions while looking at the samples right in front of us. Some samples were even created through online collaboration between designers from overseas bases and those in Kyoto.

Sharing design challenges by highlighting samples from SENSE 2 on the table

Discussing design points with samples from CMF DESIGN 2026 arranged on the table

“Does the appearance of a single sample change this much under different lighting conditions?” “What inspired this pattern?” “I find the use of this color quite fascinating.”
By engaging in face-to-face communication, we aligned our understanding of subtle color differences and pattern transitions. We evaluated what we are creating by connecting it with customer feedback and the background reflecting that feedback.

Additionally, we learned about the current printing technologies and customer insights of Nissha from experts in various prototype printing rooms at the headquarters and employees excelling in different fields. By further dissecting printing techniques there, the sessions became a platform for sparking new ideas such as “Can we create something new?” or “Can this be a solution to a problem?”

Exploring Textures Through Sensory Perception

“Comfort” is a sensation we prioritize when designing products with our customers.
On the first day of the event, during the texture exploration workshop, each designer brought materials with textures they were curious about. These materials were then molded and solidified using resin.

By limiting the color information of the materials, the tactile sensations and the density and spacing of the textures are emphasized. When the finished pieces were displayed, the visual information was restricted, and each participant naturally picked up the plaster parts to verify the tactile sensations.

On another day, we visited a lacquer studio where we could experience Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship and participate in a lacquer coating workshop.
We learned that the surfaces of these crafts not only possess rich textures but also reflect the traditions, culture, and the culmination of artisans’ skills.

Visiting the studio and participating in the lacquer coating experience

Lacquer created at the studio is used as decorative items in Kyoto’s temples

For CMF designers to meet the wide range of customer demands, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of materials.
While beautiful designs and reviews are easily accessible on the internet nowadays, there is information that can only be obtained through actual “touch.” This workshop was an opportunity to extract more elements from a single material and connect them, thereby discovering new possibilities.

Commonalities Across Locations: Insights Gained

During conversations with designers from overseas bases at this workshop, we also identified specific issues and concerns unique to each location.

Differences in sustainability awareness across countries, differentiation from competitors, and common trends across different locations… By discussing these clarified challenges, such as what needs to be collaboratively solved and what needs to be optimized for efficiency, we deepened our mutual understanding.

Moving forward, we need to respond more swiftly and flexibly.
Through the interactions and experiences at this workshop, we absorbed everything from the allure of materials to printing techniques, enhancing the resolution of our design work. This led to deeper collaboration in accurately expressing the values Nissha aims to convey, strengthening our connections more than ever before.

Our Design & CMF Group will continue to collaborate with team members around the world in pursuing the expression of “comfort” through our technology.
The “CMF DESIGN 2026” showcased in this workshop will be released soon. Stay tuned!