Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) jointly conducted the virtual Freshmore Asian Cross-curricular Trips (FACT) programme from September 1 to September 4. The programme, themed with “Design Thinking & Innovation”, was attended online by 29 students from Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing of SZTU and 15 students from SUTD.

Participants from SZTU and SUTD [Photo/Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing]

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Ricky Ang, head of Science, Mathematics and Technology Cluster of SUTD, and Prof. Zhang Wenwei, dean of Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing, gave speeches on behalf of the two sides. Prof. Arlindo Silva, director of the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) Hub of SUTD, and Prof. Yang Can, international affairs officer (deputy dean) of Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing of SZTU, who were responsible for the programme, introduced the two universities and their research interests respectively.

Prof. Ricky Ang (left) and Prof. Zhang Wenwei (right) [Photo/Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing]

With the aim of designing innovative orange juicers, the students were divided into 9 groups and each included several students from both universities. Each day was started with a session in the main room where Prof Arlindo Silva or Prof Yang Can explained the expertise to be used in the design process. Then, the students went to their breakout rooms and spent most of the time discussing and designing there. Several teachers from both SZTU and SUTD stayed in the breakout rooms to answer their questions.

The Double Diamond Framework used throughout the programme [Photo/Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing]

Based on the Double Diamond design innovation framework, the students went through all stages of the programme, including discovering market needs, defining solutions to the needs, developing the prototype, and delivering the product to users. The innovative design of orange juicers was finally completed through creating personas and scenarios, storyboard, the Real-Win-Worth table and collaborative sketches, etc.

Students from SZTU and SUTD share their moments during the programme. [Photo/Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing]

At the closing ceremony, Prof. Yeo Kiat Seng, associate provost for International Relations and Graduate Studies of SUTD, and Prof. Yang Can from SZTU gave positive remarks on the programme and presented the Certificate of Achievement to each student.

Certificate of Achievement [Photo/Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing]

The students from SUTD also shared their experience in the programme, describing it as a fruitful and fulfilling one. 

Drafted by Olivia（赖丽伟）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Revised by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office