Step Cheung’s ‘Depths of Night’ nominated for the 58th Golden Horse Awards

Our Deputy Programme Leader of BA (Hons) in Digital Media Step Cheung brought us good news recently. She was shortlisted and nominated for the Best Animated Short Film at the 58th Golden Horse Awards with her work ‘Depths of Night’. The film portrays the author's fear of how Hong Kong has changed and how she faces her emotions.  The Golden Horse Awards are among the most prestigious and time-honoured film awards in the world of Chinese language cinema. Established in 1962, the awards have given recognition to numerous excellent filmmakers working in Chinese-language cinema. It welcomes annual entries from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and other Chinese speaking areas. The nominations and results of 24 awards are decided by a group of jurors consisting of film professionals. The final results will be revealed at the Golden Horse Awards Ceremony on November 27th 2021.

Over a thousand children participate in an inclusive design research project of a country park, as part of the PolyU School of Design’s research on children and public design

“Playful Public Design by Children” is an inclusive design research project involved kid art educators as facilitators, 1,023 children with their family who applied design thinking in Shing Mun Country Park. The research project commenced in March 2019 was co-led by our Public Design Lab and CreativeKids, a group of art and design studios for children and teenagers in Hong Kong. In a real-life research setting, the participants learnt to take a critical look at the relationship among human, animals and nature so as to apply design thinking on the public space, facilities and structures. They attempted to identify and solve problems through creating whimsical treehouses, gazebos, observation towers, playful tools, monkey signage, recycling bins and self-directed design. The deliverables of the project not only include many wonderful creations by our young generations, but also a publication and an exhibition currently held at Jockey Club Innovation Tower on campus to showcase the designs. The project was recognized the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and was selected by to be Hong Kong’s entry for the international Golden Cubes Award 2020 organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA) last year.   Exhibition of Playful Public Design by Children (玩樂公共設計展覽) 28 – 30/10/2021: Gallery D 31/10 – 19/11/2021: Gallery A Podium level, Innovation Tower, PolyU Learn more>>

Recent external appointments of staff (Jul-Sep 2021)

Dr Jörn Bühring,Assistant Professor Program Advisory Board member, Abu Dhabi University College of Business   Dr Sandy Ng,Assistant Professor   Council Member of Field Editors for Books and Related Media, caa.reviews USA-Field Editor for Design History, College Art Association Prof. Stephen Jia Wang,Professor, MDes Scheme Leader   International Editorial Board Member, Archives of Design Research (Q1 in Visual Arts and Performing Arts) International Editor and Editorial Board Member, Journal of Zhuangshi

TPgFS 2022/23: Master of Design selected to offer 26 fellowships to cover local students' tuition fee

Join us at the Information Session - Master of Design on Jan 8, 2022 (Sat). Register your interest to attend the event here. TPgFS refers to the Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme offered by the University Grants Committee (UGC). This 5-cohort pilot scheme provides fellowships for meritorious local students for designated taught postgraduate (TPg) programmes to pursue further studies so as to benefit the Hong Kong society. The scheme is expected to provide a maximum of 1,000 fellowships for the third cohort of students (admitted in the 2022/23 academic year). The fellowship, in the form of subsidy, supports each of the fellowship students their programme tuition for up to HK$120,000. The award of the fellowships is to be based on merits. Master of Design (MDes), which operates as a scheme with four specialisms (programme code 73035-IBD/ISD/SSD/TED), offers 26 fellowships in the third cohort. MDes is among the 16 eligible TPgFS programmes in PolyU. It is also one of 14 eligible TPgFS programmes in the priority area of creative industries, awarding about its 29% fellowship places. MDes Fellowship students are required to pay HKD54,600 after offsetting the full programme tuition (HKD174,600) by the fellowship subsidy (HKD120,000). This fellowship scheme was first announced in the 2019 Policy Address. A task force comprising overseas academics and experts who are well experienced in the relevant fields and with no conflict of interest was set up to finalise the details of the scheme and to assess the proposals submitted by the universities. The purpose of the scheme, a wide participation from all UGC-funded universities, and the rigorous and holistic approach in the process have resulted in giving a special recognition for all TPgFS eligible programmes and fellowships students. Visit PolyU eProspectus, UGC website or TPgFSFAQ for further information. Eligibility Local students only; and Being admitted to one of the MDes programmes offered in 2022/23; and Not receiving other forms of government scholarship, including Continuing Education Fund (CEF) (except student financial assistance), or any forms of financial aid from the PolyU, such as the Alumni Bursary, for pursuing the same programme. Selection Criteria The consideration is based on merits and taking into account the students’ academic achievements; professional qualifications; work experience; interview results; and the personal statement on their commitment and plan in serving for the industry of the applied programme. Application Procedures To apply for the fellowships, submit your application for MDes admission via eAdmission first, and then upload the completed fellowship application form in the "additional document" section of eAdmission. Application Results and Deadline The consideration of the TPgFS applications may be on a rolling basis until fellowship places are filled; you are encouraged to submit an application as early as possible. Enquiry T: 3400 3440 E: mdes.sd@polyu.edu.hk PolyU reserves the right to change the terms or withdraw the above fellowships. In case of any dispute/disagreement, PolyU’s decision is final.

Interactive Media's en;bar named best interaction design in Global Design Graduate Show 2021

We are proud to announce that “en;bar”, capstone project of LEUNG Chun Tung Anthony (Interactive Media, 2021) has won in the Interaction Design category of Global Design Graduate Show 2021 in collaboration with Gucci. This is a true achievement as the work stands out with other categories’ winners from over 5000 undergraduate, graduate & postgraduate works created by people of 109 nationalities. Judges are leaders from established companies from around the world.  The design includes an en;bar mobile application, en;bar “Spirit” and a Smart Coaster that help users to drink moderately and brings more fun to this activity. Supervisor of this project is Dr Kenny Chow. To learn more>> 

Dr. Jörn Bühring's chapter contribution to the "Transformation Dynamics in FinTech"

Dr. Jörn Bühring's chapter contribution to the "Transformation Dynamics in FinTech" book is published. The article "Innovation with Foresight: Anticipating Alternative and Creative Responses in Strategic Organizational Decision-making" provides a review on key issues and their implications caused by rapidly changing business environments which have prompted a call for new strategic organizational decision-making capabilities in innovation. Available here.

Vote for our students shorted for Global Design Graduate Show 2021 in collaboration with Gucci

Three amazing student projects from PolyU Design have been shortlisted by industry experts for the "Global Design Graduate Show 2021 in collaboration with Gucci", an international platform presented by ARTSTHREAD.   Public vote is now officially open for general public to show support to their favourite artists and designers on the shortlist. VOTE FOR OUR STUDENTS if you like the works!   Never Be A Regular https://bit.ly/3CV5OSd CATEGORY: DIGITAL / VISUAL COMMUNICATION / FILM   en;bar https://bit.ly/3ujTWGm CATEGORY: DIGITAL / VISUAL COMMUNICATION / FILM Family Relationships In Action -- Get In Touch   https://bit.ly/2ZI6tZ2 CATEGORY: PRODUCT / ARCHITECTURE / INTERIORS   Voting closed on 13 October and winners will be announced on 18 October.

PolyU Master of Design re-designed to groom designers of innovation

PolyU Design's Master of Design (MDes), first launched in 2004, is well established and was recognised as one of the best in the world. The School constantly reviews its curriculum to ensure its quality and relevance. With the introduction of the restructured one-year full-time Master of Design (MDes) curriculum in the academic year 2022/23, the existing full-time specialisms (Design Practices, Interaction Design, International Design & Business Management and Urban Environments Design) will be revamped as follows: Smart Service Design (SSD) Intelligent Systems Design (ISD) Innovative Business Design (IBD) Transitional Environments Design (TED) A new vision The new vision of the PolyU MDes is to nurture proactive leaders and game-changers for the future industry. With high-level flexibility and variety restructured in the curriculum, the Scheme gives new impetus to interdisciplinary research and education in the region. As designers see the world as systems to be organised and integrated, they don't have to choose any specialty for a profession, but see areas of study (specialisms) as sources of knowledge and patterns to inform their work towards meeting global challenges. In this Scheme, designers of innovation feel at home in the arts, humanities, science, engineering, and mathematics. Re-positioning PolyU MDes is a unique and dynamic platform for maintaining and expanding long-term partnerships with industry and commercial clients for student projects and other activities enabled by Hong Kong's strategic location in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The special administrative region enjoys an expanded living circle and business opportunities facilitated by cross-border policy areas and measures. Given that, the initial collaboration engagement will include corporations and agencies based in the region. These partnerships will draw from and inform a new landscape and direction for design practice and thinking. New programme features Interdisciplinarity Underpinning the MDes is interdisciplinary research and education. The new MDes offers compulsory core subjects in Research and Analysis for Design, Research and Academic Writing and Industry Research Project/ Capstone Project. This group of compulsory subjects provides a foundation for linking design with research and academic explorations, which equip students with necessary methodologies for design research and development in a technological, business and social context for their research-based practice and projects or their PhD proposal. Research-based studies and projects In addition to the typical Studios subjects, a new initiative, Lab Studies subjects, is introduced. The Lab Studies affords ways of blurring the boundaries between teaching and research. It aims to provide students with an opportunity to be involved in real-world research projects, access the lab equipment, get closer contact with more established and experienced researchers in the field. High-level flexibility and variety While the credits requirement for graduation remains at 36 for all specialisms, compulsory subjects account for 21 credits in the restructured curriculum, compared to 30 credits previously. Electives offered by one specialism are open to all other specialisms, subject to the availability of vacancies. Some may require students to have prior knowledge in certain fields. Timetabling is coordinated, and the subject duration is aligned to 7.5 or 13 weeks. These updates together make planning studies and exploring different interests easier. Inviting applications for 2022/23 entry Despite the revamping, the lasting value of PolyU Master of Design in the heart of our community remains unchanged – to prepare students to take charge of their future learning and development in design's nimble and quickly changing environments. The core MDes faculty continues to be on the teaching team. New faculty and visiting faculty with corresponding expertise are expected to lead or co-lead in many new subjects. New MDes Specialism Leaders are Prof. Stephen J. Wang (ISD), Dr Sylvia Liu (IBD), Dr Shera Park (SSD) and Prof. Laurent Gutierrez (TED). Prof. Wang is also the new MDes Scheme Leader. The School welcomes talents to join our Master of Design, particularly those with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in design, STEM, business, humanities or a related discipline, e.g. communication, psychology, anthropology, environmental studies, ecology and urban studies. Please visit PolyU eProspectus or the PolyU Design website for programme details and updates, or register your interest here and received our e-mail notifications on admissions news and events. Accepting applications from today until 30 April 2022, the School reviews applications in several admissions rounds. The upcoming early round review deadline closes on 10 December 2021. 

Cheung Chi Ho's 'Petition Visualiser' as YOUNG STARS Bronze winner

One of the sources of air pollution is the increased carbon emission from fossil fuel industry. The problem is global and has flagged an alarm to human’s life. To increase awareness, this issue is addressed in the brief for this year’s Young Stars competition, where our Advertising Design student Cheung Chi Ho has proposed a campaign to promote the idea of Carbon Neutrality, and proudly won a Bronze! Chi Ho’s amazing solution is titled “Petition Visualiser” – a real-time out-of-home solution that encourages petition signing by presenting the petition’s live status in a visually impactful way. It features a set of digital out-of-home posters to communicate the harm of pollution to encourage audience to participate in the petition by scanning a QR code. As the number of signing increases, the key visual will fade away in proportion to how close the petition is reaching its targeted signature numbers. By combining craft and technology, the interactive design carries an additional symbolic meaning of wiping out the pollution together, which provide incentives for the public to sign the petition. As part of AD STARS award show, the Young Stars is an international advertising competition for college students. Works were judged by a panel of global advertising experts. Young Stars winners will have the chance to land an internship with a top global agency. Please join us in congratulating Chi Ho on his achievement!

Students bring trophies home from European Product Design Award 2021

Congratulations to our fresh graduates of Product Design WONG Chi Yin and Ramona SHIU on winning prizes at the European Product Design Award 2021! Both winners were supervised by Dr Shih Yi-teng, Assistant Professor throughout the creation of capstone projects.   Chi Yin’s capstone project ‘OPRO’ is selected as TOP DESIGN in Education/Teaching Aids. It is the first robot car design for STEM featuring an extendable car foundation and a worksheet set in order to provide a level-by-level hands-on learning experience for students to create their own OPRO design. The project was selected by the Jury from all finalists of the category from other regions in the world. Ramona’s ‘PLAB: Kids’ Play Lab’, an interactive Toy Kit for kids, is WINNER in the Toy Design/Educational Toy category. The outstanding design is recognized for escalating play to the next level through the application of technology.  The European Product Design Award™ is an international award created to recognise the efforts of talented product designers who aim to improve human’s daily lives with their practical, well-thought-out creations.