Two PhD students from PolyU Design — Ziyou (Ines) Yin and Jiayi Zou — have recently been awarded competitive fellowships for two attachment programmes, enabling them to conduct collaborative research at Aalto University in Finland and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. These achievements highlight PolyU Design’s commitment to nurturing globally connected, socially engaged, and forward‑thinking design researchers.

Both students are supervised by Ir Prof. Kin Wai Michael Siu, Chair Professor and Leader of the Public Design Lab. The fellowship applications were coordinated and supported by Director of RPg Studies, Prof. Gerhard Bruyns, and School Research Committee Chair, Prof. Tina Luximon with PolyU Graduate School.

Introducing the Scholars and their Research

Ines Yin — Human–AI Intimate Communication & Participatory Design
Attachment Host: Aalto University, Finland
Programme: Research Student Attachment Programme – Outgoing (RSAP‑Outgoing)

Ines’ research centres on Human–AI Intimate Communication and the perceived subjectivity of AI technologies, both of which are drawn from her broader doctoral work on participatory design for future human communication. Having researched participatory design, she sought opportunities in regions where this research approach is especially strong.

"When I learned about the attachment opportunity, I immediately thought of Finland," she explained. "It’s an international leader in participatory design, and that is foundational to my design research." Her supervisor, Prof. Michael Siu, was very supportive of this idea when she proposed it.

She connected with Dr Martina Čaić, who leads the ENCORE (Engaging Co-Design) research group at Aalto University. "I spent time studying her publications before reaching out. Our research interests aligned closely, and the attachment plan came together just by a snap!”


Jiayi Zou — AI‑Supported Design Education & Human‑Centred Research
Attachment Host: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Programme: PolyU PhD Scholars International Collaborative Research Fellowship (ICRF) and RSAP‑Outgoing

Jiayi's research is an exploration of how AI can support and enhance design thinking education. The idea began from a casual conversation between her and her co-supervisor: "Wouldn’t it be great if AI could replace us in conducting interviews," she recalls. "But that sparked something — what if AI could meaningfully contribute to how we teach and learn design?"

Her attachment will take place under Prof. Chen Chun‑Hsien at NTU’s Design & Human Factors Lab. "Prof. Chen’s expertise in human factors fits perfectly with my research focus,” she notes. "I’m excited to learn from their strengths in human‑centred design and its interdisciplinary approach and integrate those insights into my PhD."

Motivations, Growth, and the PolyU Design Experience

Although they study very different topics, both Ines and Jiayi say the same thing: PolyU Design changed the way they think about design research.

Ines:
"PolyU Design has a very special academic culture. It’s multicultural, reflective, and grounded in real social issues. Hong Kong itself is a unique research environment deeply rooted in Cantonese culture whilst always absorbing global influences. That richness has shaped my perspective on what design can do for society."

Jiayi:
"I never thought I would pursue research. My background was in industry and practice, and a PhD felt outside my plans. But PolyU Design gave me an entry point, and with strong mentoring from my supervisor, I discovered how creativity and rationality can complement one another in design research. That balance is what keeps me motivated."

Both speak highly of PolyU Design's supportive supervision culture and the opportunities they’ve been given to grow — academically and personally.

Why They Applied for the Attachments — Expanding Horizons Beyond Hong Kong

For both students, the attachments represent an essential stage in becoming independent researchers.

Ines:
"A research attachment at a world‑leading institution is an important part of doctoral development. The opportunity to immerse myself in another academic culture at Aalto allows me to step beyond the East Asian design education framework and gain new perspectives. I value the attachment programme’s support for both my academic growth and the exchange of design knowledge between the two institutions."

Jiayi:
NTU’s Design & Human Factors Lab has deep expertise in methodologies I want to learn. I hope to produce meaningful collaborative outputs during this period and am eager to build mutually beneficial partnerships that can further advance my research. This experience will not only broaden my perspective which will strengthen my dissertation, but also the wider research community at PolyU Design.


As both students prepare for the attachment, we wish them a rewarding and inspiring journey ahead as they immerse themselves in new academic environments, collaborate with distinguished scholars, and deepen their research expertise. We look forward to welcoming them back and following up on their progress when they return, as they bring fresh insights, new perspectives, and strengthened global connections back to the School.

Story posted on 17 Apr, 2026