Words Taiwan Design Research Institute
Editing The Kanto team
Artificial intelligence is predicted to contribute over $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030, fundamentally transforming industries, including design. Taiwan Design Week 2024 (TDW 2024), which runs from December 7 to 15, focuses on how AI is reshaping creative fields like architecture, cultural narratives, and product design. Taiwan’s globally recognized tech industry forms the foundation for this exploration, inviting designers and innovators to imagine a future where human ingenuity and AI collaborate seamlessly.
AI’s Role in Creativity
TDW 2024 positions AI as a key catalyst for the next evolution in creativity, much like the iconic monolith in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Over the past few decades, advances in technology have revolutionized creative tools. This year’s theme, “The Gateway,” aims to explore how AI helps designers navigate challenges and expand the possibilities of innovation.
At TDW 2024, visitors will see firsthand how AI supports creativity while reshaping the way we approach design challenges. From dynamic environments to reimagining cultural identities, the event sparks dialogue about the intersections of technology and humanity.
Where AI Meets Design
The exhibitions showcase mind-opening projects that combine AI-driven technology with imaginative artistry. Some of the installations to watch out for include:
Digital Home by SHARE LAB and MMR Team: This interactive experience uses AI to analyze visitors’ subconscious responses to create visuals that can be turned into 3D-printed objects. This project merges personal expression with cutting-edge technology, turning abstract ideas into physical forms.
New Taipei Station: The Digital Nomad’s Playground by Tunghai University: A reimagining of Taipei’s central station as a futuristic, adaptable space reflecting the fast-paced, fragmented nature of modern life. AI simulations transform its structure to address the needs of a global, tech-savvy population.
Every Building’s OOTD: An exploration of how textile patterns inspire architectural designs through AI, creating a unique fusion of fashion and urban design.
Infinite Evolution: Local Mascots: A study on how AI helps traditional symbols evolve for modern relevance, blending cultural preservation with innovation.
Project Patching: AI & Geo-cultural Bias: A critical examination of AI’s inherent biases, with solutions for integrating local cultural characteristics to promote inclusivity.
Forums, Talks, and Global Perspectives
TDW 2024 also offers a range of forums and events to foster dialogue and collaboration across disciplines.
- Design Without Borders: A discussion between Taiwan and Poland, presenting international perspectives on the evolving relationship between AI and design.
- Design Research Forum: A prelude to the IASDR 2025 conference, this forum addresses generative AI, micromobility, and material innovation while highlighting Taiwan’s design strengths.
- Public Service Forum: This forum focuses on the role of design in urban development, with a particular focus on revitalizing Tainan through design-led approaches.
These sessions provide designers, academics, and industry leaders a platform to share insights and develop collaborative solutions for emerging challenges.
Why Taiwan Design Week?
Supported by the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and led by the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI), TDW highlights Taiwan’s position as a leader in the global design community. Combining its world-class tech industry with a burgeoning design ecosystem, Taiwan presents a unique perspective on AI’s role in shaping creative sectors.
Meet the Curators
The curators for TDW 2024 bring expertise from diverse creative and technological fields:
Eric Yu, Principal Architect of Atelier SUPERB, integrates architecture, urban planning, and art. A recipient of multiple awards, including the Good Design Award and iF Design Award, he focuses on human-centered design and innovation.
Weijhe Lin, Design Director at Sensory Design, focuses on brand integration and design strategy. A Tokyo University of the Arts graduate, Lin emphasizes human-centered approaches in his projects and research.
Tsung Yen Hsieh, a professor at Tunghai University and acclaimed architect, specializes in urban design and AI-driven education. His past work includes curating the Taiwan Pavilion at the Milan Expo and collaborating on the Swiss Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
Join the Conversation
As the advent of AI shakes up existing creative industries, Taiwan Design Week 2024 offers an opportunity to broaden the discourse on the future of design and technology. Designers, tech enthusiasts, and curious visitors can engage with cutting-edge projects and explore how AI and human creativity can shape tomorrow’s world.
For more information, visit TDRI or follow @designintaiwan on Instagram. •
