Course 2. Design and Future
Overview
“Design and the Future” is an interdisciplinary practical course aimed at exploring the intersection of traditional culture and the digital age. Through field research, scenario-based experiences, and trend analysis, students will gain an in-depth understanding of traditional culture and modern digital technologies. The course will take students to visit museums and major technology companies, allowing them to experience the charm and cultural significance of traditional craftsmanship while witnessing the rapid advancements in technology. Students will further reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing future design and develop innovative design solutions.
Course Professor
Name: Zou Ning
Title: Deputy Director of the Artificial Intelligence Department
Deputy Director of the Institute of Modern Industrial Design
Email: zn007@zju.edu.cn
Research Fields:
● Product Innovation Design and Intelligent Design
● Digital Creativity
● Human-Computer Interaction
Learning Objectives
● Visit major technology companies to learn about corporate culture, the current state of technological development, and innovative spirit.
● Based on research conducted at museums and within the technology industry, write a research report.
Measurable Outcomes
● Explore the corporate culture, technological advancements, and innovative practices of major technology companies to understand the integration of tradition and modernity;
● Develop the ability to conduct field research, data mining, and trend analysis to identify opportunities for cultural and technological integration;
● Collaborate effectively in teams to organize research findings, analyze insights, and present well-structured reports and presentations;
● Reflect on the challenges and opportunities in future design, applying critical thinking to propose solutions that balance cultural heritage and technological innovation.
Course Schedule
Please note: Participative startups and internship time slots could change anytime until the course starts.
| Week 1-5 Cultural Experience Activities | ● Week 1: Visit Hangzhou attractions led by volunteers, complete an ice-breaking session, and present photos or videos in groups. ● Week 2-4: Visit museums such as the Zhejiang Museum (Zhijiang Pavilion), Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum, and Liangzhu Museum to gain a deeper understanding of traditional craftsmanship and design works, and appreciate traditional culture. Simultaneously, visit major technology companies such as Alibaba, NetEase, ByteDance, and Ant Group to learn about corporate culture and innovative design achievements. |
| Week 6-9 Group Research Collaboration | ● Week 6-8: Group discussions to organize the research report based on the visits. ● Week 9: Mid-term presentation to show the progress of the research report. |
| Week 10-14 Final Presentation | ● Week 10-13: Group discussions to revise and finalize the research report. ● Week 14: Final presentation to show the group's achievements. |
Report Score Criteria
| Session | Detail | Socre（points） |
|---|---|---|
| Theme Understanding | Accurately reflect the integration of traditional Chinese culture and modern technology, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topics. | 20 |
| Research Depth | ● Provide in-depth analysis of museum collections, exhibitions, and cultural connotations, integrating historical and cultural contexts. ● Offer clear descriptions and analysis of the corporate culture, current state of technology, and development trends of technology companies, showing a deep insight into the industry. | 25 |
| Data Analysis and Trend Insights | ● Organize and analyze data with clear logic and appropriate methods. ● Propose insightful trend analysis, combining cultural and technological integration trends, demonstrating foresight and innovation. | 20 |
| Innovation | ● Offer unique perspectives or innovative ideas, proposing novel approaches for cultural redesign. ● Provide original insights into the integration of culture and technology, reflecting independent thinking and creativity. | 15 |
| Clarity of Expression | ● The text should be accurate, concise, and well-organized, with clear logic and smooth language. ● Core viewpoints and analysis results should be conveyed with easy-to-understand charts and data presentation. | 20 |
Appendix: Company Visits
Please note: The company list could change anytime until the course starts.
Alibaba Group aims to simplify global commerce by providing technology infrastructure and marketing tools that help businesses improve efficiency and engage customers. It also offers cloud services and collaboration solutions to support digital transformation and business growth.
NetEase is dedicated to utilizing the most advanced internet technologies to strengthen the exchange and sharing of information among individuals, offering high-quality products and services to a massive user base. This commitment is aimed at realizing its mission and vision of "harnessing the power of connectivity and technological innovation to create a better life.".
ByteDance is a global Internet technology company focused on short videos. It owns several well-known brands, including Douyin, TikTok, Toutiao, and Watermelon Video, which enable people to connect, create, and consume content in an easy and fun way.
Ant Group is the parent company of Alipay, committed to providing inclusive and convenient digital life and financial services to consumers and small and micro-sized enterprises through technological innovation. The company's vision is to create future-ready digital infrastructure for the service industry and bring small and beautiful changes to the world.
