PolyU Design Celebrates Soil Trust's Recognition with Don Norman Design Award for Innovative Food Waste Solutions

PolyU Design is honoured to announce that “The Codesigned Soil-to-Soil Food Economies Project” of Soil Trust has received Promising Award from the international "Don Norman Design Award" (DNDA). It is one of the Top 5 entries among nearly 100 submissions worldwide. The awards celebrate groups whose projects address at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate great potential.   According to the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, in 2022, approximately 3,300 tonnes of food waste were disposed of in landfills daily. With limited landfill space, the food waste problem has become a significant challenge in Hong Kong.     The Soil Trust project is addressing the food waste issue by experimenting with eco-friendly farming practices and community involvement. They are also developing the Growers Without Borders  (泥玩無國界) service learning program. By combining eco-friendly farming practices with creative community involvement, Soil Trust promotes sustainable land management and tackles the critical issue of food waste. Through the Growers Without Borders program, Soil Trust encourages people from different backgrounds to participate in farming practices that help the environment, using kitchen scraps to enrich the soil. This joint effort reduces food waste, promotes a sense of responsibility towards the environment, and strengthens community bonds, providing a model for comprehensive urban sustainability in Hong Kong. The project was recognised by the international board of directors formed by leaders in design, education, and social innovation. “The Soil Trust Soil-to-Soil Food Economies project shows great potential toward the vision of DNDA – a world where design embraces the well-being of humanity and encompasses diverse cultures, the environment, and all living beings,” said Prof. Don Norman, the renowned Distinguished Professor and Founder of the Design Lab at UC San Diego who is also co-founder of the Don Norman Design Award. “I applaud Soil Trust for their meaningful efforts. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the international panel of jurors who gave their valuable time to evaluate the submissions and select the award recipients.”   The DNDA promotes Humanity-Centered Design and recognises projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aims to support early career practitioners and educational institutions. It provides acknowledgement, support, and tangible rewards for impactful contributions to design excellence. The Soil Trust project managed to stand out from nearly 100 participants worldwide. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Soil Trust Team for their outstanding work. This accomplishment highlights PolyU Design's dedication to advancing design education and research.   The members of Soil Trust Team include: Principal Investigator, eco-social design: Dr Markus WERNLI, Research Assistant Professor, PolyU Design Co-investigator, eco-social design: Mr CHAN Kam Fai, Lecturer, PolyU Design Co-investigator, Farm Manager: Shing Wai NG Assistant Farm Manager: Sin Ting LAM Time-based documentation: Josh Shui Wah WOLPER

Driving Design Innovation: Global Research in Design Innovation Forum and Exhibition

The Global Research in Design Innovation Forum took place successfully on 16 September 2024. Organised by PolyU Design, the forum welcomed distinguished speakers from the design academia to share their unique insights in design research, and the attendees who were enthusiastic in driving innovative force to the design industry. The forum's objective was to convene academic leaders to delve into the impact of innovative design on industries and its societal significance. It also addressed the potential for revolutionising industries through new processes and approaches in the era of AI advancement.   The amazing lineup of speakers includes: Prof. Donghui CUI, Central Academy of Fine Arts Prof. Terrence Michael CURRY, Tsinghua University Institute for Future human Habitats Dr Qin GAO, Tsinghua University Prof. Ting HAN, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Prof. Yingqing XU, Tsinghua University Dr Weitao YOU, Zhejiang University Dr Yang ZHAO, Sun Yat-sen University Representing PolyU, Dean of School of Design Prof. Kun-pyo Lee led a group of lab and project leaders to introduce the research at PolyU and engage in an inspiring exchange of knowledge with the guest speakers and attendees. Concurrently, there was an exhibition showcasing research projects from PolyU Design and our collaborators opened alongside the forum. The exhibits covered a wide range of topics, including healthcare, education, mobility, and habitation. These design interventions aim to pave the way towards a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future. PolyU Design looks forward to continuing to work with our collaborators for the advancement of a brighter future through design innovations.

Winners Announced for the PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2024 Summer Edition

Building upon the success of the inaugural PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2024, the programme is proud to present a special Summer Edition for this year. This spin-off event aims to build on the momentum and learning from the first competition, taking the creative exploration of secondary school students to new heights. The PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2024 Summer Edition is taking this concept further. Rather than predefined categories, the challenge this time is centered around a simple, yet profound theme: Good Design By removing the constraints of specific design fields, the summer edition encourages participants to showcase their creations in a free-flowing, cross-disciplinary manner. This open-ended format enables students to engage in broader exploration, experimentation, and integration of design skills and ways of thinking.   The Best Design Champion The Most Innovative Design Award CHUENG Wing Tong, LUO Nuo from TWGHs Li Ka Shing College Project: Plastic Leaf - A recycling centre and public community space designed for Tai Tong residents The Most Sustainable Design Award LAI Hong Yin from Youth College (International) Project: Marine Debris Restaurant - Visualising meals of people when marine animals got polluted People’s Choice Award WONG Hei Yan Emily from Jockey Club Ti-I College Project: Ice Cream Sandwich Package Design - An ice cream container doubling as an ice cream cookie sandwich assembling tool The Most Supporting School Award HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity Carmel Divine Grace Foundation Secondary School Youth College (International) *Scroll through the photo album above for more project images   Congratulations to all winners in challenging your boundless creativity and taking the honour home! The winning projects of the PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2024 Summer Edition are now exhibited at the PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2024 Winner Showcase @Hong Kong Central Library until 29 October 2024, let's celebrate their good designs together!

Master of Design Accepting Applications to Part-time Programmes for Jan 2025 Entry

Master of Design (MDes) is pleased to invite applications for the Jan 2025 Entry. Accepted students will be admitted to Semester 2 of the 2024/25 academic year and eligible to apply for the Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme#^ offered by the University Grants Committee (UGC). Main application period: 9 Sep 2024 – 25 Oct 2024 Commencement of Semester 2: 13 Jan 2025 Part-time programmes inviting applications: Innovative Business Design (73035-IBP) Intelligent Systems Design (73035-ISP) Smart Service Design (73035-SSP) Transitional Environments Design (73035-TEP) In contrast to the conventional part-time studies where lecture-based classes are held in the evening or at weekends, our new part-time mode offers classes of varying types (including the design studios) held during the day on weekdays. This study mode will suit those with flexible work arrangements. Applications can be submitted on PolyU's eAdmission: polyu.edu.hk/admission. For programme details, please visit PolyU's Postgraduate Admissions Website: polyu.edu.hk/study/pg/taught-postgraduate.  To meet our faculty and students in person, you are welcome to join our Master of Design - Information Seminar at the PolyU Design Open Day. Click the banner for event details and registration. To learn more about the Fellowships Scheme that subsidises the tuition fee capped at HK$120,000, please click here for details. # Subject to fulfilling the Fellowships Scheme's eligibility criteria: Local applicants only and not receiving other forms of government scholarship including the Continuing Education Fund (except student financial assistance). ^ PolyU reserves the right to change the terms or withdraw the above fellowships. In case of any dispute/disagreement, PolyU’s decision is final.

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PolyU Design and Guangxi Urban-Rural Planning and Design Institute officially announced strategic partnership

（中文版在本頁底部） PolyU Design and the Guangxi Urban-Rural Planning and Design Institute signed a strategic partnership on 14 August 2024. This collaboration is set to drive innovation in cutting-edge digital technologies such as AI, VR, and HCI, focusing on their application in urban construction, rural revitalization, and the protection of historical and cultural heritage in Guangxi. Additionally, the partnership will jointly conduct research on improving residential quality in regions with hot summers and cold winters, and promote the application of AI technology in whole-house intelligent manufacturing. The partnership also aims to establish a robust mechanism for the transformation of research outcomes, organize educational training, academic exchanges, and jointly train AI models. During the ceremony, opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, followed by speeches from Mr Chen Haitao, Prof. Christina Wong, and Mr Yang Dong. The agreement was signed by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee and Ms Fan Hua, with key figures including Mr Yang Dong, Mr Chang Liang, and Prof. Christina Wong witnessing the momentous occasion. Distinguished guests such as Mr David Leung, Prof. Henry Duh, Mr Benny Leong, and Dr Sky Lo also joined to commemorate the event with group photos. 香港理工大學設計學院與廣西壯族自治區城鄉規劃設計院於2024年8月14日成功簽署戰略合作協議。此次合作將推動人工智能、虛擬現實、人機交互等前沿數字技術在廣西城市建設、鄉村振興及歷史文化遺產保護等領域的創新應用。雙方還將共同開展夏熱冬䁔地區住宅提質研究，推動人工智能技術在整屋智造中的應用。合作還將建立健全科研成果轉化機制，組織教育培訓、學術交流及共同訓練人工智能大模型等活動。 儀式上，李健杓教授、陳海濤副院長、黃詠恩教授及楊棟副廳長分別發表了講話。協議由李健杓教授和范華院長簽署，並由楊棟副廳長、常亮副局長及黃詠恩教授等多位重要嘉賓見證了這一重要時刻。梁瀚雲秘書長、杜本麟教授、梁清河先生及盧添添博士等嘉賓亦出席儀式並合影留念。

Unlocking Potentials of High School Students through Creative Juicing at the PolyU Summer Institute 2024

The School of Design of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University welcomed 42 local and international high school students to have a taste of a day in the life of a design student with a fresh and zesty twist! During the day-long attachment programmes on 23 and 25 July, 2024, participants not only had the chance to learn more about their desired programme of BA (Hons) Scheme in Design, but also unleashing their creative instincts and unlock the full spectrum of their imaginative potential through the Creative Juice workshop. Who knows that there is such depth of techniques and design knowledge to explore when it comes to orange juicing! PolyU Design welcomes further opportunity exploration and take collaborations to the next level, just drop us a message at sdmktg@polyu.edu.hk! About the PolyU Summer Institute 2024 Organised by the Global Engagement Office, it is designed for Secondary 4 and Secondary 5 students, or equivalent, to have an immersive university experience at our campus and in Hong Kong. The whole event consists of a 5 days, 4 nights Residential Camp, or together with an add-on programme of a credit-bearing course. MORE SNAPSHOTS

Creative Social Solutions Shine at the PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2024 Stage

The year-round PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2024 is finally coming to a wrap as the winners of the five award categories has been announced at the Final Presentation cum Award Ceremony on 20 July, 2024. Organised by the School of Design of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hatch Awards is a competition that caters to diverse interests and aptitudes, nurturing the creative potential of high school students. Finalists competed with over 110 entries in the first round and undergone a series of design lectures, workshops and ideation consultations during the 4-day Hatch Programme, before taking the stage to pitch their final design solutions to the judging panel at the final presentation. The last teams standing wowed audience not only with their creative approaches but also backed with thorough research and solid outcomes, providing the judging panel with a fresh take on the social issues through the lens of a secondary school student.   COMMUNITY, SPACE, AND SERVICE DESIGN Team Conductor    *Also crowned with the Best of the Best Award LIU Xuan Yu, TAM Tsz Tung & ZHENG Yee Fei from T.W.G.Hs Li Ka Shing College Project: Physical Disability Inclusive Playground - An accessible and inclusive playground designed for children in wheelchairs COMMUNICATION DESIGN Team Wisio Alena CHENG, Mia LAM & Christen LAU from West Island School Project: REFOOD - A brand campaign that focuses on tackling food waste and insecurity PRODUCT EXPERIENCE DESIGN Team Gerbil Carrier Katriny TAN & Rachel WONG from Malvern College Hong Kong Project: Sustanimal - Safe gerbil transport meets sustainable comfort, a dual-purpose carrier and eco-friendly bedding solution PLAY DESIGN Team Climate Craft HO Shing Yau & Carys LAM from International Christian School Project: Habitat Series - An interactive blind boxes of endangered animals & their habitats AI AND FUTURE DESIGN Team AI Bracelet Beatriz CALVO PRIETO, CHEUNG Yui Yi & Cathy YANG from Sha Tin College Project: Helping deaf individuals better understand music with wearable technology that allows them to sense the tune Congratulations to all winners and well done to all participants! The school is absolutely thrilled to see the variety of projects and schools participating in this edition. Thank you everyone who has been a part of PolyU Design's first-ever fun journey and the School hope to witness more elegant creations soon.

Professor Johan F. Hoorn awarded HK$40.89 million from RGC to develop social robots benefiting Hong Kong community

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design ("PolyU Design") is proud to announce Prof. Johan F. Hoorn from both PolyU Design and the Department of Computing, has been awarded the prestigious Research Grants Council (RGC)’s theme-based research scheme funding of HK$40.89 million for his project, "Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population." This Social Robots project aims to create a human-like social robot with embedded large language models for home use. These robots will be personalised to the local culture and individual preferences to offer psychological support to the people of Hong Kong. A vital aspect of the project is developing a new software framework for distributed computing, scalability, and privacy protection, adding to its innovative nature. The long-term goal is to reduce the burden on the formal mental health system in Hong Kong while empowering citizens to better manage their well-being through accessible AI-driven social support. "This innovation will benefit Hong Kong's working population, care professionals, social workers, and AI and robotics developers," Prof. Hoorn said. "Additionally, plans are to establish an online platform for developers focusing on robot and avatar solutions, emphasising the care sector and extending support to other areas such as education, hospitality, and entertainment." The RGC Theme-based Research Scheme Funding, which aims to focus academic research efforts of UGC-funded universities on themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong, provides a significant platform for impactful projects. This achievement is a testament to PolyU Design's considerable role in promoting societal innovation and interdisciplinary research. Prof. Johan F. Hoorn's expertise is in social robotics, computational creativity, AI and design, emotion simulation, epistemics, and data analysis. His current research interests focus on the theory of emotion, creativity, reality perception, moral reasoning and quantum probability implemented in artificial agents and social robots.   Press release: English - https://polyu.me/3SaZ1y2; Chinese - https://polyu.me/3W7DabE  

ISD Capstone Research Project brings a returning partnership with GAC R&D to create innovative intelligent cockpit experience for drivers of tomorrow

The use of electric vehicles and autonomous driving has increased the time spent in-cabin, shifting how people view their cars from "means of transportation" to "mobile environments". The new notion allows designers to create a branded, innovative cockpit experience. Further to this emerging trend, the Intelligent Systems Design (ISD) has brought a returning partnership in the Capstone Research Project with GAC, specifically, the Advanced Design Department of its R&D Center. Working with a special design team within the R&D unit exposes students to various emerging technologies and processes. In turn, the students get to help envision the technology's potential with concepts, prototypes and scenarios. GAC hosted ISD students and faculty at their R&D Center's facilities in Guangzhou and showed them around to see how pioneering technologies and novel materials are used in the concept vehicles. Students presented the initial concepts for the digital cockpit, reimagined the driver's interaction with the car and obtained valuable feedback from supervisors. ISD Capstone Research Project is a unique educational experience that immerses students in scenarios and conversations in cutting-edge and competitive industries. It is also a chance for students to explore the sectors to develop their careers in the future. Industry Supervisors: Mr Stephen Chan, Mr Haitao Qi (GAC R&D Center) Academic Supervisors: Prof. Stephen J. Wang, Dr Zhibin Zhou (PolyU Design)