Among the pursue of digitization through AI in every stake of industry, human touch still becomes the way of creative problem solving. Traditional craftmanship still considered significant because human expertise is unable to be mirrored holistically. Monozukuri is creative concept beyond simple manufacturing as the answer shaping future-adapted Design Engineering skills based on Japanese philosophy.

We are in BINUS ASO School of Engineering, believe that Monozukuri is not word relic come from the ancient culture. Instead, it is the backbone that serves as foundational value of Product Design Engineering (PDE) graduates.

Defining Monozukuri in Product Design Engineering

Imagine how recent transportation technology be designed and able to run its function reliably. The video below explains the essence of Monozukuri, where design needs to go beyond mere 'making,' it is about focusing on technical perfection and accuracy. Literally, the word Monozukuri means “making things” which consist of two words Mono (means thing) and Zukuri (Means of process of making. In practice, these words implemented much more deeper, embodies a mindset of excellence, a dedication to precision combine with a spirit of continuous improvement (Kaizen). This art of making things represents the synthesis of technological prowess with joy and pride of creating valuable product design for empowering and nurturing the society.

In traditional wisdom, Monozukuri might equivalent with the images of master swordsmith or a carpenter. In the context of PDE Program BINUS ASO, it is about applying similar culture with meticulous attention to detail to solve modern engineering challenges, such as designing a micromobility device or IoT based home appliances.

The Digital Intersection

Further question would be, how this philosophy applies in the AI era?

Today’s digital technology allows anyone to generate 3D model only with simple method. AI technology helps designer to shortening the ideation and planning stages which deliver variety of product sketches immediately. However, designer needs to understand well about material and manufacturing methods in making the product. AI applications may generate aesthetic design on the screen but may fail to realize in the real world due to material limitations, manufacturing capabilities, and low accuracy in assembly processes.

Our students are taught to enable the digital resources in realizing design digitally through simulation of 3D modelling and analysis of physical reality. The Monozukuri spirit ensures students creates Digital Twin or runs simulation iteratively to determine the optimal product design (Figure 1). Digital Twin is not merely a 3D model, it is dynamic virtual counterpart that mimics how a physical product behaves, breaks or ages under real-world conditions. Students applying this technology to have deep understanding of physical reality beyond relaying on the computer’s output, They should be able to process the date and crafting viable solutions.

Figure 1. Digital Twin in Product Design Engineering (Supported by Gemini)

PDE BINUS ASO Value: The Design Thinking Engineer

Monozukuri philosophy applied in PDE BINUS ASO School of Engineering generate three (3) distinct profile compared to general engineering graduates, empathy in society to create human-centred design, process ownership to manage holistic product lifecycle, and pride in quality to maintain and pursue high accuracy design (Figure 2).

Monozukuri assure the end user as the centre of design process. PDE students extend the function of the product beyond the design for the human experience toward sustainable product. The sustainable products are also highlighting the post-use of the product design.

Figure 2. Monozukuri philosophy in PDE graduates (Supported by Gemini)

The expression technique laboratory of PDE Program, the students are trained to handle entire product lifecycle balancing between theoretically and practical competency. They are trained to be design expert that experienced as technician who able to think critically and creatively, rather than drawing and making. They utilize CNC machines and 3D printers themselves and understand the limitations and capabilities of manufacturing.

Good design means functional and high-quality product design. The rigorous academic culture influence by ASO College in Japan as collaborator, instils the Monozukuri habits, particularly pursuing perfection and durability of product design.

Therefore, in the era where products majorly mass-produced and disposable, the industry needs the design engineer who cares the whole design process from cradle to grave. Monozukuri is the harmony of high-tech skills and human-touch dedication to achieve high quality products through the factory floor and the R&D Lab. This is the premise of PDE BINUS ASO School of Engineering, we are shape the graduates beyond degree holders, The True Makers Who Ready to Shape the Future.

References

The Making (2025), How a Toyota is made: Inside Japan’s Monozukuri Philosophy, URL:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzp-NoW-Ljs , Accessed: 20 February 2026.