On May 16, renowned design theory and history expert Wang Shouzhi was invited to Dongguan University of Technology to deliver a lecture titled "Trends in AI Design" as part of the Design Forum. A key figure in modern design education in China, a tenured professor at ArtCenter College of Design, and Associate Dean of the School of Creativity and Art at ShanghaiTech University, he explored the future direction of design education and manufacturing in the age of AI.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Addressing the widely debated question of whether AI will replace designers, Wang Shouzhi made his position clear: AI will not replace humans. He described AI as a tool akin to a pencil, emphasizing that true creativity originates from the human mind and heart. He argued that cultural judgment, aesthetic sensibility, and value orientation are far more important than the tools themselves. Drawing on examples from mainstream AI tools such as Midjourney and DALL·E, he analyzed how AI is driving innovation in product design, automotive design, film, and gaming. He noted that design has become a critical entry point for manufacturing cities seeking to rebuild their competitive edge.

Dongguan: A Dream Destination for Designers

Speaking about Dongguan, Wang Shouzhi praised the city as "a dream destination for designers around the world." He observed that Dongguan possesses the world's most complete manufacturing chain and a highly responsive industrial ecosystem. Its greatest strength, he noted, lies in its ability to rapidly transform ideas into tangible products, marking its transition from "world factory" to "global smart manufacturing."

Future Directions for Design Education

Regarding the development of the International School of Design, Wang Shouzhi emphasized that future design talent must possess global vision, cultural understanding, and market insight. He recommended strengthening international academic collaborations and interdisciplinary curricula to build open bridges between design, technology, and the humanities. He further stated that the core of design education should focus on whether products truly serve human needs. Looking ahead, he envisions Dongguan's design education as a vital platform connecting international consumer trends with cultural innovation, transforming design from an industrial support function into a core component of urban innovation capacity and competitiveness.