A fruitful delegation to Bangkok returned with a MOU with Cloud 11 and Partnerships

A delegation led by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee has made a wonderful journey in Bangkok in early July to explore academic and industry collaborations, focusing on regional cooperation and academic exchange. We are delighted to have engaged with various corporations, organisations and Thammasat Design School to foster meaningful connections and signing a significant MOU with Cloud 11. The MOU between PolyU Design and Cloud 11 establishes a long-term partnership on interactive multimedia and entertainment technology and covers a series of collaborations in research and development, training programme and event exhibitions at Cloud 11 spaces. This partnership will foster innovation, creativity, and immersive learning experiences for students and partitioners. Moving forward, we will continue discussions on diversity development in applied research and industry collaboration. Our gratitude to all who supported us throughout this fruitful journey and look forward to meeting all the friends again soon.

PolyU Design announces 2023 Outstanding Alumni Awards winners

中文版   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) is pleased to announce the recipients of the PolyU Design Outstanding Alumni Awards 2023. The awards aim to give recognition to outstanding graduates of PolyU Design for their professional achievements, active support to their alma mater, impactful contributions to the wider community as well as to uphold the highest values and standards in everything they do.  Two award groups are introduced to celebrate alumni from different stages of life: The Distinguished Design Alumni of the Year and The Young Design Alumni of the Year.   The judging panel for the award was represented by Associate Dean Professor Henry Ma (Chairman), Professor of Practice Mr Benny Leong, Senior Marketing Manager Ms Rennie Kan and PolyU Outstanding alumnus Mr Tommy Li, Creative Director of Tommy Li Design Workshop Ltd. We are proud to announce the recipients here. 2023 Distinguished Design Alumnus of the Year — Professional Achievement Mr CHAN Chiu Wang Eric Accomplished Branding and Graphic Designer, Creative Director Higher Certificate in Illustration in 1983 Mr Eric CHAN is an accomplished graphic designer and corporate identity consultant with more than 30 years of experience. Mr CHAN has won more than 380 international and Hong Kong awards. In 1991, he founded Eric Chan Design Co. Ltd., a consultancy specialising in corporate and brand identity, visual identity, company brochures, and packaging. Mr CHAN is actively involved in Hong Kong’s design industry and is committed to nurturing the next generation of designers. Biography: Eric CHAN is an accomplished graphic designer and corporate identity consultant with more than 30 years of experience. He has won more than 380 international and Hong Kong awards, including the UK D&AD Yellow Pencil Nomination, US ONE Show Design Gold Award, Japan Typography Association Annual Awards Best of the Best, HKDA Awards Gold Award, and International Poster Triennial Gold Award.  Eric graduated with a Higher Certificate in Illustration from PolyU and the First Institute of Art & Design in 1981 and began his career at Grapho Studio, Leo Burnett, and Bates Hong Kong. In 1991, he founded Eric Chan Design Co. Ltd., a consultancy specialising in corporate and brand identity, visual identity, company brochures, and packaging.  Eric has served as a committee member (2002–2008) and Vice Chairman (2008–2014) of the Hong Kong Designers Association and is a full and fellow member of the Hong Kong Designers Association, an awarded member of the UK D&AD, an overseas full member of the Japan Typography Association, and a full member of the US Type Directors Club. He is actively involved in Hong Kong’s design industry and is committed to nurturing the next generation of designers. Proposer: Dr Anthony Kong   2023 Distinguished Design Alumnus of the Year — Professional Achievement Mr LAW Ling Kit Ajax Co-Founder & Design Director, Interior Designer Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design in 1999  Mr Ajax LAW is a passionate and talented interior designer.  In 2004, Mr LAW founded One Plus Partnership Limited with Virginia Lung. The firm has won over 800 international awards globally since its foundation. Mr LAW was one of the awardees of the “JCI Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Selection 2014”. In the same year, he was also elected as one of “Ten Outstanding Designers”. Biography: Ajax LAW graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design in 1999 and is a passionate and talented interior designer. His works are theme-driven, full of artistic style, and commercially effective. Cinemas, F&B, retail, and clubhouses are some of the design scenarios he has created. He received several industry awards before graduating from PolyU, including the Grohe Asia Design Award, Hong Kong Designers Association Global Design Award, and two Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards. In 2004, he founded One Plus Partnership Limited with Virginia Lung. The firm has won over 800 international awards globally since its foundation, including two Gold awards from iF Design Awards (Germany) and two Best of the Best awards from the Red Dot Design Award (Germany). Ajax LAW was one of the awardees of the “JCI Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Selection 2014”. In the same year, he was also elected as one of “Ten Outstanding Designers”. He was invited to be the judge for the INSIDE World Festival of Interiors in Amsterdam, South Korea’s K-Design Award, the Taiwan Young Pin Award, and the US CODA awards. His work was exhibited at the 2016 Venice Biennale, and some of his works were featured on the covers and inner pages of the Frame (Netherlands) and Interior Design (USA) magazines. Ajax has been a columnist for MRRM Magazine since 2013. Proposer: Professor Kun-Pyo Lee   2023 Distinguished Design Alumna of the Year — Community Service Achievement Prof. Yanki C. LEE Professor in Design, International Speaker, Design Research Scholar, and Social Innovator PhD in 2007, Bachelor of Arts (Hon) in Interior Design in 1996, Diploma of Design in 1993 Prof. Yanki C. LEE is an international speaker, a design research scholar, a social innovator and founded two collectives: Exhibit at Golden Lane Estate CIC in London in 2005, and Enable Foundation, a registered charity, in Hong Kong in 2016.  Prof. LEE has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and articles and is a visiting professor at Design School Kolding in Denmark.  Since 2017, Prof. LEE has conducted social design projects funded by the HKSAR government to tackle social issues through design research and actions.   Biography: Prof. Yanki C. LEE graduated with a PhD in Design in 2007, a Bachelor of Arts (Hon) in Interior Design in 1996, a Diploma of Design in 1993 at the School of Design, PolyU, and MA in Architecture at the Royal College of Art (RCA, London) in 2000. Prof. LEE is an international speaker, a design research scholar, a social innovator and founded two collectives: Exhibit at Golden Lane Estate CIC in London in 2005, and Enable Foundation, a registered charity, in Hong Kong in 2016. Since 2017, she has conducted social design projects funded by the HKSAR government’s Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to tackle social issues through design research and actions. Prof. LEE has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and articles and is a visiting professor at Design School Kolding, which works with the BEVICA Foundation, Denmark, and the Design+Change Programme at Linnaeus University, Sweden. Proposer: Professor Kun-Pyo Lee   2023 Young Design Alumnus of the Year — Professional Achievement Mr KONG Ming Chief Executive Officer  Bachelor of Arts in Design (Industrial and Product) in 2013 Ming KONG is the CEO of TG0, a London-based technology company specialising in creating human–machine interaction products. Mr KONG developed his expertise in electronic products and mass production during a few years of leading TG0 projects that involved working with some of the most prolific brands in the automotive, gaming, and consumer electronics fields.   Biography: Ming KONG is the CEO of TG0, a London-based technology company specialising in creating human–machine interaction products. Ming is a product designer by education. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Design (Industrial and Product) at the School of Design, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in 2013 and obtained dual Master’s degrees in design and engineering from Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art.  Following his passion, Ming travelled and worked in central Europe for companies such as Nestlé, Takram London, and Anythingby Studio during the early stage of his career. Ming developed his expertise in electronic products and mass production during a few years of leading TG0 projects that involved working with some of the most prolific brands in the automotive, gaming, and consumer electronics fields. After growing his company through Series A, his role transitioned to business development and team building. TG0 is backed by venture capitalists, including Amadeus Capital Partners, and has also received grants and awards from the Royal Academy of Engineering and Innovate UK. TG0 is now a team of 35, based in London. In 2021, TG0 was recognised as a Deloitte UK Fast 50 fast-growing tech company, ranking at No. 35 overall and No. 1 in hardware. Proposer: Mr Benny Leong   2023 Young Design Alumnus of the Year — Entrepreneurial Achievement Mr WONG Tsz Ho Thomas  Business Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Future Educator  Bachelor of Arts in Design (Industrial and Product) in 2013 Thomas WONG is a highly experienced and accomplished business consultant, entrepreneur, and educator with a strong passion for innovation and technology. With more than 10 years of industry experience. Mr WONG has consistently achieved success in various business ventures, ranging from traditional enterprises to AI tech start-ups and innovation education.  His dedication lies in assisting businesses and young entrepreneurs to thrive amidst the rapidly evolving landscape of today. Biography: Thomas WONG graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Design (Industrial and Product) in 2013 and is a highly experienced and accomplished business consultant, entrepreneur, and educator with a strong passion for innovation and technology. With more than 10 years of industry experience, Thomas has consistently achieved success in various business ventures, ranging from traditional enterprises to AI tech start-ups and innovation education. Being a seasoned entrepreneur, Thomas possesses a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with design and entrepreneurship. This knowledge, combined with his expertise in professional training and technology, enables Thomas to offer astute guidance and education to future generations in the space economy, a field he refers to as “astropreneurship”. Thomas is known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach. His dedication lies in assisting businesses and young entrepreneurs to thrive amidst the rapidly evolving landscape of today. Proposer: Professor Leung Tim Chiu Richard   理大設計公佈2023年度傑出校友獎得獎者 香港理工大學設計學院（下稱「理大設計」或「學院」）公佈2023年度理大設計傑出校友獎得獎者。 大會共選出五位理大設計畢業生為今年得獎者，以表揚及肯定各人的專業成就，對設計行業和社會的重大貢獻。大會設有兩個年齡組別獎項來表彰來自不同階段的佳績，分別是「年度傑出設計校友」及「年度傑出年輕設計校友」。 評審委員由理大設計副院長馬志輝教授領導，成員包括實務教授梁清河先生、高級市務經理簡頴兒小姐，及傑出理大校友Tommy Li Design Workshop Ltd創作總監李永銓先生代表。 以下隆重介紹本屆得獎者： 2023年度傑出設計校友—專業成就 陳超宏先生 資深平面設計師、設計總監 1983年香港理工大學插畫課程 陳超宏(Eric)是資深而多元化的平面設計師，過去三十多年先後獲得超過380項國際及香港榮譽，於1991年創辦了Eric Chan Design Co. Ltd.，為客戶提供企業及品牌形象設計、商標設計、企業書刊及包裝設計等。時至今日，陳氏仍積極推廣本土平面設計及藝術文化，並致力培育新一代的平面設計師，對推動業界發展不遺餘力。 個人簡介: 陳超宏(Eric)是資深而多元化的平面設計師，過去三十多年先後獲得超過380項國際及香港榮譽，包括：英國D&AD黃鉛筆提名、美國ONE SHOW Design Award金獎、日本字體設計協會年獎Best of The Best、香港設計師協會雙年展金獎及國際海報三年展金獎等。 陳氏分別於1981年及1983年畢業於香港大一設計學院及香港理工大學插畫課程，曾效力Grapho Studio、李奧貝立 (Leo Burnett) 及達彼思 (Bates Hong Kong) 等國際知名公司。陳氏於1991年創辦了Eric Chan Design Co. Ltd.，為客戶提供企業及品牌形象設計、商標設計、企業書刊及包裝設計等。 陳氏曾任香港設計師協會執行委員(2002 - 2008)及副主席(2008 - 2014)，是香港設計師協會的專業、榮譽及資深會員，也是英國D&AD獲獎會員、日本字體設計協會會員，以及美國字體指導協會會員等。時至今日，陳氏仍積極推廣本土平面設計及藝術文化，並致力培育新一代的平面設計師，對推動業界發展不遺餘力。 提名人：江培強博士 2023年度傑出設計校友—專業成就 羅靈傑先生 聯合創辦人及設計總監、室內設計師 1999年室內設計學文學士 羅靈傑(Ajax) 致力以天賦貢獻行業，其設計作品常見於電影院、餐廳、零售店等，集主題性、藝術性和商業效益於一身。於2004年與龍慧祺成立壹正企劃有限公司，至今已獲800多個國際獎項。羅氏於2014年獲選「香港十大傑出青年」、「十大傑出設計師」，曾為多項比賽任評審。 個人簡介: 羅靈傑(Ajax) 1999年獲香港理工大學室內設計學文學士，現任室內設計師，致力以天賦貢獻行業。其設計作品常見於電影院、餐廳、零售店等，集主題性、藝術性和商業效益於一身。羅氏早於大學畢業前已獲Grohe亞洲設計獎、設計師協會獎、亞太區室內設計獎等殊榮。2004年與龍慧祺成立壹正企劃有限公司，至今已獲800多個國際獎項。 羅氏於2014年獲選「香港十大傑出青年」、「十大傑出設計師」，曾為多項比賽任評審，包括：INSIDE Festival of Interiors、Young Pin Award、K-Design Award。作品曾參展2016年威尼斯雙年展，還多次刊登於荷蘭《Frame》、美國《Interior Design》雜誌的封面及內頁。自2013年起應MRRM雜誌邀請成為該刊其中一位專欄作家。 提名人：李健杓教授   2023年度傑出設計校友—社會服務成就 李欣琪教授   設計學教授、國際演講者、設計研究學者及社會創新者 2007年哲學博士、1996年室內設計學文學士及1993年設計學文憑 李欣琪教授(Yanki) 是國際演講者、設計研究學者和社會創新者，創辦了兩個社會設計團體，包括始於2005 年的Exhibit at Golden Lane Estate CIC（倫敦）及始於 2016 年的香港註冊慈善教育機構「啟民創社」。李教授已發表 50 多篇論文、書籍章節和文章，並於丹麥設計學院及BEVICA 基金會，以及瑞典林奈大學擔任客座教授。自2017年起，在香港特別行政區的「社會創新及創業發展基金」和賽馬會慈善信託基金資助下，發起了多個社會設計項目，運用設計研究和行動方式介入不同社會議題。 個人簡介: 李欣琪 (Yanki) 於2007年、1996年及1993年分別取得香港理工大學的哲學博士、室內設計學文學士及設計學文憑，並在2000年畢業於英國皇家藝術學院建築系。李教授是國際演講者、設計研究學者和社會創新者，創辦了兩個社會設計團體，包括始於2005 年的Exhibit at Golden Lane Estate CIC（倫敦）及始於 2016 年的香港註冊慈善教育機構「啟民創社」。自2017年起，在香港特別行政區的「社會創新及創業發展基金」和賽馬會慈善信託基金資助下，發起了多個社會設計項目，運用設計研究和行動方式介入不同社會議題。李教授已發表 50 多篇論文、書籍章節和文章，並於丹麥設計學院及BEVICA 基金會，以及瑞典林奈大學擔任客座教授。 提名人：李健杓教授   2023年度傑出年輕設計校友—專業成就 孔明先生 行政總裁 2013年設計學文學士（工業及產品設計） 孔明是倫敦科技公司 TG0的創辦人兼行政總裁，專職研發人機交互產品。TG0成立於2015年，在融資中獲Amadeus Capital Partners 等風險投資者支持，並獲英國皇家工程院和 Innovate UK 的資助和獎項。其團隊亦於2021年入選德勤英國 Fast50 快速成長科技公司的第 35 名，在硬件領域排名第一。 個人簡介: 孔明是倫敦科技公司 TG0的創辦人兼行政總裁，專職研發人機交互產品。TG0成立於2015年，在融資中獲Amadeus Capital Partners 等風險投資者支持，並獲英國皇家工程院和 Innovate UK 的資助和獎項。TG0團隊約有40人，於2021年入選德勤英國 Fast50 快速成長科技公司的第 35 名，在硬件領域排名第一。 孔氏於2013年在港完成學業後，在英國皇家藝術學院及倫敦帝國理工學院取得雙碩士學位。他早於在學時期已參與學院項目，其後曾效力雀巢和 Takram，在電子產品規模生產工藝累積了豐富知識和經驗。 提名人：梁清河先生   2023年度傑出年輕設計校友—企業成就 黃梓豪先生 商業顧問、企業家及未來教育家 2013年設計學文學士（工業及產品設計） 黃梓豪(Thomas)是經驗豐富、成就卓著的商業顧問、企業家和未來教育家，熱衷創新和科技。黃氏自理大畢業後已累積了超過 10 年行業經驗，在投資傳統企業、 AI 科技初創公司以至創新教育方面均屢有建樹。黃氏致力運用創新和前瞻性的方法，幫助企業和年輕創業家在當今瞬息萬變的環境中茁莊成長。 個人簡介: 黃梓豪(Thomas)是經驗豐富、成就卓著的商業顧問、企業家和未來教育家，熱衷創新和科技。黃氏自理大畢業後已累積了超過 10 年行業經驗，在投資傳統企業、 AI 科技初創公司以至創新教育方面均屢有建樹。 黃氏深入了解設計和創業的挑戰與機遇，能以相關知識結合其專業培訓和科技的專長，在太空經濟領域為新生代提供精辟指導和教學，他以「星際創業」來形容這方面的工作。黃氏致力運用創新和前瞻性的方法，幫助企業和年輕創業家在當今瞬息萬變的環境中茁莊成長。 提名人：梁甜昭教授    

Design Infinity: Unfolding Creative Universes at the PolyU Design Show 2023

(中文版在本頁底)      The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) welcomes the general public, design enthusiasts and industry professionals to join the PolyU Design Show 2023. The Show, which runs from now until 25 October 2023 in the Jockey Club Innovation Tower on the PolyU campus, presents an array of creative design works by new-generation designers. This year's event is particularly meaningful as it represents a triumphant return to physical interaction after the pandemic, providing an opportunity to celebrate the enduring spirit of innovation and creativity. The Show is an annual event that has been a highlight for the creative and innovation industries in Hong Kong since the 1970s, this year showcasing more than 160 design projects created by students across various disciplines. It is open not only to those who are interested in design but also to individuals who are enthusiastic about improving their personal lives, businesses and societies through the application of cross-disciplinary creative approaches. The exhibits are the work of students from PolyU Design’s undergraduate programmes in Advertising Design, Communication Design, Digital Media, Environment and Interior Design, Interactive Media, Product Design and Social Design, as well as postgraduate programmes in Innovative Business Design, Intelligent Systems Design, Multimedia and Entertainment Technology, Smart Service Design and Transitional Environments Design. There are also cross-disciplinary and cooperative client projects on display. Prof. Kun-Pyo LEE, Dean of PolyU Design, said, “As one of the world’s top 20 tertiary institutions in art and design, PolyU Design will mark its diamond anniversary next year. The School has been an important hub of design education and research for Hong Kong since 1964. PolyU Design has long been nurturing designers who are not only innovative but also keep up with the trends in finding solutions to everyday problems.” With the theme “Grow to Discover. Expand to Show,” the exhibits address pressing issues that impact our day-to-day lives and reflect an amalgamation of innovative ideas and thorough user research. The projects not only demonstrate proficient application of design disciplines and technologies, but also reflect an understanding of social responsibility. Among the featured works are a customizable, digitised temple experience, a virtual time-travel experience to Lin Fa Kung in Tai Hang, a self-sustaining moisture harvester and a collaborative creative platform for DJs, among others. To find out more about the Show, please visit 2023.polyudesignshow.com or connect with PolyU Design via social media using the hashtag #PolyUDesignShow23.   設計無界：在理大設計展2023尋找創意宇宙   由香港理工大學（理大）設計學院主辦的年度盛事「理大設計展 2023」，於即日起至今年 10 月 25 日假理大賽馬會創新樓舉行，展出多項新一代設計師的創意作品，歡迎公眾、設計愛好者及業界專業人士蒞臨參觀。本屆展覽於疫情過後舉辦，令活動更添意義，參觀者可以親身接觸作品，並享受與設計師面對面交流的樂趣。理大設計學院已一切就緒，迎接社會各界人士的蒞臨，藉此機會為參觀者帶來匯聚創新和創造力的體驗。 理大設計展自 70 年代以來一直是香港創新與創意業界年度最矚目的盛事之一。是次參展作品逾 160 項，凝聚理大設計學院學士及碩士課程學生的心血結晶。展覽對於那些希望透過跨領域創新來改善個人生活、社會以及商業實踐的設計師來說，提供極佳的平台。參展作品涵蓋多個學士課程設計學科，包括廣告設計、傳意設計、數碼媒體、環境及室內設計、互動媒體、產品設計、社會創新設計，以及碩士課程設計學科包括創新商業設計、智能系統設計、多媒體科藝、智慧服務設計和城市環境設計。展出的作品還有個人創作、跨學科和客戶合作項目等。 理大設計學院院長李健杓教授表示：「作為全球藝術及設計科目 20 大高等院校，理大設計學院將於明年迎接鑽禧紀念。創立於 1964 年，理大設計學院一直是香港設計教育與研究的重要樞紐，致力於培養不僅具有創新精神，且能緊貼時尚潮流、為日常生活尋找解決方案的設計師。」 本年度理大設計展主題為「Grow to Discover. Expand to Show」，而是次展覽展出的作品結合創新思維及深度用戶研究，着重解決影響日常生活的迫切問題。作品不僅展示設計學科和技術的熟練應用，還體現了對社會責任的承擔。精選作品包括結合定制數碼化寺廟體驗平台、大坑蓮花宮虛擬時間遊歷體驗、自給自足的濕氣收集器，以及專為唱片騎師設計的創意協作平台等。 想了解更多有關理大設計展的詳情，請瀏覽 2023.polyudesignshow.com 或在各大社交媒體平台輸入主題標籤 #PolyUDesignShow23 追蹤相關資訊。  

Six Research Papers from the Intelligent Systems Design (MDes) Accepted by Peer-reviewed Conferences ACM Conference Included

Exciting news from PolyU Design's Intelligent Systems Design (ISD)! As part of the outcome from the ISD lab studies subject – Intelligent Systems Construction, six research papers have been accepted by peer-reviewed conferences, including two at the 2023 ACM SIGCHI Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work & Social Computing (CSCW23) – a top international conference with an average acceptance rate of 25.5% for research in the design and use of technologies that affect groups, organisations, communities, and networks. "The topics such as 'Towards Human-Centred AI-Co-Creation: A Three-Level Framework for Effective Collaboration between Human and AI' or 'Robotic Systems in Heritage Protection: An Anti-Fatigue Human-Robot Collaboration Exploration for Heritage Painting and Calligraphy Restoration' represent very well the vision of our ISD programme," said Prof. Stephen Jia Wang, ISD Specialism Leader and Lab Studies Subject Leader. "The main objective of this Lab Studies subject is to bring students to the actual research context." And he continued, "I'm very pleased with the outcome. Such an outcome after merely two semesters of studies is amazing. I'm proud of our tutors, staff and our first-ever cohort of ISD students since its launch in September 2022 – they have achieved something beyond my expectation! Good job, folks!" CSCW accepted papers are published in two annual CSCW issues of the journal series Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (PACM HCI) and invited to present in Minneapolis in CSCW 2023.    

Communication Design students recognised in D&AD international awards

We are proud to announce that two student groups from Communication Design were recently awarded Pencil prizes for their amazing design at the D&AD New Blood Awards 2023. These talented students and their tutor recognised internationally are:   NG Cheuk Wing Taki & PUN Cai Hong Rainbow Award: Graphite Pencil ME, MEME (a brief for HP Indigo & Top Trumps) A proposed project for a collaboration between ME,MEME, a brand new set of Top Trumps cards and HP Indigo, offering exclusive customization options to create and share memes, make oneself a part of them, and play the card game. Learn more   SZE Pak Yin Simon & YEUNG Ching Yan Vannessa Award: Wood Pencil In to the Unknown (a brief for IMAX) The designers created a video to present the impressiveness of IMAX experience with astonishing visuals and a captivating story, making a 3D animation using Blender completely. Learn more   Both projects were supervised by Mr Roberto Vilchis Echeverri.    The New Blood Awards is a prestigious award programme open to advertising, design, digital and marketing students, recent graduates and emerging creatives worldwide.

【The Student Story】4 Questions with Li Zihan: my 4 years at PolyU Design and next

Li Zihan, a Year-4 product design student, was selected as an awardee of PolyU’s Outstanding Student Award 2022 for his excellent academic performance at PolyU Design. After finishing high school in mainland China, he decided to begin his journey to become a designer in Hong Kong. We had a chat with Li Zihan to peek into a PolyU design student’s study life. Follow through our chat and see if PolyU Design is your next destination.   Question 1. Why did you choose to study at PolyU Design? A: There are a few reasons. It starts with my background: A science student that always has a passion for art, I enjoyed drawing and making models since young. My interest in materialising ideas led me to choose the path of Product Design. My art portfolio built back then came in handy for the application of PolyU Design BA programme. The high reputation and world ranking of the School were also the criteria I considered. Since I wanted to reach out to a more international and open platform, I decided to kick off my design journey in Hong Kong. PolyU Design has provided me with the global vision and exposure that I looked for in a design school.   Question 2. List 3 things you find useful or inspiring about studying here Rich learning resources A: From the well-equipped facilities to the experienced teaching staff, they make up a comprehensive and practical learning experience. Compared to my exchange college in Milan, PolyU Design has way better hardware, with studios, galleries and rooms fulfilling multi-purposes. For example, the Material Resource Centre has allowed me to learn about the characteristics of the materials and adopt them into my design. They have given me many inspirations through searching and touching the material samples. STUDIO and fixed workspace A: Instead of moving around to different lecture rooms, we have our classes in a fixed classroom with our own working space. Studio is the place where we do almost everything, from taking classes and working on projects, to sleeping and having meals. It is a perfect place for us to engage with other students and exchange ideas. Frequent showcases and exhibitions A: Every few months or weeks, you can find new exhibitions at the podium galleries and other floors in the iconic Jockey Club Innovation Tower. This sets up an immersive design atmosphere. As I pass by the podium and corridors, I can always serendipitously find ideas from my peers’ works across different disciplines. It also feels like a significant recognition or encouragement to have your works showcased in exhibitions too.   Question 3. Share one of your most unforgettable learning experiences in PolyU Design A: The most remarkable learning experience has to be the Co-operative Project and overseas internship. COOP Project was a great platform for practical experience. I worked on an interior design project in collaboration with Chinachem, the leading Hong Kong property developer. Having an actual client made the project realistic and rewarding. At the same time, it was exhausting with the heavy workload and big project group but the hard work paid off and I learnt a lot. Overseas Internship I took the chance to go on an overseas internship in Italy and worked at a furniture design studio, Sand & Birch Studio. Working overseas with professional furniture designers not only enriched my design skills but also broadened my horizons and nurtured my global vision.   Question 4. What is your plan after graduation? A: I will carry on my journey in Milan, to study a Master’s degree in design there. At this stage, my focus is on exploring my interests, capabilities, and the trends and demands of society, to fit myself into the right field. I wish to be an adventurous designer. I am lucky that my parents are supportive of my dreams and decisions, they wanted me to do something that I like and enjoy life. I wish the same for myself. I would devolve myself into a career that I’m passionate about even if it may not pay a lot.

A SIP-ability furniture design shown at 'Embracing the Bamboo' Outdoor Art Exhibition

A bamboo art installation “THE POT: A SIP-ability Design for HK Household” by a group of Product Design graduates is now on show at “Embracing the Bamboo” Outdoor Art Exhibition held by Construction Industry Council Zero Carbon Park (8 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay) until 30 June 2023.    Designed by  Lee Wing Ki Angel, Chong Nga Ching, Lui Mei Yee, See Jun Hong Bob, “THE POT: A SIP-ability Design for HK Household” is a set of household furniture that caters for the habit of Hong Kong residents living in small space. The case study informs us of two design insights- appreciating the creative use of vertical space and gap in the high-density living environment and maintaining quality life in chaos and order. “Sip-la” (placing objects into the gaps) is a practice of home stuff’s management commonly shared by Hong Kong households living under limited space. Endowing non-frequently used items a temporary identity brings visual and mental comfort yet not feasible in the long run. “THE POT: A SIP-ability Design for HK Household” explores the issues roused by space-sharing inside “home” from a human-centred perspective.   Welcome to see the work and other amazing bamboo projects at the Exhibition.    CIC-ZCP “Embracing the Bamboo” Outdoor Art Exhibition Date: 3 April to 30 June 2023 Address: CIC-Zero Carbon Park Grassland - 8 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong Fee: Free admission Learn more

Professor Stephen J. Wang led researchers and students to A'Design Award and iF Design Awards

        Once again, good designs from PolyU Design have proved themselves on global platforms. This time the stage is set at the internationally well recognized A’Design Award and iF Design Awards 2023 where Prof. Stephen Jia Wang and his team of researchers and students won four professional awards.    ‘Sunflower’, an Interactive lamp developed under the Research Centre for Future (Caring) Mobility led by Prof. Wang, is the winner in the Wellness, Health Promotion, and Preventive Care Design category of A’Design Award. It is a health IoT product focus considering the circadian rhythm as the core element to monitor user's lifestyle. It engages users through creature-like movements, providing a brand-new organic and interactive experience. Heroes and heroines behind this project are Jiajuan Li, Stephen Jia WANG, Yangwu CAI, Yanjie Zhan, Sein JEONG, ZhengTao Ma, Sark XING and Le FANG. The iF winner ‘Motar’ is an AR-based outdoor educational system designed to encourage urban grade-schoolers (5-12 children) to go outdoors and stay in the natural environment by providing immersive real-world-based games. It is designed by Chenbei Gui under Prof. Stephen J. Wang’s supervision. Chenbei who is our MDes student graduated from our BA(Hons) in Product Design last year. Motar was her Product Design graduation project. Another iF and A’Design double award winner is ‘Mel:mory Cube’, designed by Xiang Yi and Felix Tsoi from MDes (Interaction Design) and supervised by Prof. Stephen J. Wang. The product aims to raise the awareness of Chinese amnesia, and further remind, rebuild and enhance the interest and memory development of Chinese characters through a multi-sensory and playful approach by translating Chinese characters (visual sensory) into distinctive melodies (auditory-driven) generated by a self-identified mechanism.    These projects would not be possible without our long-term client also collaborator, Huawei Technologies Ltd., leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices that is always supportive to researchers and young designers.    Research Centre for Future (Caring) Mobility: learn more Motar: learn more Mel:mory Cube: learn more  

【The Student Story】 Grace Moon’s PolyU Delegation Trip to South Korea

Grace Daeun Moon, a Year 3 Communication Design student from PolyU Design had the chance to accompany the university’s senior management in a visit to South Korea last month, taking up the role of the sole student ambassador. She sat down with us for a chat right after the trip, sharing the details of this eye-opening journey. The delegation was led by university’s Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai and joined by President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng and Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben Young to strengthen the university’s global academic partnerships, taking collaborations to the next level. During the 5-days visit, Grace had the privilege to immerse herself into a full-blown itinerary: touring around the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Seoul National University (SNU), and Yonsei University while interacting with fellow students on campus — an exclusive experience rarely given to undergraduate students.  "Each person I’ve had the opportunity to interact with only existed in photos and videos in my life until now. The PolyU senior management who I travelled with were real impact-makers who I had the chance to hold a conversation with!”  Grace exclaimed as she reflected on the trip that felt, in some ways, surreal. She explains that the chance to have real dialogue with the senior management, picking each other's brains, exchanging insights on what it means to learn and achieve was the highlight of her trip. She was also delighted to share her voice as a designer in a science, engineering and technology-rich university, and how her discipline could be weaved into this strong academic network and contributions to bring about a more interdisciplinary outlook in learning more about the world around us. "There were a lot of surprised looks since for most of the students, this was their first glimpse into university life in the city of Hong Kong." The Communication Design student also had the chance to share her first-hand experience at PolyU Design when the delegation paid a class visit at the Seoul International School, amongst other engagements. From covering undergraduate application essentials to her everyday life on campus, all the way to flying out to the Parsons School of Design in the United States for a semester abroad, she gave the inside scoop to the school’s design class. All the memorable moments, both of delight and of hard work, were shared vividly and passionately for the prospective international students, encouraging them to paint their own vision of what a fast-paced and exciting student life in Hong Kong could look like. Snapshots of the iconic HK skyline view from Grace's dorm room, her personal studio space, the ample opportunities to complete exchange and 8-week internship abroad showed left them in awe.   "I felt like a bridge (of cultures).”  When being asked of the most notable insight Grace gained from the trip, she responded by sharing with her new sense of belonging and identity. "I have always been the 'other'," she explained, "as a third-culture kid in Hong Kong.” She goes on to explain that her background as a Korean growing up in Malaysia (albeit in an international bubble) has excluded her from being fully immersed in all three cultural contexts. However, this trip helped her realise that instead of desiring to belong in one fully, she can be a three-way bridge figure—keen to introduce the HK culture and lifestyle to the Korean communities while ensuring her fellow HK delegates felt at home was certainly bizarre yet fulfilling experience.  

PolyU Design and PLD Capital signed Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership

We are thrilled to announce that PolyU Design and PLD Capital have entered into a strategic partnership through the signing of a MoU on 26th April 2023. The MoU sets out the framework for the parties to commercialize the innovations generated at PolyU within the Greater Bay Area region. The signing ceremony was successfully organized by SD Plus, and the MoU was signed by Prof Kun-pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU Design, and Dr KK Chan, Partner of PLD Capital Co. Ltd, witnessed by PolyU Design faculty including Design Lab Leaders and Research Centre Director and SD Plus Design Leads.   PLD Capital Co. Ltd is a young and dynamic Chinese venture capital firm founded in 2014, with teams of domestic and international experts located in various cities across China and Finland, focusing on projects with high-growth potential and "Hydrogen" related applications. PLD Capital prioritizes unbeatable investment returns for its investors while promoting sustainability through ESG policies. It joined the UN PRI in 2021and obtained a Trustee License, leading to the initiation of internationally recognized ESG policies in its portfolio projects. The company has achieved a record-high DPI 3.2 with three significant exits at the STAR board in Shanghai.   The MoU between PolyU Design and PLD Capital aims to facilitate further discussions between the parties for academic and cultural exchange, research collaboration, and project implementation in the Greater Bay Area region. The potential areas of collaboration include organizing an exhibition or developing a programme focusing on the concept of a cultural, design and digital future for educational purposes in the Greater Bay Area and connecting designers, entrepreneurs, and investors.   We are excited to see the outcome of this partnership and the positive impact it will bring to the Greater Bay Area region. ____________________________________________________________________________________ We welcome collaborations from various industries and businesses, find out HERE.