WIAWIS PT-XINFO Personal 2025 CONCEPTTRADITION MEETS MODERN BOWHUNTING

Archery is one of humanity's oldest innovations, with many innovations that have improved the practices. This project was created not to reinvent the wheel but to provide a new market segment within Bowhunting. Drawing inspiration from my heritage and Korea’s rich history of archery innovation, I sought to carry those traditions forward and integrate them into a modern context.









THE PRODUCT

REDEFINING THE BOW HUNTING EXPERIENCE BY MODERNIZING AND INTEGRATING HISTORIC KOREAN INNOVATIONS




HOW IT WORKS


SET UP + LOAD
Load the arrow through the front stabilizer and clip the arrow knock to the string. Clip the release aid onto the string through the side slit opening of the chamber.


ANCHOR + EXPAND
When pulling to the max draw length of 18”, press the trigger found on the release aid to release the string. This 3-step process shows how the bow is meant to be fired.
RELEASE + LEVEL
With your non-dominant hand, grip the angled grip located at the side of the chamber. Use the release aid to pull back the string, applying tension and force.




BRAND BOOK

WIAWIS is a Korean-owned company, currently ranked the highest in the archery market, and it was the first to innovate and introduce carbon fiber in archery.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire WIAWIS brand, a brand book was created. Here are some highlights within the brand book; the full brand book is attached below. 

WIAWIS





PROCESS



For the full raw process, click here for the entire figma board





KOREAN INNOVATIONPYEONJEON





TONGAH
The pyeonjeon (편전), often referred to as a "baby arrow,” is a short arrow used during the 918 for its faster speed and effectiveness than traditional long arrows.



Due to its size, it requires a special overdraw device called a tongah (통아)—a bamboo guide tube. This setup allows the archer to draw the bow fully while shooting the shorter arrow, but the chamber also increases accuracy, resulting in increased velocity and penetration.






BOW ARCHETYPES

COMPOUND BOW    


Uses cam and pulleys to reduce draw weight at full draw.


STRAIGHT BOW


Has a traditional, straight-limbed design with a smooth draw.

RECURVE BOW


Features limbs that curve away from the archer at the tips.
CROSS BOW


A horizontal bow mounted on a stock, fired like a rifle.




USER TESTING

Hi-Tech Archery - Fullerton, CA
Former Archery Competitor: Tyler Kim
Shop Owner: Sue Kim

Tyler’s Bow Set-up
  • Riser: Hoyt formula factor (CNC aluminum, 2.6lb)
  • Limbs: Hoyt formula series (maple wood, 22 lb draw weight)
  • Sight: Shibuya
  • Carbon long arrows
  • Carbon fiber stabilizer
  • Finger tab

Hi-Tech Archery Range 
  • Indoors - 18 meters

Form & Technique Instruction
  • Stance, Shooting Form, Anchor Point, Release Technique:
  • The steps of shooing are: set up, load, anchor, expand, release, level

Recurve vs Compound
  • Compound bows are always lighter than recurve bows. This is because compound bows rely on mechanical systems like cams, let-off, and release aids to assist with the stability and accuracy, allowing the overall setup to be lighter without sacrificing control.







IDEATIONS

Exploring potential opportunities from the primary and secondary research.





REFINEMENTS
Refinements through sketching, CAD, AI rendering, and prototyping. Exploring case and ergonomic grip options through 3D printing and clay.





COLOR PANTONES


Branding the product through Wiawis, I was inspired by the Pantone colors of the traditional Korean flag, and wanted to apply these colors to my product.




SO HOW CAN I APPLY THESE INNOVATIONS AND COMPENSATE FOR THE DRAWBACKS?


REVERSE DRAW   

Drawing is already limited and difficult; instead of using an overdrawing technique, how do I compensate?



RELEASE AID
A fully enclosed chamber prevents the user from manually drawing the bow. Can a release aid help?
ANGLED GRIP
Having a reverse draw creates complications in how the riser can be held. How will the bow be held by the user?
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
Stabilizers and disc weights are added to distribute the weight and tension force. Where can I implement it?



DETAILING
The final development and implementation of the chosen design direction. Showcases the evolution and stylization.


APPLICATIONS






FEATURE SETS


Through our ergo studies, were able to deduce the optimal angle for firing.

Front stabilizer counteracts the overall weight for a more balanced experience.

The release aid holds the bowstring until triggered, ensuring precision and repeatability.










2026 © Joshua Kim