Historically PolyU Design’s PhD programme commenced with a strong focus on digital design technology during the nineties. Since then, the programme has expanded into several directions, including social design, management, media design, universal design, as well as design studies, culminating in a diversity of research work, comprised out of a 50 strong student body of whom mostly conduct research on a part-time basis.

As set out under the initiatives, all PhD research is encouraged to link to the three distinct themes of Social Design, Design Economy and Design Making.

Over and above the mandatory requirements of completing 15 credits coursework, each PhD thesis has to produce an independently authored PhD thesis document as proof of the creation of new knowledge fields within the various domains of enquiry. In order to facilitate [a] research process, [b] independent thinking and [c] critical engagement the School of Design requires each PhD student to participate in biannual seminars organised in the format of a PhD Winter and Summer Schools.

PhD Seminars are doctoral seminars organised by PhD student’s committee and driven by their research interest and progress. Enabled by technology, we can now connect the global community on Zoom from wherever we are. The PhD Seminar Series 2020/21 has provided an unprecedented platform to engaged the following speakers on an interactive form of knowledge sharing and critiques.

Current PhD research:

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