Changsha to make China Design shine around the world

The first Xiaoxiang Design Forum was held at the China (Changsha) Innovative Design Industrial Park on May 30 in Yuhua district, Changsha, where experts came together to discuss how to make "China Design" go global.

The forum attracted big names in the field of industrial design and revolved around the construction of a Changsha innovation and creativity center.

Discussion centered on topics like the development of Changsha's industrial design industry, the in-depth integration of design and manufacturing, as well as production, education, and research in this field. Experts shared their insights and made their cases successfully.

He Renke, dean of Hunan University's School of Design and president of the Hunan Design Artists Association, briefed participants on the history of industrial design development in China.

He also showed full confidence in the future prospects of Chinese design, resolutely declaring that "China Design will go global."

"In the future, competition in equipment manufacturing will shift from technology-driven to service-oriented, with design innovation as its core," said Gao Nan, a senior engineer at CRCC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co.

Citing some thought-provoking cases of rail transit equipment design adopted by CRCC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co, Gao pointed out several factors hindering the development of industrial design in the equipment manufacturing industry, which include a lack of appreciation for industrial design, lack of a sense of competition, and reluctance to take risks.

"Recently, the focus of industrial design has been gradually shifting from the product's shape, color and material to its product genre, product family and corporate culture - a more holistic perspective," Gao remarked.

The establishment of the Changsha Industrial Design Association was announced during the forum. The association aims to provide substantial assistance related to skilled workers, construction of the innovation park and incubation base, and innovation technology.

The association is expected to promote the commercial use of innovative designs resulting from internet and block chain technologies, and also provide other supporting services.