The Department and Graduate School of Creative Design at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) successfully hosted the International Design Conference on Integrated Interdisciplinary Innovation 2026 from March 13 to 14, 2026. The conference brought together design experts, scholars, and industry professionals from around the world to explore future directions in design innovation and sustainable development. Centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event fostered international academic exchange and practical collaboration, highlighting YunTech’s global influence in design education and research.
The conference featured five key thematic areas: Creative Lifestyle Design, Local and Cultural Design Applications, Spatial Aesthetics and Sustainable Environments, Interdisciplinary Design and Design Education Practices, and Integration of Physical and Digital Interaction. These themes facilitated in-depth discussions on innovative applications across technological advancement, design education, and environmental sustainability. Scholars and experts from Taiwan, Malaysia, Finland, and other countries shared their latest research findings and professional experiences through paper presentations, keynote lectures, and workshops, promoting cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
Four distinguished international speakers were invited to deliver keynote addresses: Professor Akira Ueda (Japan), Architect Wendy Teo Boon Ting (Malaysia), Associate Professor Yee-Siang Gan (Malaysia), and Professor Pirita Seitamaa-Hakkarainen (Finland). Their presentations addressed topics including local culture, regional revitalization, architectural design, sustainable development, and green design, offering insights into global design trends and cutting-edge research.
Associate Professor Hsieh Tzu-liang, Director of International Affairs for the department, noted: “Through the diverse perspectives of international scholars, we aim to bring a global vision to design education in Taiwan while showcasing the unique value of Taiwanese design. This conference has become an important platform for international academic exchange in the design field.”
The Department of Creative Design has long been committed to integrating innovative design thinking with regional revitalization. Over the past five years, it has successfully implemented more than 30 community revitalization projects, including the revitalization of coffee culture in Gukeng, Yunlin; the regeneration of the Beimen Salt Fields Cultural Park in Tainan; and experiential design initiatives in the tea-producing region of Meishan, Chiayi. These projects have received support from the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Ministry of Education, contributing to both industrial transformation and cultural preservation. The department’s Urban–Rural Symbiosis Design Studio has also received the Taiwan Social Design Award for three consecutive years, demonstrating excellence in community engagement and social design.
Department Chair Professor Hsieh Hsiu-ching emphasized: “At its core, design is about problem-solving. The most valuable design begins within real-life contexts and responds to genuine human needs. We encourage faculty and students to engage deeply with communities, using design thinking to promote regional revitalization and cultural sustainability. This conference also showcases a range of community-based projects, with the hope of inspiring further interdisciplinary collaboration.”
In recent years, the department has received numerous prestigious awards in both domestic and international design competitions, including the iF Design Student Award, the American Architecture Master Prize, the Red Dot Design Award (Germany), the Art Directors Club Annual Awards (New York), the Tokyo International Genius Invention Exhibition (Japan), the International Exhibition of Inventions (Ukraine), and the Archimedes International Invention Exhibition (Moscow). These achievements reflect the department’s diverse accomplishments and strong commitment to sustainable design on the global stage.
In alignment with the SDGs, this year’s conference adopted a fully digital format for the first time. Printed abstract booklets were eliminated, and participants received electronic proceedings via USB drives, with additional online access provided after the event. This initiative aimed to reduce paper consumption and promote environmentally responsible practices. The conference venue utilized reusable materials, and all catering services employed biodegradable containers, further demonstrating the department’s commitment to sustainability.
The two-day conference featured five parallel paper presentation sessions and two international design workshops. Through diverse formats of academic exchange, the organizers aim to inspire innovation and create new opportunities for advancement in the field of design.
Group Photo of the 2026 International Design Conference on Integrated Interdisciplinary Innovation
Opening Remarks by Vice President Huang Shih-hui, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology
Remarks by Dean Tsai Teng-chuan, College of Design
Performance by Formosa Cha Cha Ensemble
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