The School of Future Design （SFD） at Beijing Normal University successfully concluded the 2026 Winter School on Future Design and Innovation from January 10 to 16 The program gathered outstanding young design students from partner universities in South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand for a week of intensive workshops, industry visits, and cross-cultural collaboration across the Greater Bay Area.

The Winter School opened with a ceremony in Zhuhai, where SFD Dean Professor Gao Peng and Professor Seung-il Lo from Hongik University emphasized the importance of international dialogue for nurturing future design leaders.

A Progressive Curriculum: From Sensory Skills to Smart Technologies

The curriculum offered a structured journey through two dynamic cities. In Zhuhai, workshops focused on foundational design sensibilities. Students engaged in sensory mapping exercises, 3D spatial construction, and the traditional art of water marbling, exploring the translation of material and cultural heritage into contemporary practice.

The program then moved to Shenzhen, shifting focus to technology and application. Experts from Konkuk University led sessions on AI-aided industrial design workflows and human-centered design thinking. The digital thread culminated in a practical 3D printing workshop at the Shenzhen Bay Cultural Center, where students realized their concepts using intelligent manufacturing processes.

Learning in Context: Industry and Culture

To connect theory with practice, students visited the smart production facilities of By-Health and Lenovo, observing the integration of design, automation, and sustainability. Cultural visits to Zhuhai's Beishan Historical District and the "Craftsmanship China" exhibition in Shenzhen provided insights into how design mediates between tradition and modernity.

Showcasing Outcomes and Building Networks

The Winter School concluded with final presentations at the Shenzhen Bay Cultural Center, where student teams showcased their projects and shared their cross-cultural experiences. The closing ceremony culminated in a joint certificate awarding by Dean Gao Peng and international professors.Reflecting on the experience, a student from Singapore noted the value of "diversity in perspective," while a participant from Thailand praised the innovative approach of the sensory workshops.

Forward Look: Cultivating a Global Creative Community

More than an academic program, the Winter School served as a vibrant junction for intellectual collision and mutual learning among Asia's rising design talents. It reinforced SFD's ongoing commitment to its vision of "Design for Future Better Life," actively building platforms for young designers to engage in deep dialogue and collaborative innovation. Moving forward, SFD will continue to advance international design education exchanges, empowering more youth to broaden their horizons through cross-cultural engagement and contribute to a more diverse and prosperous global design ecosystem.