PolyU Design Show 2025 Showcases Tech-Driven Solutions

The School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU Design) is currently hosting the PolyU Design Show 2025, which runs from 6 June to 8 August. The exhibition presents over 250 innovative projects developed by undergraduate and postgraduate students. Many of these projects feature the integration of technology to respond to issues emerging from a rapidly changing global environment. Key areas explored include community development, environmental concerns, cultural topics, and business-oriented solutions.

Group photo of officiating guests and hosts at the opening ceremony of the PolyU Design Show 2025.
They are Prof. Kun-pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU Design (front row, left left); Mr Steve Leung, Chairman of the School of Design Advisory Committee (front row, right); and PolyU Design representatives, (back row, from left) Prof. Tina LUXIMON, Associate Dean; Prof. Brian LEE, Assistant Dean; Prof. Gerhard BRUYNS, Associate Dean; Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean; Prof. Sylvia LIU, Assistant Dean; Ms Rennie KAN, Design Show Director and Senior Marketing Manager.

The opening ceremony, held on 6 June, welcomed attendees from various sectors, including government, industry, alumni, academic institutions, and innovation leaders.

Prof. Kun-pyo LEE, Dean of PolyU Design, stated,

“This year’s Show highlights how a new generation of young designers is breaking traditional boundaries—integrating product design with healthcare, industrial design with urban planning, and exploring AI ethical issues through communication design. These works not only highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration but also strike a balance between commercial pragmatism and social responsibility, offering compelling creative solutions to address some of the most pressing global challenges and social issues.”

Mr. Steve LEUNG, Chairman of the School’s Advisory Committee and a globally acclaimed architect and product designer, added,

“Design shapes how we live, work, and connect, driving innovation and solving humanity’s greatest challenges. More than ever, we need visionary designers who can foresee and solve complex problems, creating impactful, human-centred solutions.”
He emphasized that young designers are leading the way in shaping the future.

The visual theme of the Show, titled “Zero Anew - Journey Unfolds,” was developed by a cross-disciplinary team of graduating students. This concept reflects design as a cyclical renewal process, embodying energy, reflection, and creative exploration. Each project on display aligns with this theme. The exhibition includes final-year bachelor’s capstone projects, master's-level research works, and design explorations by foundation-year students. These works illustrate how PolyU Design students apply key future-oriented skills such as AI proficiency, creative problem-solving, and environmental responsibility in their real-world solutions.

Highlighted exhibits include:

An AI-powered human-robot system to improve safety in Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding practices
A drone-based medical supply system integrated into public health networks for remote access
A dual-mode CPR-AED system for training and emergency response
An AI-enabled live-streaming platform to support new social entrepreneurs
Modular shelters and feeding stations for stray cats in Yau Ma Tei, designed to support both animals and caregivers
A zero-waste concept that utilizes food waste (like unattractive fruits and vegetables) to produce natural food colouring and freeze-dried, healthy biscuits

PolyU Design, currently ranked 22nd in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject – Art and Design, has hosted its annual design exhibition for over six decades. The event is open to the public free of charge, with online registration required. A virtual version of the exhibition is also accessible at 2025.polyudesignshow.com.

Voices of the Voiceless is a project initiated by CHAU Ching Ngai Harry, a graduating student from the BA(Hons) in Social Design programme. Through in-depth research into the Yau Ma Tei community, the student gained valuable insights into the situation of stray cats. As a result, he developed the “Transitional Housing for Stray Cats” initiative, which provides innovative cat boxes and houses as safe spaces for stray cats to gather and temporary stay. The design also offers greater convenience for caretakers and volunteers to provide regular care.