On September 11, 2019, Hanyang University (HYU) Medical School Sophomore Jang Ji-ho won an award for his invention at the 2019 IDEA Design Award which is one of the world’s top three design awards. It was exceptional case that the non-design major received the design award.

Q. What is the invention, “Flow rate detection IoT device with portable vein infusion pack”?

A. In hospital, there is a hanger used to hang a ringer which weighs about seven kilograms. So, carrying a ringer is quite challenging for children and patients. However, with this invention, people can walk around without a hanger by wearing a ringer on their heads. Moreover, the device tells how quickly the flow rate drops, whether the ringer is missing, and when it should be replaced. This invention can even be linked with the nursing station.

Q. How did you come up with this invention?

A. Originally, I was interested in the medical industry and was concerned about problems occurring in hospitals. Looking at lots of patients, I found a variety of things that could be improved and innovated. Therefore, I took a lecture off-campus to learn coding and design. 

Q. How did you feel when you won the prize?

A. I was skeptical about paying 1 million won in private expenses for entering the competition, but now I feel good and happy. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me.

Q. What was a challenge when creating this instrument?

A. I didn’t know how to design perfectly, so I received some revision from my friends. Also, I had to submit my application in English, which it was little bit hard since I am not that familiar with the language. However, thanks to my classmate, I could finish the application successfully.

Q. In addition to your current invention, I heard that you are trying various challenges like YouTube. What do you want to do in the future? 

A. First, I want to address that YouTube is not for my profit, but for helping high school students. So, YouTube is just my hobby and a voluntary knowledge service. Regarding my goal, I want to operate a pharmacy platform business to help a lot of people. I’m currently preparing for it and trying to meet many great developers and designers. While having a delicious meal and talking with them, I could receive practical advice for my business that I didn’t know before. I hope this interview with the Hanyang Journal will give me more chances to meet lots of excellent app developers.