#China #Hangzhou #Artificial Intelligence #China Academy of Art #Liangzhu Conference

Exploring Human-Centered Design in the Age of AI

On October 19, 2025, the China Academy of Art (CAA) proudly hosted the 2025 Future Design and Artificial Intelligence Liangzhu Conference, themed "Deep Interaction Paradigm Innovation." This conference marked the culmination of a series of annual events focused on design leadership and resilience, evolving into rich discussions on deep interaction and paradigm innovation in design.

Organized in collaboration with key educational and design institutions like the CAA School of Industrial Design and the Design-AI Lab, the conference gathered experts from various fields to explore the intersection of design, technology, and ethical considerations in the age of artificial intelligence. The thematic trajectory from design leadership in 2023 through to design resilience in 2024 paved the way for debates on how traditional elements such as water and electricity are transforming amid the advent of data and algorithms.

The event saw participation from notable figures in the world of design and academia. Speakers included esteemed professionals, such as Lou Yongqi, President of Shanghai University of Engineering Science, and Han Xu, Vice President at CAA. These leaders addressed critical topics surrounding human-machine co-creation and the relevance of interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary design challenges.

During the conference, the International Roundtable on Design, Intelligent Manufacturing, and Education took place on November 1, where Jin Yibin, Secretary of the Party Committee of CAA, emphasized the importance of an inclusive platform for the exchange of ideas. This roundtable featured representatives from various institutions, including Liu Ning from the China Industrial Design Association and international experts like Paivi Tahkokallio from the Bureau of European Design Associations.

Central to the discussions was the notion that design is evolving beyond traditional methodologies into a systematic language that redefines human, technological, and societal relationships. Prof. Wang Yun, who initiated the conference, championed the concept that future design must be grounded in human-centered thinking, stressing the necessity of ethical considerations in design endeavors. He charted a future where Chinese design, drawing on its rich cultural heritage, can lead in the global landscape of intelligent design, focusing on harmonious collaboration between humans and machines.

As discussions unfolded, it became clear that innovation in design education is paramount. The CAA School of Industrial Design has positioned itself as a strategic hub for integrating industry needs and creative talent development, fostering an ecosystem of collaboration between education and industry. This institutional focus aims to enhance students' responsiveness to societal challenges, equipping them with the ability to conceptualize and implement effective solutions.

As the global design community comes together, the narratives emerging from conferences like Liangzhu underscore a collective aspiration towards a future characterized by thoughtful design principles, acknowledging not just technological advancements but the ethical implications these innovations entail. The reflections and findings shared at this conference resonate with a growing awareness of the roles and responsibilities that designers hold in shaping a future that fosters inclusive success and sustainable advancements.

In conclusion, the 2025 Liangzhu Conference illustrates the commitment of the CAA and its collaborators to push the envelope of design thinking amid the complexities of technological evolution. As they navigate this frontier, the design community must remain vigilant in maintaining a discourse that values human perspectives, creativity, and cultural integrity.

The insights exchanged at this conference will undoubtedly inform future strategies and practices in design, ensuring that the industry not only adapts but thrives in an increasingly interconnected and intelligent world.