The Design Intelligence Research program addresses the demands of global manufacturing transformation and the intelligent-technology revolution. It is dedicated to cultivating interdisciplinary design leaders with systemic innovation capabilities, technology-integration vision, and industrial strategic thinking. Taking “Design Intelligence” as its guiding principle, the program focuses on how artificial intelligence, data science, and intelligent manufacturing reshape the objects, methods, processes, and value systems of design. Leveraging the Design Intelligence Award (DIA) comprehensive innovation platform and industry-education integration bases, it systematically advances the theoretical construction and practical innovation of Design Intelligence. Research areas encompass Design Intelligence system research, AI and intelligent design, design policy and governance systems, and Design Intelligence database construction. Graduates play leading roles in intelligent product R&D, design management, and innovation strategy consulting.
2. Curriculum
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum is structured around a tiered framework of “knowledge-based+technology-based+project-based” modules, with a strong emphasis on international perspectives. Global experts such as Aoki Shiro, Lifetime Honorary Advisor of Japan’s G-Mark Award, are deeply involved in teaching. The first year consolidates disciplinary foundations through required courses such as System Innovation Design and Digital Technologies and Applications. In the second year, students enter specialized courses. Leveraging the DIA platform and industry-education integration bases, the program fully implements the “DIA Innovation Full-Process Immersion Plan,” offering core required courses including Thematic Creation in Design Intelligence and Case Studies. Major competition briefs and enterprise demands are transformed into real-world projects, enabling in-depth exploration of AI-design integration. Electives feature distinctive modules such as the China-Japan Joint Course and Health Design, expanding international perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration capabilities. The third year strictly follows the Academy’s graduation requirements, adhering to the principle of “creation first, using creative practice to guide theoretical inquiry.” Students first complete and exhibit their graduation creative projects, while simultaneously advancing thesis proposal, writing, and defense, ultimately passing dual assessment through the graduation exhibition and thesis defense.
