The 2025 International Association of Societies of Design Research conference is underway at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City, highlighting Taiwan’s prominence in the global design community, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said.
Running until Dec. 5, the event has drawn over 800 designers, industry leaders and officials from 47 countries. Themed “Design Next,” the event explores future trends in design through human-centered and digital approaches, including global issues such as artificial intelligence collaboration, emerging technologies, social change and environmental sustainability.
Among the conference highlights are the Humanity Forum “Left by Our Own Devices” by academics Johan Redström from Sweden’s University of Gothenburg and Laura Forlano from Northeastern University in the U.S.; the Public/Industry Forum “Achieving Design Impact at National Level” by Taiwan Design Research Institute President Chang Chi-yi; and the Technology Forum “Aesthetics of Intelligence” by Stephan Wensveen from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.
The conference also drew 1,120 research submissions from around the world, with 557 selected to compete for the best paper award.
According to the MOEA, TDRI organized satellite events to provide an in-depth look into local design practices. The 2025 Design Industry Forum scheduled Dec. 5 will invite Asian, American and European enterprises to discuss topics spanning future mobility design, intelligent green practices and co-creating sustainable cities, while the industry tour will offer insight on how design shapes Taiwan’s industries, cities and everyday life, and an exhibition running until Jan. 25, 2026, at the Taiwan Design Museum in Taipei demonstrates the diverse roles of design in driving industrial innovation and lifestyle transformation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Dec. 2, Deputy Economic Minister Ho Chin-tsang said that design is a key element in industrial upgrades, public space improvement and social innovation in Taiwan. He added that he looks forward to enhancing international exchanges and cooperation through IASDR 2025. (YCH-E)
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