Intelligent Manufacturing for the Future，Global Perspective: A Decade Review and Outlook of the DIA Award
Hangzhou, December 12, 2025 — Ten years ago, with strong support from the Zhejiang Provincial Government, the Design Intelligence Award was established at the China Academy of Art, becoming the first international academy award in China’s comprehensive design field. Over the past decade, the award has received more than 65,000 entries from 87 countries and regions worldwide. Participants include over 6,000 high-tech manufacturing companies, and more than 800 universities and research institutes globally, with a coverage rate of 85% from top international academic think tanks. The entries span various cutting-edge fields, such as artificial intelligence, life and health, digital manufacturing, and smart cities, with several projects moving toward industrialization, some becoming industry benchmarks.
From Academic Exploration to Industry Drive
The DIA’s inception was not under the spotlight of the media. Initially, its goal was clear: to create a platform that tightly connects creativity with practice, and academia with industry. At that time, Chinese manufacturing was transitioning from a “scale-driven” to an “innovation-driven” model. Design education was developing rapidly, but its integration with the market was still weak. Thus, DIA was given a dual mission: to not only recognize design but also to promote the realization of creative ideas.
In the early stages of the competition, academic and creative works dominated; however, with the rise of industrialization and intelligent trends, the event gradually incorporated smart hardware, platform-based tools, and immersive interactions into key considerations. For instance, products like the All-Scenario Smart Terminal Products of HarmonyOS Ecosystem, XPENG AEROHT Modular Flying Car and Rokid Glasses have formed successful case studies through the integration of interaction design and engineering for commercialization. The evaluation criteria were also adjusted accordingly, shifting from purely aesthetic assessments to a comprehensive consideration of systemic feasibility, user experience, engineering capability, and market potential.
This transformation highlights the unique value of DIA: it not only observes creativity but also drives the transformation of ideas into real industrial power, providing practical examples for the internationalization of Chinese design.
The Value of Design in Technological Leapfrogging
Over the past decade, the rapid evolution of technology has profoundly changed the definition of design. The rise of fields such as AI, IoT, low-altitude transportation, smart healthcare, and industrial automation has made design an interdisciplinary “system connector.” This trend is particularly evident in the DIA award-winning works. Designers are no longer merely creators of aesthetic forms; they have become hubs that coordinate technology, user, and societal needs within complex systems.
For example, platform-based AIGC products like Tongyi Wan and Data Agent have optimized user experience through design while providing industrial-level applicability and viable business models. The design value of these works is not only manifested in visual or interactive aspects but also in how they drive technological feasibility, user acceptance, and market expansion.
The evaluation process also emphasizes this trend. Experts highlight that design must balance engineering realizability, commercial viability, and user experience to make an impact in the global market. Chinese design teams have achieved an efficient closed loop from concept to prototype to mass production, leveraging a complete supply chain and rapid iteration capabilities. This ability has strengthened the competitiveness of Chinese original design in the international market.
Diverse Practices in Commercialization Pathways
Observing past DIA award-winning works reveals several distinct paths to industrialization. Some companies choose to invest in independent research and development, creating their own brands, such as Lingban Technology’s exploration in the fields of smart wearables and immersive devices. Some design agencies collaborate with major manufacturers to integrate creativity into established manufacturing and distribution systems, exemplified by the modular kitchen cart series developed by renowned Chinese industrial design firm YANG DESIGN in partnership with Boeing. Additionally, some works select a platform-oriented route, achieving continuous industrialization value through data services, toolchains, and ecosystem operations; for instance, Mindray’s “miCare” Clinical Decision Support System uses AI to connect hardware, forming vast medical databases to aid doctors in decision-making.
Behind these pathways lies a deep consideration of supply chain integration, capital support, channel operation, and compliance with standards. Through commercialization empowerment programs, DIA closely ties awards to industry incubation, investment, and international collaboration, providing practical support for award-winning works. This not only enhances the social value of the awards but also enables design to become a new driver of economic growth.
Chinese Design Power on a Global Scale
As DIA’s influence has grown, an increasing number of overseas institutions, enterprises, and media outlets have begun to pay attention to the unique value of Chinese design. International experts at the event generally believe that Chinese design is no longer limited to single products or styles but demonstrates globally rare capabilities in system integration, engineering feasibility, and industrialization pathways.
Chinese design teams can complete a full range of research and validation from parts to complete systems, and from algorithms to interactions locally—a high-density collaborative capability that is extremely rare globally. Especially in fields like smart manufacturing, platform applications, transportation, and healthcare, the experiences of Chinese design have become exemplary models for international peers to learn from.
DIA’s international outreach has also provided a broader stage for Chinese design. The proportion of overseas participants continues to grow, and the judging panel includes senior design experts from Europe, North America, and Asia, with media coverage spanning global core design portals. This not only enhances the award’s international credibility but also fosters deep exchanges of design concepts and practices between China and other countries.
Linking Education, Talent, and Systems
Beyond industry and technology, the DIA’s impact on design education should not be overlooked. The competition has long focused on universities and young design talent, encouraging the integration of industry, academia, and research while promoting original design within teaching and practice. By collaborating with universities, research institutions, and enterprises, DIA helps cultivate interdisciplinary, composite talents, which are essential to advancing China’s design ingenuity on the international stage.
At the same time, DIA actively explores institutional pathways, including standardized evaluations, copyright protection, and commercialization mechanisms. These efforts not only enhance the market value of award-winning works but also promote industry norms and alignment with international standards, providing institutional support for the sustainable development of Chinese design.
From Competition to Empowerment through Think Tanks
Looking back over the past decade, DIA’s development trajectory clearly outlines the panorama of design transitioning from academic exploration to industrial practice. From inspiring creativity to facilitating industrialization; from a simple awards selection to establishing systems and standards; from showcasing Chinese design capabilities to participating in global supply chain collaborations, DIA is assuming an increasingly important role. In the future, its mission will further expand: through think tank operations, standardized advancements, and international cooperation, it aims to provide comprehensive support for the sustainable development of Chinese design.
DIA is not just a competition; it has become a crucial platform for dialogue between Chinese design and the global innovation system. Reflecting on the past serves as a summary, while looking to the future represents a new beginning. In the accelerating wave of reshaping the global design landscape, Chinese design is showcasing its unique power and value to the world through DIA.
