Global Design Dialogues:
Trends for Tomorrow
Empowering Business Value Through Design
Theme: Empowering Business Value Through Design
25 April 2025 (Friday)
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
sky100, 100/F, International Commerce Centre (ICC),
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Global Design Dialogues: Trends for Tomorrow - A Triumph of Design Innovation
The Global Design Dialogues: Trends for Tomorrow, hosted by the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) on 25 April 2025, at sky100, Hong Kong, was a landmark event that ignited creativity and collaboration.
Sponsored by the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme of the Hong Kong SAR Government, this event, themed “Empowering Business Value Through Design,” brought together five global design visionaries: Mr. Pavel Mrkus, Prof. Thomas Kvan, Mr. Pradyumna Vyas, Mr. Tony Vergara, and Mr. Norito Shinmura. Their inspiring keynotes explored the intersections of technology, sustainability, and cultural heritage, setting a bold vision for the future of design.
Relive the event’s transformative moments through our recorded sessions below. Watch, share, and join the conversation to shape the future of design!
Explore the Keynotes
Digital Future: Intersections of Art, Design, and Advanced Technologies
Speaker: Mr. Pavel Mrkus, Head Curator of Signal Festival (Czechia)
Discover how the Signal Festival blends contemporary visual art, urban spaces, and cutting-edge technology. Mr. Mrkus shared captivating case studies, including Václav Mlynář’s immersive “Puddles,” Ksawery Komputery’s interactive “Flux,” and Radical Compromise’s thought-provoking film on sustainability. Learn how AI and robotics are transforming public art and fostering vibrant cultural communities.
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Designing for Digital Transformation
Speaker: Prof. Thomas Kvan, Dean, School of Design, Southern University of Science and Technology (Denmark)
Prof. Kvan highlighted AI’s role in revolutionizing design, from streamlining workflows to enabling generative design and enhancing user-centered solutions. He called for a new generation of designers skilled in AI tools, collaboration, and ethical practices to address societal challenges and create a better future.
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Designing for a Sustainable Future: Global Perspectives and Local Applications
Speaker: Prof. Pradyumna Vyas, President-elect of World Design Organization
Prof. Vyas emphasized sustainable design’s role in tackling climate and social justice challenges. He advocated for trans-disciplinary, human-centered approaches and flexible design education to prepare future designers for real-world impact. Discover how design can drive innovation and societal transformation.
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The Wisdom of Panamanian Stitching: Preserving Identity Through Craft
Speaker: Mr. Tony Vergara, Founder of TONY VERGARA (Panama)
Mr. Vergara shared his journey with the Guna community, where stitching is a form of prayer and cultural connection. His hand-stitched collections embody slow fashion principles, urging designers to act as cultural guardians. Learn why true luxury lies in stories, not mass production.
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Preserving Craftsmanship in Modern Design: Techniques and Case Studies
Speaker: Mr. Norito Shinmura, Founder of garden inc. (Japan)
Mr. Shinmura showcased the beauty of analog craftsmanship in a digital age, sharing projects like “Nets” and “Waterdrops” for Shinmura Fisheries and sustainable designs for MUJI Campground. His work with the Forest Culture Association and Wild Times magazine highlights the fusion of nature and craft.
ORGANISER
FUNDED BY
SUPPORTING ORGANISER
This material/event is funded by the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material/any event organised under this project do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Vetting Committee of the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme.
CONTACT US
Hong Kong Designers Association
Official website：www.hkda.hk
Email：info@hkda.hk
Phone：2527 3968 / 9291 8896
WeChat：16620966288 (ID: HKDA_Official)
Address：9/F, 1 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong