Intelligent Systems Design (MDes)

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Entrance Year 2025

Programme Code 73035

Stream Code

ISD (Full-time)
ISP (Part-time)

Mode of Study Mixed Mode

Normal Duration 1 year (Full-time)
3 years (Part-time)

Fund Type Self-Financed

Credits Required for Graduation 37

Initial Registration Credits 6 for local students
12 for non-local students

Tuition Fees

HK$6,670 per credit
(Tuition fees will not be charged for the 1-credit AIE subject.)

Programme Leader(s)

Prof. Stephen J. Wang
PhD, MA, MEng, BA, SFHEA

The Master of Design (Intelligent Systems Design) (ISD) is an emerging specialism with interdisciplinarity at its core. It is based on the integration of intelligent technologies, systems theories and innovative design approaches, bringing together professional knowledge in STEAM fields (STEM + Art & Design). To achieve transformative industrial innovation, ISD aims to support the most cutting-edge and competitive industries, enabled by advanced technologies and processes, such as AI, Industry 4.0, robotics and AIoT (AI+IoT), through systemic design innovations.

Application Timeline - Sep 2025 Entry

Applications start: Sep 25, 2024

Review deadlines: Early Round: Nov 19, 2024; Round 1: Jan 16, 2025; Round 2: Mar 13, 2025; Round 3: Apr 30, 2025
Programme application deadline: Apr 30, 2025

The Scheme is accepting applications from local applicants for the Jan 2025 Entry. Please refer to PolyU Taught Postgraduate Admissions for details.

Register for our Info Seminar (12 Oct) here.

Aims

A combination of theory, planning strategies, research and technical skills provides the foundation for studios that explore emerging aspects of user experience (UX) and interaction design (IxD), based on human needs and desires as well as technological development.

The aims of this specialism are:

to nurture students' creativity and design abilities by enabling them to embrace intelligent (especially AI-enabled) and systemic approaches;
to develop students’ awareness of current and emerging technologies in the innovation industry and in the advanced manufacturing (e.g., Industry 4.0) environment;
to promote an understanding of supporting marketing and business practices; and
to enhance awareness of the impact of designed systems and solutions on human, social, environmental and global domains through the development of responsible, transparent and ethical design processes.

Also: Employers of MDes Graduates

Objectives

The Master of Design (Intelligent Systems Design) (ISD) is designed for students who have a passion for a human-centred approach and cutting-edge technologies, are curious about the future and are keen to shape it through design. In principle, ISD is open to all talented students who can innovate masterfully within this broad spectrum, have a global perspective, are willing and able to identify and take on “wicked” challenges and are eager to become future game-changers.

The ISD programme aims to train a new generation of designers (including, but beyond the scope of, interaction designers, user experience designers and innovative designers). For this purpose, it offers a specifically tailored technological learning environment that supports both students with STEAM backgrounds and those without. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in design (interaction, user experience, graphic communication, product or industrial design), STEM, communication or even psychology or anthropology may find that ISD broadens their professional development.