Innovative Insights from the 2025 Liangzhu Conference on Design and AI

Deep Interaction Paradigm Innovation: A Glimpse into the 2025 Liangzhu Conference

On October 19, 2025, the China Academy of Art (CAA) hosted the much-anticipated 2025 Liangzhu Conference, themed "Deep Interaction Paradigm Innovation." This significant event, held at the picturesque CAA campus, highlighted ongoing dialogues and collaborative efforts between international design specialists and technology leaders.

The conference was part of a larger dialogue series that has evolved over the years. It followed previous themes focusing on design leadership in 2023 and design resilience in 2024, representing the continuous exploration of integrating industrial age fundamentals with modern technologies, data, and algorithms. This deliberate thematic evolution illustrates the growing intersection between traditional and contemporary design methodologies, reshaping the architecture of daily life.

Prominent Voices and Groundbreaking Ideas

The event drew a diverse assembly of experts who shared insights on pressing topics like human-centered design in the age of AI, East-West dialogues on deep interaction, and emerging technological pathways. Keynote speakers, including notable figures like Lou Yongqi, who serves as the president of the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, and Han Xu, Vice President of CAA, offered thought-provoking insights that set the stage for many discussions to follow.

The importance of interdisciplinary approaches in design and technology was underscored throughout various sessions. For instance, during the international roundtable discussion held on November 1, several leaders from both academia and industry participated. Jin Yibin, Secretary of the CAA Party Committee, emphasized the significance of such platforms for fostering mutual learning and idea exchange across civilizations.

Other distinguished panelists included representatives from the China Industrial Design Association, leading Chinese universities, and international design organizations, thereby reinforcing a collective commitment to innovation in design approaches.

Educational Synergy and Global Perspective

One of the notable aspects of the conference was its focus on education and the synergy between academia and industry. Recognizing the vital need for future-ready design education, the CAA is striving to maintain relevance in real-world applications. The approach prioritizes cultivating students’ capabilities to engage directly with societal needs, proposing effective solutions that resonate with contemporary challenges.

Prominent speakers at the roundtable included Liu Ning, President of the China Industrial Design Association, and Paivi Tahkokallio, former president of the Bureau of European Design Associations. Their collective expertise highlighted the shared aspirations of fostering a sustainable and human-centered design culture on a global scale.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Design in an AI-Driven World

Professor Wang Yun, a leading figure behind the conference's organization, articulated visions of how design strategies are transitioning from a professional methodology to a systematic language that redefines relationships among individuals, technology, and society. As we integrate AI advancements, the primary focus remains grounded in human-centered ideation, ensuring that technological progress enhances the human experience rather than detracts from it.

In this rapidly advancing context, the CAA’s industrial design school champions both the preservation of cultural heritage and the employment of modern scientific accomplishments. The exploration of humanistic and ethical dimensions within design remains paramount, fostering an ecosystem that embraces innovative collaboration.

Conclusion: A Harmonious Co-Creation of Humanity and Machines

The conference underscores the evolving role of Chinese designers in taking on new responsibilities. By acknowledging their cultural legacy and global positioning, they aim to sculpt a future society that embodies harmonious collaboration between humans and technology. The 2025 Liangzhu Conference served not only as a platform for sharing knowledge but also as a catalyst for inspiring future generations to think creatively about design and its potentials in an AI-centric world.

As articulated by Professor Wang Yun and his colleagues, the intention is to achieve a "Chinese solution" that is essential in sculpting a future where coexistence and co-creation become the norm. This vision underlines the importance of ongoing dialogues and active participation in shaping a collaborative future amidst the unfolding landscape of design and artificial intelligence.