Theme: Humanity by Design: Creativity in the Age of AI

Like it or not, artificial intelligence is steadfastly creeping into our everyday life. Whichever profession we practice in, AI can either automate or augment what we do. It can free us up from repetitive tasks so that we can focus on what is truly meaningful to use as human beings.

While AI is not going to take over the world any time soon, we as human beings need to refocus on what we do best. Human emotions, connections, creativity, subjective experience, unpredictability, desires, etc. – these aspects would emerge as valuable skills and attributes.

TEDxHKDI will explore the value of humanity in the design realm under the increasing influence of technology such as AI. What meanings can we bring as human beings through our creative ingenuity? We invite you to explore with us.

VTC Auditorium, Hong Kong Design Institute
3 King Ling Road
Hong Kong, Xianggang (zh), Hong Kong (en), N/A
China

Bryan Ho Yin CHIU

Fashion Student

"Handcrafted Clothes in the Age of AI: Safeguarding Traditional Skills" Bryan Chiu is a second-year student studying for the Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate (Design) at the Youth College (International). Starting his creative journey in his late teens, Bryan became captivated by the sentimental value of clothing and its ability to tell personal stories. Despite growing up in the digital age, he has developed a deep appreciation for traditional crafts and ancient garment-making techniques.

Charles King Hei YIU

Interior Design Student

"Building Bridges, Not Walls: A New Approach to Diversity" Charles Yiu is a Graduate student from the Higher Diploma in Interior Design at the Hong Kong Design Institute. Having participated in study trips abroad, Charles draws inspiration from diverse architectural styles, interior designs, and cultural experiences, incorporating these influences into his own work. A martial artist with a black belt in taekwondo and a background in boxing, Charles approaches design with discipline and a spirit of experimentation. His goal is to challenge traditional notions while preserving essential elements, creating spaces that are distinctive, refreshing, and imbued with soul.

Cindy Sin Lam KO

Visual Communication Student

"Guided by Empathy: How Human Emotions Shape Better Design" Cindy Ko is a graduate from the Hong Kong Design Institute, where she pursued the Higher Diploma in Visual Communication with a specialisation in User Experience. The design journey of Cindy began with a small project creating election cards for friends, which sparked her love for design. A pivotal moment came when she encountered a social media reel showcasing a coffee shop app redesign, inspiring her to focus on crafting intuitive and human-centred digital experiences.

Daniel Szuc

Co-founder, Make Meaningful Work

"From Ego to Eco: Healthy Intentions in Moments that Matter" Dan is a co-founder and principal at Apogee and co-founder of Make Meaningful Work, as well as the co-founder of UX Hong Kong. He has been involved in the UX field for over 20 years, and has been based in Hong Kong for over 20 years. Dan has lectured about user-centered design globally. He has co-authored three books including Global UX with Whitney Quesenbery, the Usability Kit with Gerry Gaffney and Make Meaningful Work and Make Meaningful Culture with Josephine Wong.

Erica Man Kwan MA

Architecture Student

"Architecture in the Age of AI: A Dance between Efficiency and Poetry" Erica Ma is a final-year student studying for a Higher Diploma in Architectural Design at the Hong Kong Design Institute. Throughout her studies, Erica has explored various computer-aided design (CAD) tools and other AI technologies to facilitate the design process. Having experienced ‘AI anxiety’—a sense of uncertainty about whether these technologies enhance or hinder human creativity—Erica has struggled to adapt to the rapid evolution of AI tools, often feeling caught between innovation and creative authenticity. Determined to turn her challenges into a meaningful discussion, she aims to demystify the role of AI in design, sharing her personal struggles and breakthroughs to reassure others who may feel similarly overwhelmed.

Gabriel Tsz Kuen LIEM

Architecture Student

"What Makes a Building Feel Alive?" Gabriel Liem is a graduate from the Higher Diploma in Architectural Design at the Hong Kong Design Institute. In 2024, Gabriel participated in an exchange programme in Norway, where he studied for a semester in a master’s programme. His experience abroad deepened his appreciation for handmade design and inspired him to explore the balance between innovation and preserving human emotion within the creative process. Gabriel is passionate about integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, aiming to create meaningful designs that bridge the gap between past and future.

Josephine Wong

C0-founder, Make Meaningful Work

“From Ego to Eco: Healthy Intentions in Moments that Matter” Jo is a co-founder and principal at Apogee and co-founder of Make Meaningful Work, as well as the co-founder of UX Hong Kong. Jo grew up in multicultural Hong Kong, with a Chinese-Burmese father and Chinese-Indonesian mother. She collaborates with global teams conducting research in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. “From Ego to Eco: Healthy Intentions in Moments that Matter” Jo is passionate about the environment, political and economic systems and how we can live healthier and happier lives while not adversely impacting less fortunate people. She co-authored Make Meaningful Work and Make Meaningful Culture with Daniel Szuc.

Lila Hoi Ching TAM

Visual Communication Student

"Designing in the Age of AI: Why Human Creativity Still Matters" Lila Tam is a second-year student at the Hong Kong Design Institute, where she is pursuing the Higher Diploma in Visual Communication with a specialisation in User Experience. Passionate about creativity, Lila is eager to continue her personal and professional development, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. In her leisure time, she enjoys dancing and exploring Hong Kong’s traditional craftsmanship, which serves as inspiration for her design journey.

Rose Wai Chak LAM

Architecture Student

"Designing for the Rhythm We Have Forgotten" Rose Lam is a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at the University of Lincoln, delivered through SHAPE at the Hong Kong Design Institute. Passionate about creating spaces that reconnect people with their natural rhythms, Rose believes architecture can offer moments of reflection in a fast-paced world, reminding us of the essence of being human.

Teddy Jiaqi LIN

Visual Communication Student

"Stop Worrying About Grammar! Why ‘Good Enough’ English is Good Enough" Teddy Lin is a second-year student studying for the Higher Diploma in Visual Communication at the Hong Kong Design Institute. Passionate about drawing and handcrafts, Teddy cherishes the creative process and the sense of flow it brings. A sports enthusiast, he enjoys basketball and rugby, embracing challenges with determination and optimism. Although small in stature, Teddy has big dreams. He hopes to bring joy to those around him through his creativity, leaving a positive impact on the world through his designs.

Vincent Wai Hin HO

Visual Communication Student

"Guided by Empathy: How Human Emotions Shape Better Design" Vincent Ho is a graduate from the Hong Kong Design Institute, where he pursued the Higher Diploma in Visual Communication with a specialisation in User Experience. Discovering his passion for design during his studies, Vincent is driven by a desire to create intuitive and impactful experiences that seamlessly blend creativity with human-centred functionality.