PolyU Design Show 2026: Empowering design with AI and emerging technologies, showcasing students’ innovative solutions to diverse social challenges

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) is hosting the “PolyU Design Show 2026” from 5 June to 7 August, presenting design works by nearly 400 students from its Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. Exploring diverse perspectives—from personal concerns and commercial realities to community needs—the exhibits spotlight social issues such as underprivileged communities and the development of local cultural industries. Through the integration of research, craftsmanship, and artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, students have designed innovative solutions with both forward-looking vision and social care.

An opening ceremony was held last Friday (5 June) and attended by government and corporate representatives, industry partners, alumni, academics and innovators. Under the theme “Forged Apart, Coloured Together,” this year’s Show brings together each student’s individual creative journeys to form a connected, vibrant whole. Across the exhibition, three key directions—breaking barriers, building community and shaping experiences—emerge to highlight that design today goes beyond physical objects, empowering individuals, connecting people and creating meaningful engagement.

Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Kun-pyo LEE, Dean of PolyU Design, remarked, “As the world becomes increasingly complex with the rise of AI and other advanced technologies, the urgency lies not only in their application, but also in how thoughtfully and ethically they are used. This year’s Show highlights how a new generation of designers is embracing these tools—using them to accelerate processes, raise critical questions and address real-world challenges. Their works share a common thread: a commitment to social and global impact, where technology is not the goal, but a means to serve people and their environments.”

Mr Dennis CHAN, Outstanding Alumnus of PolyU Design and founder of an internationally renowned luxury jewellery brand, introduced the upcoming “PolyU Design Vectors Programme” at the ceremony. The Programme seeks to build an innovative network and foster collaboration between secondary schools and higher education institutions, offering young people insights into a diverse range of creative design projects and opportunities to learn from and exchange ideas with one another. Supported by PolyU Design alumni, this initiative also aims to further advance the School’s mission to showcase emerging design talent and works in Hong Kong, locally and internationally.

This year’s Show features an array of student works spanning: capstone projects by the first cohort of graduating students from the BA (Hons) Scheme in Design, covering nine expanded specialisms; proposals co-designed with real-world clients under the University’s Work-Integrated Education (WIE) programme; collaborative projects developed by students from different specialisms under the “Integrated Designpreneurship” programme; and interdisciplinary design solutions by Master’s students. Together, these works demonstrate core future-facing competencies including AI literacy, creative problem-solving, sustainable thinking and social impact, showcasing how PolyU Design students navigate complexity in the era of technology and contribute meaningfully to society.

Highlighted projects include a modular footwear system for individuals with leg length discrepancy, using 3D-printed inserts for personalised adjustment; a gamified multimedia platform supporting children with special educational needs in developing fine motor skills; a narrative initiative promoting products made by persons in custody to support reintegration into society; and a geriatric chair designed specifically for elderly women in residential care, combining comfort with medical-grade ergonomics.

Additionally, several exhibits explore community-building and cultural engagement, and offer feasible innovative solutions. Among them are a drone logistics system rethinking cross-border shopping experiences; immersive activities that reframe sign language as a shared cultural experience; a visualised language toolkit promoting interaction between local and international students; and a phygital esports platform fostering a uniquely Hong Kong esports culture.

Initiated by a student team from the Master of Design (Smart Service Design) programme and developed in collaboration with SF Express, the project “Crossgo” is a drone logistics system aimed at reshaping cross-border shopping experiences. 

PolyU is committed to nurturing creative talent with an innovative mindset and a strong sense of social responsibility. The University’s Art and Design disciplines are ranked 24th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, achieving high global recognition. With a tradition of over 60 years, the PolyU Design Show has continued to evolve as a platform for innovation, collaboration and public engagement, enabling young local designers to showcase their talent while reflecting the University’s effort to drive design education, applied innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

The PolyU Design Show 2026 is open to the public free of charge. For registration or to view the student’s projects online, please visit: https://2026.polyudesignshow.com/.

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