Research | PolyU Design’s Brian Kwok Captures Tokyo’s Soul Through 900 Signboards in New Publication

The best way to understand a city is to walk its streets and seek meaning in the everyday elements that people often overlook.   Inspired by Wajiro Kon’s “Modernology” (考現學) approach—systematically observing, recording, and analysing the small things in modern urban life to grasp social change— Prof. Brian Kwok, Associate Professor of PolyU Design carried out extensive fieldwork in Tokyo. He documented over 900 signboards across ten iconic districts and compiled the findings into his new book: “Tokyo Signboards and Visual Culture” 《東京招牌與視覺文化》.   This book takes readers on a captivating visual journey, revealing Tokyo’s diverse aesthetic styles through vibrant, eclectic signboards—from the post-war market chaos of Ueno’s Ameya Yokochō to Shimokitazawa’s subcultural creativity, Shinjuku’s nostalgic lantern-lit alleys, and Ginza’s high-fashion sophistication. These signs are living artifacts that encode the city’s history, soul, and evolving character.   A valuable resource for designers, urbanists, and curious travellers, the book inspires us to “read” the city—turning a casual stroll into a profound discovery, where every signboard tells the story of an ever-changing metropolis. Learn more Brian’s neon sign project has been recently featured in the RTHK programme 《夜．遊香港 ——第三晚 - 霓虹夜色》, bringing the importance of neon sign culture preservation to the public. Watch now  

LKSD&I Funding Scheme Briefing Session (10 Mar 2026)

A briefing session was held for PolyU Design students to learn more about the funding support provided by LKSD&I during their studies at PolyU. Discover opportunities to secure support and transform your innovative ideas into impactful projects! Funding schemes include: • Capstone Project Funding Scheme (for BA Year 4, MDes & MSc students) • Ideation Funding Scheme 2025/26 • KTEO – International Future Challenge • KTEO – Micro Fund 2025/26 Here is the video of the briefing session:

PolyU Design and EcoFlow Sign MOU to "Power a New World" Through Industry Collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) has entered a new phase of industry collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EcoFlow Inc. (EcoFlow), a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions. The agreement aims to create structured internship opportunities for students in the Master of Design (MDes) programme, particularly those in the Intelligent Systems Design (ISD) specialism. The MOU was signed by Prof. Kun‑Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU Design, and Ms Sissi Luo, Product Director of EcoFlow. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement), and Prof. Stephen J. Wang, Master of Design (MDes) Scheme Leader and Specialism Leader of ISD, PolyU Design. Representatives from EcoFlow in attendance included Mr Johnsan Yang, Mr Jingqi Cai, Mr Alier Zhong, and Mr Sky Peng. This partnership marks a meaningful step forward in bridging academia and industry. Through hands‑on, real‑world project engagement at EcoFlow, MDes students will gain invaluable experience that enhances both their academic development and professional readiness. The collaboration offers MDes students a unique opportunity to engage with real‑world projects shaping the future of sustainable living. By working directly with EcoFlow’s teams in product, UX, ID and packaging design, students will gain first-hand experience in how intelligent energy solutions contribute to smarter, better everyday living. This synergy not only enriches students’ academic and professional growth but also reinforces PolyU Design’s commitment to cultivating talent that advances human‑centred innovation in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.   理大設計攜手正浩創新　簽署合作備忘錄 落實「注力未來」校企合作 香港理工大學設計學院（理大設計）近日與智能環保能源解決方案領先企業正浩創新簽署合作備忘錄，開展新一階段的校企合作。是次協議旨在為設計學碩士（MDes）課程學生，尤其是智能系統設計專業學生，建立具規模及系統性的實習機會。 簽署儀式由設計學院院長李健杓教授與正浩創新產品部羅女士代表雙方簽署。出席並見證儀式的包括負責全球與產業協作的副院長杜本麟教授，以及設計學碩士及ISD課程主任王佳教授。正浩創新亦派出多位設計核心人員參與。 是次合作為推動學界與業界緊密接軌邁出重要一步。透過參與正浩創新的實務項目，MDes學生將獲得寶貴的專業體驗，有助提升學術視野及職涯準備。學生更可直接與正浩創新的產品、UX、ID 及包裝設計團隊合作，親身瞭解智慧能源方案如何推動可持續生活，並為日常生活帶來更智慧、更便利的體驗。此協作不僅豐富學生的專業養成，亦彰顯理大設計在快速演變的能源與設計領域中，致力培育具前瞻性、以人為本的創新人才。

Congratulations to the Awardees of the School Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

The School Awards for Outstanding Achievement, organised by the University, recognise dedicated staff members for their exceptional contributions in teaching, research and scholarly activities, and knowledge transfer. The Awards were presented during the School’s Lunar New Year Lunch Gathering by the Dean of the School of Design, Prof. Kun‑pyo Lee. We are pleased to congratulate the following faculty members on being selected as recipients of the 2025 awards. Award Categories and Awardees Teaching Teaching (Individual): Mr Roberto Vilchis Echeverri Research and Scholarly Activities Research and Scholarly Activities (Individual): Prof. Tina Yan Luximon Early Career Young Researcher: Prof. Zhibin Zhou Research Student Supervision: Ir Prof. Kin Wai Michael Siu Knowledge Transfer Knowledge Transfer: Society (Team): Prof. Yi-teng Shih (Team Leader), Mr Man To Yiu, Prof. Jeffrey Chun Fai Ho, Mr Kam Fai Chan, Dr Clifford Sze Tsan Choy, Mr Benny Ding Leong, and Mr Roberto Vilchis Echeverri The nominations were reviewed by the School Assessment Panel, chaired by the Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) on behalf of the Chairman of the School Board. The Panel devoted significant effort to reviewing all nominations and conducting in‑depth deliberations on selection of the awardees. The School expresses its sincere appreciation to the Panel for its dedication and valuable contribution to this important annual exercise.   Teaching (Individual): Mr Roberto Vilchis Echeverri Research and Scholarly Activities (Individual): Prof. Tina Yan Luximon Early Career Young Researcher: Prof. Zhibin Zhou Research Student Supervision: Ir Prof. Kin Wai Michael Siu Knowledge Transfer: Society (Team): Prof. Yi-teng Shih (Team Leader), Mr Man To Yiu, Prof. Jeffrey Chun Fai Ho, Mr Kam Fai Chan,  Dr Clifford Sze Tsan Choy, Mr Benny Ding Leong, and Mr Roberto Vilchis Echeverri

PolyU Information Design Students Sweep Champion and 1st Runner-up at HK Film Awards Poster Contest

We are proud to share that two students from the BA (Hons) in Design (Information Design) programme have achieved outstanding results at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards Student Poster Design Competition. Our heartfelt congratulations to the following award recipients: Yannie Yan Yi FUNG (Champion) Inspired by the song "Fan Xing" (凡星) by Chen Lei, Yannie combines the transient beauty of fireworks with the imagery of a blooming flower. This symbolises those moments when an individual's brilliance shines through, capturing the peak of their "shine" and uniqueness. It reflects the fleeting yet powerful nature of personal radiance. Betty Pui Ting LIU (1st Runner-up) Betty uses Victoria Harbour’s night view as the backdrop, symbolising the glamour of the Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony. Countless stars converge into a shower of light, highlighting the radiant fireworks bursting from the Golden Statue goddess’s hands. The Hong Kong Film Awards, one of Asia's most prestigious film honours, invites students from major Hong Kong design schools to participate in this annual poster design competition. Entries are judged by senior designers and art directors. (Above: Group photo of all winners and judges)

LKSD&I x KTEO Ideation Funding Scheme 2025/26

Co-organized by LKSD&I and KTEO, the Ideation Funding Scheme supports early-stage, problem-driven ideas by providing seed funding that empowers students to explore, develop, and articulate innovative concepts with clear potential value for industry or the community. Mission Instil a problem-driven innovation mindset into young talents through experiential learning and student-initiated research and development. Eligibility A team formed by students of PolyU Design (undergraduate and postgraduate) (Team size: max. 5). Funding Amount - HK$ 5,000 cash prize provided by KTEO for each team - HK$ 2,000 cash prize provided by LKSD&I for each team - An e-certificate to each team member - Free Membership of LKSD&I Designpreneur Community - Opportunity to Showcase Your Project No. of teams 20 (Team size: max 5 members per team) Key Dates Stage 1: Application Application with Initial project ideas and Team information Application Deadline: 2026.03.20 (Fri) | 12nn (HKT) Stage 2: Business Plan Submission Submit a business plan in PPT or PDF format (max. 15 pages) Submission Deadline: 2026.04.24 (Fri) | 12nn (HKT) Stage 3: Announcement of Result Announcement Date: Mid-May 2026 More details Please download the Ideation Funding Scheme Information Kit with Judging Criteria Business Plan Structure and Terms & Conditions  Apply Now

優化無障礙路線指引 社復組織邀學生參與設計 | 政官莊

Students from the School of Design have partnered with The Patient Mutual Support Centre of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation to design routes for the visually and mobility impaired persons to commute between the centre and the nearby MTR station.   Read the full article here (Chinese version available only, East Week, 5 January 2026)

Exhibition Explores Cultural Empowerment in Cruise Design Through Dunhuang-Inspired Aesthetics by PolyU-WUT Joint Laboratory on Ship and Marine Aesthetic Design Technology

（中文版在本頁底部） The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) and the School of Art and Design at Wuhan University of Technology (WUT) announced the opening of the first showcase of their Joint Laboratory on Ship and Marine Aesthetic Design Technology at the Jockey Club Innovation Tower on the PolyU campus on 16 January 2026. This initiative comes at a moment when the global cruise industry is moving beyond purely functional design toward cultural enrichment. As designers across China reinterpret the Maritime Silk Road through Dunhuang‑inspired aesthetics, cultural exchange and mutual understanding have become increasingly central to contemporary cruise design. Against this backdrop, the two institutions proudly present a landmark exhibition, “Maritime Silk Road: Cruise Ship Aesthetic Design Exhibition with Cross-Cultural Narrative,” showcasing recent advancements in cruise aesthetic design. Bringing together cruise ship models, renderings, and digital visualisations, the exhibition demonstrates how narrative design strategies are being applied to cruise exteriors and how cross‑cultural communication informs design practices. By illustrating how lines, colours, materials and motifs echo the histories of diverse civilisations, the exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience of cultural reinterpretation in maritime innovation   A Collaboration Bridging Technology, Culture and Design PolyU Design and WUT bring together complementary strengths that position them at the forefront of ship and marine aesthetic design. The School of Art and Design at WUT is internationally recognised for its interdisciplinary excellence in ship and marine engineering and aesthetic design, while the PolyU Design serves as an important bridge connecting East Asia with Europe and America, distinguished by its strong international cultural perspective. This exhibition marks the first major public presentation of the Joint Laboratory on Ship and Marine Aesthetic Design Technology, led by Professor Kin Wai Michael Siu of PolyU Design and Professor Changxue Pan of WUT. By integrating academic resources from both universities, it advances fundamental research and technological innovation, fully leveraging and amplifying the respective strengths of each institution. The opening ceremony on 16 January brought together leaders from both universities and key contributors to the project. Guests were given a guided tour of the exhibits, followed by speeches from Prof. Kun‑Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU Design, Prof. Jiefeng Lyu, Dean of WUT’s School of Art and Design, and Prof. Eric Yim, Professor of Practice of PolyU Design. They highlighted the project’s significant contributions to disciplinary convergence, educational exchange, research innovation, industry–academia collaboration and talent cultivation in the emerging field of ship and marine aesthetic design technology. Other project leads and distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Prof. Kin Wai Michael Siu, Chair Professor of Public Design at PolyU Design and Director of the Joint Laboratory; Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) of PolyU Design; Dr Paul Lo, Teaching Fellow of PolyU Design and Prof. Jiangyan Lu, Associate Professor at WUT.   About “Maritime Silk Road: Cruise Ship Aesthetic Design Exhibition with Cross-Cultural Narrative” Date: From now to 25 February 2026 Venue: Gallery, Podium, Jockey Club Innovation Tower (Block B), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon Enquiry: sdpaullo@polyu.edu.hk URL: Click here     敦煌美學融入郵輪設計——船海美學設計技術聯合實驗室首展探討文化賦能   香港理工大學設計學院（下稱「理大設計」）與武漢理工大學藝術與設計學院於 2026 年 1 月 16 日在理大賽馬會創新樓正式開幕 「香港理工大學—武漢理工大學船海美學設計技術聯合實驗室」首個成果展，重點呈現雙方在船海美學設計技術領域的最新研究與創作成果。 全球郵輪產業正從單純的功能導向，走向以文化敘事與美學價值為核心的轉型。近年來，中國設計師以敦煌美學詮釋「海上絲路」，文化交流互鑒成為當代郵輪美學設計的重要趨勢。在此背景下，兩校攜手推出大型展覽 《海上絲路：跨文化敘事的郵輪美學設計展 Maritime Silk Road: Cruise Ship Aesthetic Design Exhibition with Cross‑Cultural Narrative》，展示郵輪外觀美學、文化敘事設計與跨文化設計實踐的最新進展。 展覽集合郵輪模型、設計效果圖與數字可視化作品，展示敘事性設計如何融入郵輪外觀造型，以及跨文化語境如何影響設計方法。透過線條、色彩、材質與文化符號的視覺化轉譯，展覽讓觀眾沉浸於以設計重塑文明交會的海洋創新旅程。   科技 × 文化 × 設計的跨學科合作 是次展覽乃兩校共同成立的 「香港理工大學—武漢理工大學船海美學設計技術聯合實驗室」首個重頭戲。該聯合實驗室由理大設計邵健偉教授及武漢理工大學藝術與設計學院潘長學教授領導，整合學術資源推動基礎研究與技術創新，充分結合並發揮兩校優勢。武漢理工大學藝術與設計學院在船舶與海洋工程、美學設計領域聞名於世，具有強大的跨學科優勢；而香港理工大學設計學院作為連接東亞與歐美的重要橋樑，具備突出的國際文化視野。 展覽開幕典禮獲兩所大學的領導及多位項目參與者出席。除了安排嘉賓參觀展覽，活動亦邀得理大設計院長李健杓教授、武漢理工大學藝術與設計學院院長呂傑鋒教授，以及理大設計實務教授嚴志明教授致辭，指出是次合作項目在跨學科融合、學術交流、科研創新、產學合作及船海美學相關人才培育各方面具備重要意義，並將推動該領域的持續發展。 其他出席典禮的項目主理人及重要嘉賓包括： 邵健偉教授，香港理工大學公共設計講座教授、聯合實驗室主任 杜本麟教授，香港理工大學設計學院副院長（環球與企業事務） 盧智恒博士，香港理工大學設計學院專任導師 陸江豔教授，武漢理工大學藝術與設計學院副教授   展覽資訊 海上絲路：跨文化敘事的郵輪美學設計展（Maritime Silk Road: Cruise Ship Aesthetic Design Exhibition with Cross‑Cultural Narrative） 日期： 即日起至 2026 年 2 月 25 日 地點： 紅磡香港理工大學賽馬會創新樓（V座）平台創新展廊 查詢： sdpaullo@polyu.edu.hk 網址： 按此

Step Cheung and 17 alumni contributed to 'Another World' winning the Best Animated Feature at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards

Huge congratulations to our Teaching Fellow Step Cheung, who served as Art Director and the talented team behind the Hong Kong animated feature ‘Another World’ (世外) winning Best Animated Feature at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards!  Produced by Hong Kong animation studio Point Five Creations, directed by Ng Ka Chung (Tommy Ng), and with script & production by Polly Yeung, this film also showcases invaluable contributions from 17 PolyU Design alumni who worked as animators in the production team.   ‘Another World’ is a story spanning thousands of years, weaving in Hong Kong cultural perspectives while exploring profound themes of reincarnation, grief, and emotional obsession.   This significant milestone represents a major achievement for the local animation industry, showcasing the creativity and dedication of our talented individuals on the global stage. A big thank you to Step, our alumni, and everyone involved for making Hong Kong proud!

PolyU Design Students and Alumni Achieve Remarkable Recognition at the DFA Awards 2025

Congratulations to our talented alumni and students who truly shone at the DFA Awards 2025, organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre! This prestigious event celebrates design leadership and impactful projects across Asia. This year, their exceptional work was recognised at the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award, showcasing their incredible creativity and innovation. The awardees will receive support of up to work at renowned design studios or pursue further studies overseas. With this invaluable opportunity, we look forward to seeing them make a lasting impact on the global design industry. The awardees are: DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award 2025: CreateSmart Young Design Talent Award 2025 CHAN Ho Tong (BA(Hons) in Communication Design 2015) Young Design Talent Special Mention Award 2025 Chan Chun Yu, Jerry (BA(Hons) in Product Design 2024/25) PolyU School of Design Young Design Talent Award 2025 AU Choi Shan (BA(Hons) in Environment and Interior Design 2024/25) DFA Design for Asia Awards 2025 Merit Award: Zero Anew – Journey Unfolds (Design Show 2025 visual identity): CHOW Yan Yee Step, MAK Wing Ting Ashley, MOK Chin Ying Daisy, WONG Shuk Ting Lauren, WU Man Ying Maggie, SUM Ka Po Kristen, CHAN Chun Yu Jerry Tutor: Roberto VILCHIS   Photo credit: The DFA Awards (https://ydta.dfaawards.com/en/winner/) (https://dfaa.dfaawards.com/en/winner/)