Cooperative Projects provide final-year students with opportunities to join collaborative projects sponsored by clients ranging from commercial enterprises to government departments and non-profit organisations. Held over nine weeks between September and November, the Projects feature students from different disciplines addressing a mutually agreed-upon design brief.

For collaboration opportunities, contact us at sd.info@polyu.edu.hk.

BA (Hons) Scheme in Design
Cooperative Project (9 weeks, Semester 1, Year 4)

Collaborator: The Kyotamba Innovation Lab (Japan)
Project Tutor: Michael CHAN and Katie SHIU

Community Ecotourism in Kyotamba (SDS Team)
Rural Sustainable Development (EID Team) 

Design Brief
The Kyotamba Innovation Lab is a public-private partnership initiative established by the Kyotamba government. This organization aims to promote the town by leveraging its resources and assets. Its objective is to be recognized as a vibrant community by both current residents of Kyotamba and those from neighboring cities and towns.
As a collaborative partner, PolyU Design offers diverse perspectives on sustainable tourism strategies, aiming to engage local villagers, residents, and target customers. Student creators design spatial, branding, and experiential proposals to deliver various tourism initiatives for the village.

Design Outcome
The xTEND KYOTAMBA strategic plan focuses on connecting people within Kyotamba, neighboring towns, and major cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. This system reimagines how relational populations are formed, symbolized by the keyword "extend" and the letter "x," representing new connections and fostering cross-community events and commerce. Our student creators have developed a diverse range of design outcomes for collaboration, including:

1. Visual Identity – Extend Kyotamba
2. App Design
3. Promotional Campaigns – Mascot
4. Promotional Campaigns – Homestay
5. Interior Design
6. Interior Design
7. Seven Videos

App and Promotional Campaign Design – Mascot/Homestay
The 'Entamba' App encourages adventure and memory-making, aligning with promotional themes to attract enthusiasts of Kyotamba and rural Japan. By highlighting Kyotamba’s diverse culinary offerings, the app promotes the region as a destination. A well-crafted mascot can resonate with a wide audience, enhancing community connections. Our student creators believe that memorable experiences can significantly impact participants' lives and strengthen their ties to the place.

Pop-up Book Design and 7 Videos for the Village The renovation design package for the campsite includes a section for children and families, showcasing the experience of Kyotamba's nature and the journey from childhood to adolescence, along with blossoming love and family connections. All presentation and promotional videos for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka will utilize this content.

Most design concepts created by student creators were licensed to The Kyotamba Innovation Lab in 2025.

BA (Hons) Scheme in Design
Cooperative Project (9 weeks, Semester 1, Year 4)

Collaborator: St. James’ Settlement Jockey Club Upcycling Centre
Project Tutor: Dr Norah WANG

Out-of-box Designs for the World of Elderly with Dementia

Design Brief
Since 2015, the St. James’ Settlement Jockey Club Upcycling Centre has developed mature training programmes in product development, educational workshops, and nurturing young designers.
While high-priority social issues, such as elderly dementia, often receive immediate attention, the psychological support and needs of caregivers are frequently overlooked, leading to tragic consequences. This project encourages design students to provide innovative, socially driven product lines that benefit a broader audience through large-scale production. It aims to nurture the growth of design students by enhancing their problem-solving abilities across various disciplines, empowering them to create diverse tools and solutions to tackle social issues.

Design Outcome
Student creators recognize the importance of supporting individuals with dementia, who face unique challenges such as memory loss and emotional disturbances. By deeply understanding their needs and fostering a supportive environment, the goal is to develop design solutions that facilitate meaningful connections through music.
To achieve this, students have designed a music box toolkit called "Sing For Youth," featuring activities like listening, playing, storytelling, and music creation. They collaborate with social workers and experts to provide valuable support for dementia patients.

Words from the Team Leader
Winning the "Sing For Youth" award is not just a recognition of our team's efforts; it’s also an opportunity for deep reflection. We’ve learned that interdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of innovation. The practical experiences of social workers, combined with the insights of experts from various fields, add a profound warmth to our designs.
Moving forward, we will continue to embrace "human-centered" design thinking, striving for a balanced approach between technology and humanity, allowing each creative idea to transform into a healing force. — Choy Yuen Ying, Circle

One student creator team from this project has been awarded the grand prize, the Collaborative Inclusion Award, in 2024.

BA (Hons) Scheme in Design
Cooperative Project (9 weeks, Semester 1, Year 4)

Collaborator: The Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers (SARDA)
Project Tutor: Patricia CHOI

Fighting the drug war with SARDA

Design Brief
The Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers (SARDA) was established in 1961, and is the largest voluntary drug rehabilitation organization in Hong Kong. It provides free, diversified drug treatment and rehabilitation services, using a medical and psychosocial counselling model, for voluntary participants. The organization operates 4 drug rehabilitation and treatment centres, 4 social service centres, 5 halfway houses, and also provides counselling services at 19 methadone clinics under the Department of Health. It is dedicated to providing holistic rehabilitation for people of different ages, genders, religions and ethnicities.
SARDA is launching a new outreach program featuring mobile stations to engage potential users. They aim to create a cohesive user experience (UX) that encompasses all aspects of SARDA, from uniforms to advertising materials, naming, logo, pamphlets, flyers, and the physical design of the stations.

Design Outcome
The design concepts outlined below were produced for the promotion of SARDA’s new sub-brand “SARDA BROS”. The design package includes the development of advertising strategy, the outreach collaterals and souvenirs. In order to approach a younger audience, workshop ideas, physical pop-up stations are also designed to end stigmatisation and to make others understand SARDA’s work.

1. Naming and Branding
   • Develop a compelling name for the outreach programme.
   • Design a logo that reflects the mission and values of the NGOs.
   • Create a consistent visual identity to be used across all materials.
2. Social Media Campaign
   • Create a campaign that promotes SARDA’s appeal to a broader audience.
3. Advertising and Promotional Materials
   Design pamphlets, flyers, and other promotional materials to effectively communicate SARDA’s services. This includes:
   • A magazine-style pamphlet to promote SARDA.
   • Flyers to promote SARDA’s services and SKC Island.
   • Card design to introduce SARDA’s services.
   • For example, a poster illustrating how life with drug users is the same as everyone else.
   • A postcard design featuring “10 times happier” when people are with their brothers at SARDA, emphasizing brotherhood for life.
4. Physical Booth Design
   • Design the layout and appearance of the mobile engagement stations.
   • Ensure the design is functional, inviting, and aligns with the overall branding.
5. Final Deliverables
   • Programme name and logo.
   • Social media content.
   • Service pamphlets and souvenirs.
   • Design specifications for the mobile engagement stations.
   • Uniform designs.

Most design concepts created by student creators were licensed to the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers (SARDA) in 2025.

BA (Hons) in Digital Media
Co-operative Project (13 weeks, Semester 1, Year 2) 

Collaborator: Broadway Cinematheque 
Project Tutor: Amelie CHAN

Students:
HO Nga Yin
LAI Ka Wing
LUI Chung Fai
NG Siu To Syrus
WONG Chu Tim Kimbo
WONG Chun Hing

Video for BC

Broadway Cinematheque is the longstanding art house cinema in Hong Kong, located in the vibrant Yau Ma Tei district. 
Students produced a short comedy video to introduce Broadway Cinematheque to audiences, promoting a positive and unique image of art-house cinema. The video encourages the younger generation to visit the cinema more frequently.  This video was shared on Broadway Cinematheque's social media.

BA (Hons) in Digital Media
Co-operative Project (13 weeks, Semester 1, Year 2) 

Collaborator: Broadway Cinematheque 
Project Tutor: Amelie CHAN    

Students:
CHEN Pak Hei
CHENG Cheuk Yee
LO Tsz Chung
SIT Hok Shing
YIP Tsz Yau

Video for HKAFF

Broadway Cinematheque (BC) is the longstanding art house cinema in Hong Kong, located in the vibrant Yau Ma Tei district. BC also organizes the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (HKAFF), one of the most popular film festivals in the region. The festival screens major Asian films at prominent cinemas in the heart of Hong Kong every year.
Students created a short video to Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (HKAFF), capturing the positive, energetic, and unique vibe of the festival through moving images. The video introduces directors and filmmakers from the Asia region, encouraging the audience to learn more about Asian film projects. This video was shown in the cinema as part of the movie's opening and shared on Broadway Cinematheque's social media.

BA (Hons) in Digital Media
Co-operative Project (13 weeks, Semester 1, Year 2) 

Collaborator: SPCA (HK)
Project Tutor: Amelie CHAN

Students:
LAM Chi Po
LAU Wing Kwok
LEE Ching Wa
SIM Hiu Yeung
SO Wan Yung
WONG Yuen Ting

SPCA Inspectorate - Animal Rescue “My Master Sucks!” (Project 1)

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) is the region’s longest-standing and largest independent animal welfare charity in Hong Kong.
Students created an animation to promote their Animal Rescue Inspector, , illustrating the importance of understanding animals' needs and reminding pet owners about home safety for their animals. 

This animation was shared on the SPCA's and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's social media platforms, and it was also covered by East Week magazine.

BA (Hons) in Digital Media
Co-operative Project (13 weeks, Semester 1, Year 2) 

Collaborator: SPCA (HK)
Project Tutor: Amelie CHAN

Students:
CHOW Hei Yu
HO Pui Hei
LAU Ka Shing
LEE On Ki
WONG Sze Pui
YIM Hiu Tung

SPCA Inspectorate - Animal Rescue (Project 2)

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) is the region’s longest-standing and largest independent animal welfare charity in Hong Kong. 

Students produced a short animation that emphasizes prevention over rescue and highlights the crucial role of SPCA inspectors. Their goal was to change perceptions by showcasing the inspectors' work and reminding pet owners of their responsibilities, encouraging them to take necessary precautions to ensure their pets' safety.

BA (Hons) in Interactive Media
Co-operative Project (10 weeks, Semester 1, Year 2) 

Collaborator: SF Express
Project Tutor: Dominic Leung

Students:
TANG Tsz Yui
LAM Yan Yiu Yanni
LEE Ying Suen

SF Express App & Platform

The design is intended to assist the elderly in repairing their electrical appliances by using an app to connect them with caregivers, electrical engineers, and SF Express.

BA (Hons) in Interactive Media
Co-operative Project (10 weeks, Semester 1, Year 2) 

Collaborator: SF Express
Project Tutor: Dominic Leung

Students:
FONG Ka Lok
SI Cheuk Hin
TSANG Hin Chung

Swift Fresh 

Swift Fresh hopes to provide fresh ingredients and recipes to residents in remote areas without location barriers, enhancing their efficiency in accessing fresh produce and healthy products, and making it easier for them to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

BA (Hons) in Interactive Media
Co-operative Project (10 weeks, Semester 1, Year 2) 

Collaborator: The Bank of East Asia
Project Tutor: Dominic Leung

Students:
CHUNG Wing Mui, Jenis
KWAN Wing Sze, Nicole
LAM Tsz Yau, Leah

BEA GOAL

The design aims to encourage students' daily ESG habits through consumption practices, including incentives such as task rewards and debit card benefits.

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