Empowering School-Avoidant Kids Through Design with SOZOW and GMO TECH

SOZOW Co., Ltd., a company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, aims to "unleash curiosity and redefine the future," has launched an exciting online project that brought together school-avoidant children and industry professionals. This initiative, recently held from April to June 2026, featured Hiroki Ito, Chief Design Officer at GMO TECH Holdings, as a mentor and lecturer. The experience not only allowed students from the SOZOW School's junior high and high school programs to engage in practical design tasks but also provided them with a platform for project-based learning.

The Vision Behind the Project

This project, themed "Challenge! Redesign 🔥 〜Establishing SOZOW Design Company!〜" was designed to transform students into novice designers who could tackle real-world issues using design as a problem-solving tool. Rather than just drawing or using design tools superficially, the program provided a comprehensive experience covering the entire design process from client interviews to conceptualization, design creation, and delivery— all conducted in an online environment.

During the initiative, students learned how to communicate with clients, extract their needs through effective questioning, and apply the four principles of design: proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast, alongside the use of AI to enhance their projects. This allowed them to grasp the essence of designing for others’ needs rather than their own preferences.

Learning Experience Details

Mid-April 2026 marked the launch of the project with a live online session hosted by Hiraki Ito, where he shared insights from his career as a designer and the attractiveness of working in the design field. This kick-off event saw participation from over 35 students.

In the following weeks, students were divided into teams, embarking on various tasks that involved redesigning projects such as website elements and event flyers, taking the SOZOW staff as hypothetical clients. Utilizing online breakout rooms, they engaged in discussions, conducted client interviews, and posed questions to better understand the design needs. This setup not only facilitated collaboration but also uniquely positioned them to learn valuable communication skills.

By the end of the program, students took part in a final presentation where they showcased their work to Ito and other invited guests, detailing how their designs addressed the identified challenges.

Feedback from Participants

Feedback from students indicated a strong sense of growth and inspiration throughout the project. Many expressed enthusiasm about the learning experience, congratulating Ito for his valuable insights, which encouraged them to consider careers in design. One student noted how fulfilling it was to see their project take shape, while another appreciated Ito’s humorous and engaging approach.

Certainly, the supportive atmosphere fostered curiosity and creativity among students. It became evident that stepping into the role of a designer instilled confidence, enabling them to overcome initial nervousness when interacting with clients effectively. This experiential learning approach marked a significant milestone in their personal development.

Future Collaborations

Through this initiative, SOZOW School continues its mission to offer real-life learning opportunities that bridge the gap between education and society. With ongoing partnerships with professionals and companies like GMO TECH, SOZOW aims to provide children with experiences that inspire confidence and foster the development of critical skills necessary for the future.

In conclusion, this partnership marks a significant step towards changing the narrative around school avoidance by empowering children with the tools to express their creativity and engage with real-world challenges. SOZOW continues to champion curiosity-driven education, thereby inspiring the next generation to explore and innovate in a supportive environment.