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.  

Young design explorers gathered at PolyU Design for a jam-packed Taster Programme

The recent WHAT DESIGN? PolyU Taster Programme on 15 April 2023 welcomed a group of Form 4 to 5 secondary school students for a 1-day experience, fleeting but rammed with enlightening moments.   Served as a fun, social and creative outlet, the class of aspiring design explorers transformed into a 1-day university student at the world’s renowned design school, working alongside companions with similar passions. Creative ideas just keep flowing within the 30 mins intensive activity of the ‘Blow Water’ workshop as they came up with various human (and non-human) centered ideas, fascinating products as well as quirky catchphrases. These experience and knowledge learnt will continue to inspire thus encourage students to explore proactively!   Contact us at sdmktg@polyu.edu.hk if you would like to arrange design learning opportunities for secondary schools.

PolyU Design academic staff and student won merits from DigiCon6 ASIA Awards 2023

Teaching Fellow Step Cheung and Digital Media graduate Ho Tsz-ching won merits from DigiCon6 ASIA Awards 2023,  a prestigious digital content competition in Asia. The outstanding animation work by Step Cheung and Point Five Creations “Everywhere” won the Silver Award and That’s Entertainment—the award which does not guarantee a winner every year. Another exceptional winning animation project was Ho Tsz-ching’s “White”. The animated short film depicting a deer’s adventure won one of the Digital Creativity Awards.   This year, The 24th DigiCon6 ASIA Awards - Hong Kong attracted 79 applications. the Regional Gold Award, Silver Awards and Next Generation Award will be nominated to further compete for the highest awards in the Grand Final, which involved participation of 16 Asian countries/regions. Co-organized by The Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA) and Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc (TBS) for years, the award aims to identify and support potential creative talents in Hong Kong through promotions and recognition of their creative digital content.