PolyU Design Unveils Creative Technology Centre in Beijing, Signs MOUs to Boost HK-Beijing Innovation and Talent Exchange

PolyU held the unveiling ceremony for two key centres in Chaoyang District, Beijing on 30 April 2025 — The PolyU Creative Technology Centre (Beijing) and the PolyU PReCIT (Beijing). These centres mark a major step forward in HK-Beijing collaboration across various aspects of creative technology with a focus on AI, the metaverse, professional support, industry-academic partnerships, talent exchange, bringing together top I&T talent to conduct in-depth studies on frontier technology development trends and policymaking in I&T etc. On the same occasion, two MOUs were signed between the School of Design (SD) and the Industrial Culture Development Centre of MIIT (ICDC), as well as the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA). These collaborations will drive innovation by integrating advanced technologies with design and culture, empower SMEs, fostering talent exchange across regions, and strengthening collaborations in research, education, and cultural initiatives. This milestone will advance innovation, talent development, and technology commercialisation between Beijing and Hong Kong, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration and growth!   Learn more: China News Service - https://polyu.me/4iDKncI Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3ERQpbW ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/3Sdflhb BJ News - https://polyu.me/4d5ltBN China.com - https://polyu.me/438x6V9 Sina HK - https://polyu.me/44hNfsr NetEase - https://polyu.me/4cRkKUy Eastday - https://polyu.me/4cSxo5L Sina - https://polyu.me/3SdOGkk Sohu - https://polyu.me/4362QKy qq - https://polyu.me/4d7bcoH

劏房雖小：今天煮什麼菜？ 食好一點的想像

Our Service Design Cluster year 2 students collaborated with Caritas Community Centre in Tsuen Wan to address the issue of subdivided flats, aiming to design a comprehensive and interscalar intervention strategy from a systemic viewpoint. During the research process, our students inquire into the everyday lives of residents in subdivided flats, working together to explore opportunities for innovative design responses. Read the full article to explore the design story shared by Leung Yuen Tung Constance, who is one of the Service Design cluster year 2 students. Read the full article here(Chinese version available only, Mingpao, 20 April 2025)

PolyU becomes first UGC-funded university supported by China National Arts Fund to nurture digital art curation talents

（中文版在本頁底部） The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has become first UGC-funded university in Hong Kong to receive funding from the prestigious China National Arts Fund 2025 under the art talents training category. The funded Digital Art Curation Talents Training Programme will be launched by the PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology (CAT) under the School of Design, with support from the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of talent in digital art curation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and fostering Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.  The Nation’s strategy of prioritising cultural digitalisation, along with the HKSAR Government’s commitment to integrating art and technology intothe creative industries, underscore the strong demand for professionals who can navigate both cultural heritage and innovation. Led by Prof. Henry Been-Lirn DUH, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement) of the PolyU School of Design, Director of the Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and Director of the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre, the Programme is set to launch in the summer of 2025, targeting experienced curators, art management professionals and researchers from Hong Kong and the GBA. Scholars from PolyU, and universities in Macao and mainland China, as well as experts from art institutions, will provide advanced training in digital art management. This will include lectures on theory, case studies, curatorial practice workshops, field trips, presentations, exhibitions and seminars, which will be held in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The topics will cover the applications of generative artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality, immersive technology, and digital spatial design in the field of art and curation, highlighting the revitalisation of traditional art and promotion of digital transformation of cultural industry. Prof. Henry Duh said, “We are honoured to receive this National funding, which not only sustains our commitment to nurturing digital art curation talents but also acknowledges our team’s contribution to advancing art technology. This Programme will empower the next generation of innovative curators who will inherit and innovate Chinese culture, and integrate creativity and technology to promote cultural exchange between east and west, helping shape the future of the art world. It will also help strengthen art and technology collaboration among GBA cities, which will, in turn, enhance the region’s cultural soft power.” CAT, housed within the PolyU School of Design, serves as a collaborative platform for academia-industry research, advocating interdisciplinary studies in culture, art and technology. By leveraging Hong Kong’s connection with the GBA, CAT aspires to foster partnerships among researchers, designers, artists and other creative practitioners, cultivating a vibrant environment for artistic activities to expand market opportunities.     ***END***   理大成為首間教資會資助大學獲國家藝術基金支持 培訓數字藝術展覽管理人才 (理大設計學院副院長（環球與企業事務）杜本麟教授帶領的「數字藝術展覽管理人才培訓計劃」旨在為粵港澳大灣區培養新一代數字藝術展覽管理人才。圖為杜教授擔任今年二月舉行的「PolyVerse 文化與藝術科技展覽」策展人，並於開幕儀式致辭。)   香港理工大學（理大）成為首間入選2025年國家藝術基金「藝術人才培訓」類別的教資會資助大學。獲資助項目「數字藝術展覽管理人才培訓計劃」由設計學院轄下的理大文化與藝術科技研究中心主辦，理大英偉達聯合研究中心支持，旨在為粵港澳大灣區培養新一代數字藝術展覽管理人才，以鞏固香港作為中外文化藝術交流中心的地位。 國家正致力推動文化數字化戰略，香港特區政府亦積極將藝術與科技融入創意產業，反映香港對能兼顧文化保育與創新融合的專業人才需求殷切。由理大設計學院副院長（環球與企業事務）、文化與藝術科技研究中心兼理大英偉達聯合研究中心主任杜本麟教授帶領的「數字藝術展覽管理人才培訓計劃」將於2025年夏季啟動，為香港及大灣區的資深策展人、藝術管理和研究人員提供多元培訓。 來自理大、澳門及內地高校的學者和藝術機構專家，將為學員提供數字藝術展覽管理的進階培訓，包括理論與案例研討講座、策展實踐工作坊、實地考察、成果匯報、展覽及研討會等。培訓活動於香港及深圳兩地舉行，主題涵蓋生成式人工智能、虛擬實境與擴增實境、沉浸式科技、數碼空間等在藝術及策展領域的應用，更強調活化傳統藝術，同時推動文化產業的數碼轉型。 杜本麟教授表示：「很榮幸獲此國家資助，這不僅支持我們實踐培養數字藝術展覽管理人才的目標，也肯定了團隊在推動藝術科技的貢獻。此計劃將培養更多傳承與創新中國文化，結合創意與科技，推動中外文化交流，塑造藝術世界未來的新一代創新策展人。同時，透過兩地導師和學員的互動交流、創新精神分享，亦有助加強大灣區城市之間的藝術科技合作和區域的文化軟實力。」 理大設計學院轄下的文化與藝術科技研究中心，一直致力為學界和業界提供合作平台，促進文化、藝術與科技的跨學科研究。研究中心基於香港與大灣區的密切聯繫，致力推動研究人員、設計師、藝術家和創意工作者的合作，共同創造充滿活力的藝術活動環境，擴展市場機遇。   ***完*** 傳媒查詢 羅珮珊女士 設計學院助理市場經理 電話﹕+852 2766 4925 電郵﹕anita.law@polyu.edu.hk 馮秀芳女士 公共事務經理 電話﹕+852 2766 5197 電郵﹕sf-jess.fung@polyu.edu.hk

PolyU’s study on Hong Kong neon signs culture receives Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award

KWOK BrianThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research in the transmission of humanities and cultural conservation. A scholar from the PolyU School of Design (PolyU Design) has made outstanding contributions to the study of urban visual culture by photo-documenting neon signs across Hong Kong. His project has been recognised with a prize in popular science publication category of the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Led by Prof. Brian KWOK Sze Hang, Associate Professor of PolyU Design, the project “Fading Neon Lights: An Archive of Hong Kong’s Visual Culture” has meticulously documented the visual culture of Hong Kong’s neon signs. The findings have been published in a book that captures the unique visual allure of neon signs through text and images, while also including details of the collection process. The team has preserved the visual aesthetics and craftsmanship of neon signs through photographic documentation, interviews with veteran neon masters and visits to neon light manufactories. In organising and analysing the data, the team has investigated their development and transformation, as well as the role of these signs in Hong Kong’s socio-cultural landscape, particularly the evolving relationship between streetscapes and consumer culture. The resulting archive, spanning over 60 years of history, showcases the originality, scale and completeness of this unique art form, providing a valuable reference for the history of Hong Kong’s design and arts, as well as its social, economic and cultural development. Prof. Kwok said, “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award, which highlights the impact of our research on the preservation of neon tube making and styling techniques — an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, and its contribution to fostering deeper understanding and inspiration in urban visual culture.” Prof. Kwok is a prominent figure in the field of design, with his work receiving widespread recognition. His research interests focus on user-centred design and visual culture, encompassing a broad range of areas, including health communication design, Chinese typography, wayfinding design, spatial representation in Hong Kong, and the visual culture of neon signs. Established by the MoE in 1995, the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) are the most prestigious in the fields of philosophy and social sciences in China. They are awarded every three years to higher education institutions nationwide and aim to recognise researchers who have made outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences.   Media contact  

Welcome aboard to The 19th School of Design Student Association - Diorama

Welcome aboard to our 19th Student Association, 'Diorama'! We are excited to have you work towards enriching student life at SD!The new board is formed by a group of PolyU Design students from Design Foundation years 1. The members are: President – Leung Pik Sheuk, Althea External Vice President – Tang Chloe, Chloe Internal Vice President – Chan Yin Hei, Bao Financial Secretary – Lau Sze Hon, Toby External Secretary – Wong Yan Yuk, Bacon Promotion Secretary – Hui Sze Man, Cman Publication Secretary – Cheung Yat Nga, Enya Amenities Secretary – Wu Yuzhen, Sally Recreational Secretary – Kong Wai Wa, Kenny Welfare Secretary – Li Cheuk Lam, Denise Diorama Instagram

PolyU Design Recognised with Multiple Honours in the Prestigious iF Design Award

Prof. Stephen Wang's projects, EmoFriends and the Transparent Knee Guard, were both awarded in the category of Product Concepts in the Professional Concept discipline with their innovative design and cutting-edge sensing technology. Additionally, Prof. Roberto Vilchis Echeverri's Flocks of Type was honoured in the Typography/Signage category of the Communication discipline for its amazing calendar design that pushed the boundaries of typography. The iF Design Award is one of the most prestigious international design awards, covering a wide range of fields. This award aims to highlight the global significance and societal relevance of design while also promoting innovation to create a brighter future. The winning projects from PolyU Design are one of the best among the almost 11,000 submissions from 66 countries – an impressive achievement that underlines the highly competitive nature of this award. Awarded Project Emofriends By Prof. Stephen Wang and his team Leveraging patented and innovative Emosense technology, it monitors stress levels via touch, offering AI-driven, emotion-aware conversations and feedback. With advanced stress tracking and customisable features, EmoFriends provides emotional support and companionship. This innovative solution enhances emotional well-being with accessible, personalised care in a sustainable, user-friendly design. This outstanding projects also won the gold award in the HK Techathon+ 2025 and Global Design Awards. Transparent Knee Guard By Prof. Stephen Wang and his team The Transparent Knee Guard revolutionary rehabilitation aid is designed for athletes and healthcare applications and features a transparent and flexible structure. The knee guard incorporates advanced technology to monitor joint function and support customized treatment plans. It provides valuable insights through actionable data visualisation, empowering medical research and enabling informed decision-making. This project also awarded the MicroFund Top Performer, Good Design US and Global Design Awards. Flocks of Type By Prof. Roberto Vilchis Echeverri and his team The Flocks of Type is the PolyU Design 60th Anniversary Calendar, featuring an innovative design that pushed the boundaries of typography. The design was inspired by the movement of flocks of migrating birds in the sky, as well as the typographic experiments from Swiss and German designers of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly Emil Ruder and Wolfgang Weingart. This project also awarded in Golden Pin Design Award 2024.

輪到你設計 Wheel We Go

(Chinese version available only) 謝媗莃、蔡雅盈、姜賀諺 香港理工大學設計學院社會創新設計四年級學生 我們生活在一個製造障礙的社會。說這句話，不是為了語出驚人，而是平實地說出一個社會的真相。 試想想，我們的城市規劃，當以汽車而非單車及行人優先來設計時，便產生出馬路如虎口的想像，所以行人遵守交通規則橫過馬路同時，也要左顧右盼才能確保安全；而踏著單車，也遠遠不及汽車暢通無阻。正因為此，我們在某程度上，正遇到行動上的不便。 再說，我們若廁身油蔴地地鐵站，那唯一一台供有需要人士使用的升降機，常常大排長龍。輪椅使用者沒有獲得優先使用的權利。可見，即使有可供輪椅使用者使用的無障礙設施，社會上並未有共識，輪椅使用者，要跟其他拖車仔的朋友一齊排排隊，每次等上幾轉才可以享用。沒有或缺乏輪椅使用者參與的城市基建，輪椅使用者便自然地承受著被想像、被照顧和被安排的諸多不便中。職是之故，殘障不光是身體四肢是否健全的問題，更甚者，它是一個文化、政治、經濟、政策的問題。 一、共同設計 共同探索 我們有幸地在過去兩年的學習日子中裏，認識了好些輪椅使用者，並成為朋友。在一些科目的習作中，我們也做過一些設計推廣，以使用輪椅的朋友為中心，想過一些點子。是次藉著為期一年的畢業習作機會，我們想更深入和有系統地思考、探索這題目，試圖透過設計，想像和創造一種通行自由的生活。我們並不是天真地認為，藉著一些小行動便能立即改變由文化生成的偏見與限制，然而，我們希望能透過社會設計，重新打開討論，期望可以稍為鬆綁牢固的社會習性。 社會創新設計得以真正可持續又具創新性，如Elizaberth B. -N. Sanders在回顧過去社會設計發展時所言，必須在一開始便投入共同設計的關係中。換言之，我們不是要先想，怎樣做可持續的設計，也不是將創新放在首先；為免使可持續和創新淪為傳銷口號，我們應由與持份者共同設計開始，這樣才能令設計變得可持續和創新。Ezio Manzini也提到，以協作形式進行設計，是為了改變系統的操作方式，即我們不純是不斷在擴展行動，而是協作能令我們發現更多改變系統的可能性。譬如，我們在傷健的議題上，不應只是進一步擴大既有的公眾教育活動，或做更多現在做著的事情，因為問題並不止於此；藉著與這個議題有關的持份者共同協作，視他們為不可缺席且舉重輕重的一員，我們方能看到現存結構的局限，並提出新的角度去改善系統。 二、脫下「輪椅使用者」標籤 重新了解 在這個項目中，輪椅使用者便是我們與之共同設計的重要伙伴。我們首先與他們做了許多深入的訪談，細緻地了解他們日常生活的每一個細節及流程。由他們幾點起床、如何起床、內務如何自理或被照顧、每天出行的需要等等，就是無所不問，無所不談。感謝他們對我們的信任，將許多私隱都跟我們分享。每一位朋友的分享，都衝擊著我們的認知與常識。他們的故事讓我們發現，「輪椅使用者」並非一個有效的身份，讓我們和大眾了解他們的經驗、需要和人生。每位輪椅使用者因為其家庭成長背景，生命的軌跡與其他人一樣，多元不同。 這樣的反省，使我們意識到設計的社會面向，應要從批判設計中的常識及定義著手，才可以不跟著既有的社會提問方向走，像是要急迫地依著偏差或錯誤的問題提供答案。當我們以具問題意識的方法來審視現象時，原來從他們的日常生活每個細節中，可以暫時懸置我們以「輪椅使用者」這身份看待他們的思考框框。我們得出這樣的了解，不是要否定他們是使用輪椅這回事；更重要的是，透過深入仔細的考察，才能重新找尋問問題的方法。面對著有血有肉、有故事、有盲點、有偏見、有氣餒、有熱誠的生命，我們注定要更謹慎行事。因為我們真箇面對著我們認識的朋友的立體人生。 三、誰的「傷健共融」？ 我們除了與每位輪椅使用者朋友進行了生活作息調查外，也與他們嘗試過許多不同類型的外出活動。由居所走到戶外，我們想了解使用輪椅的朋友可以去到幾遠，接觸有多廣重。過程中，我們想多聽在不同情境中，他們的觀察、經驗和想法。我們開始與輪椅朋友一起遊歷香港，從西九的日落到共同進行的行山活動，看看這個城市究竟有多少工具，令他們可以安心出行，真正達至無障礙社會。   一般來說，輪椅使用者在嘗試新的活動時會感到猶豫，他們特別會考慮到地點的安全性以及場地是否有足夠的無障礙設施。當我們與使用輪椅的朋友郊遊時，我們發現除了日常通行的設施尚有不足之外，輔助通行的支援設施也是很有限的，有時只因有一級樓梯的阻礙，便令他們感到氣餒，無法繼續前行。雖然能透過社企引入一些輔助裝置幫助試登山徑，令他們可以體會享受香港的郊外美景，但整個安排所需要花的資源和心思，遠不及健全人士穿一對鞋帶足夠糧水便可起行容易。   傷健概念最初由英國傷健運動創辦人Mary Robinson，於1970年應英聯邦信託基金會邀請訪港時引入。當時的主張是「傷健平等，機會非憐憫」。2008年8月31日，則有聯合國「殘疾人權利公約」在香港及中國大陸實施。這些年頭，「傷健共融」原為提倡傷殘人士與健全人士之間無分彼此、共同參與。但不知就裏，經過幾十年，以大家熟悉的運動而言，香港的傷殘運動卻演變成學校或社會機構每年一度的活動日。所謂的共同參與，逐漸也被簡化為一般人對共融題材的表面功夫，並未實現兩者真正的平等與共融。當我們訪問使用輪椅的朋友時，他們都會反映，香港在學校和社會中舉辦的共融活動時，大多數活動僅僅是體驗型的。例如，讓學生在社會中體驗行動不便，或是讓蒙眼以體會盲人的生活。這些活動往往伴隨著展覽和講座，似乎只是在強調殘障人士作為受助者的角色，只會進一步塑造殘疾人士在社會上被貼上受助者的標籤。正如Aimi Hamraie從批判性殘疾設計（Critical Diability Design）的角度所言，我們不應歌頌那些所謂「良好的設計」，將路肩變斜，以為是一種大功德。反而，我們應視殘疾朋友為這類項目的專家，從他們的身體機能與外在環境的關係入手，方能締建共融的社會。有意思的是，這裏強調易於通達應從殘疾人士的身體知識結合（access-knowledge），才能算得上完整。   四、Dis-Ability 基於深入的訪談及許多活動的嘗試，令我們逐漸認識到，輪椅使用者的經驗和角度，是我們設計共融項目的基礎與關鍵元素。剛過去的二月份，我們在東華三院環保村舉辦了「輪住去…玩木工坊」，利用廢棄物料升級再造共融遊戲裝置。我們邀請了四位輪椅使用者擔任組長，負責帶領四十多名社區客廳會員進行創作。儘管輪椅使用者在肢體能力上有所限制，但他們的表達能力和溝通能力，促成了許多有趣的互動。在活動中，有輪椅使用者提到裝置高度需調整，因為過高會影響輪椅使用者和小朋友的投入程度。亦有輪椅使用者朋友提出減少一條繩索的控制設計能讓手部力量不足的朋友也能參與。最終，我們一致同意降低裝置高度並減少繩索，這樣就能讓每個人都能享受遊戲。設計一個美觀且富有遊玩享受的遊戲裝置並不困難，但要確保所有人都能參與，特別是輪椅使用者作為重要的持份者，則至關重要。   Dis-Ability，從這個畢業習作中期活動中，我們進一步意識到，使用輪椅的朋友們的能力長期被低估甚至被剝奪展示的機會。他們要靠比健全人士付出好多倍的能量，才能分享到社會的好處。明明他們在社會中也是建設者，他們工作、生活、支援朋友、幫助他人。只是社會多以受助者的身份對待，視而不見他們是與我們平等的人。當下，我們會再舉辦一些更多能讓大家看見輪椅使用者的活動，希望未來能分享更多共融生活的成果。在此，再次感謝一眾輪椅使用者朋友和老師指導，令我們可以在這個共融項目中，顛倒及重新思考幫助者與受助者的位置和定義，去看清建立共融社會的方向。   文章來源：明報—星期日現場(2025年3月16日)

Time-Capsuling: The Untold Journeys of PolyU Design

As Hong Kong's first iconic comprehensive design school, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (“PolyU Design”) has been a vital hub for design education and research, offering world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to nurture creative talent across various industries.   This publication traces PolyU Design's journey from the Hong Kong Technical College to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, capturing responses to changes in industry policies, technological advancements, and insights from thought leaders. It provides a deeper narrative of design development in Hong Kong, allowing readers to understand the School's history and the relationship between design education and the social and economic transformations in the city through a visually appealing and systematic timeline.   The project team dedicated over a year to interviewing individuals from various eras and sectors, each with different connections to the School’s evolution. In addition to utilising the School's internal collections, they sourced valuable materials and artifacts from alumni and other channels. Through meticulous organisation, editing, and design, this significant initiative has come to fruition.   Chapters: (1) Outroduction, (2) Leadership, (3) Programme Evolution, and (4) Research Paradigm.   Click here to begin the journey with us!

Students Shine Bright at the HK4As Student Awards 2024

Congratulations to all students who have been awarded accolades at the HK4As Student’s Award 2024! This year, our students have achieved an impressive array of awards, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of our students. The HK4As Student’s Award aims to encourage, develop, and nurture young talent aspiring to enter the advertising industry. It is one of the most prestigious awards within the Hong Kong advertising sector. Awarded students: Award: Best of Show, Gold, Best Craft of Art Team: Chan Hiu Tung, Emily, Leung Tsz Ching Issabella, Kan Wai Pang Jason, Wong Miu Lam Award: Silver, Best Craft of Copy Team: Lau Hoi Kiu Zoi, Cheng Dorcas, Hung Sin Yee Sarah, Mok Hoi Ying Karis Award: Bronze Team: Chan Ho Lee Holly, Lam Wing Yee, Lui Wing Chi Gigi Award: Merit Team: Chan Cheuk Yi Zoe, Cheung Sin Ying Helen, Ha Yan Yin Melody Award: Merit Team: Ip Tsz Lok Jenny, Chan Wing Ling Nicole, Hu Ching Yin Janice Award: Merit Team: Mok Dick Ka, Leung Cheuk Lam Hailey, Tang Ka Wing Kary Finalist: Chow Yan Yee Stephanie, Wong Tsz Ching Charlotte, Tsang Wing Ching Vincy, Tam Ka Hei Cherry, Chung Cheuk Lam Susan, Mak Wing Ting Ashley, Fung Yuen Yan Acacia, Chan Pui Pui, Luk Ying Tung Chloe, Lam Chin Wing Vincent, Chan Yi Lin Elaine, Lui Lok Yiu Unita, Leung Ping Ping Sydney, Yeung Sum Yee Tiffany, Ng Wai Tat Billy, Yeung Ching Yan Isa

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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design and Shanghai International college of Design and Innovation (Shanghai D&I) of Tongji University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 18 March 2025. This partnership aims to facilitate collaborations in staff and student exchanges for teaching and research, fostering mutual interests and benefits.   Shanghai International College of Design and Innovation (Shanghai D&I) at Tongji University is a globally esteemed design college in China. The college is committed to using design to address global challenges, enhance quality of life, drive social change through innovation, and achieve sustainable development.   We are looking forward to exploring the opportunities that this collaboration will bring for both institutions.