According to a report by China Daily on February 24
SHANGHAI / NORTH AMERICA — As generative artificial intelligence reshapes creative industries worldwide, international design experts emphasize that meaningful innovation still relies on human judgment, social awareness, and cross-cultural understanding.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
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Ziwei Song, a U.S.-based Chinese designer with over 20 international honors, highlighted that AI accelerates ideation and workflow but cannot replace empathy, intent, or societal insight in design.
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In her role as an International Jury Member of the 2026 A’ Design Award & Competition, Song stresses that authenticity, responsibility, and human-centered values remain decisive criteria for award-winning work.
“AI has expanded creative possibilities, but expectations around depth, sustainability, and intent have also risen,” Song noted.
Cross-Cultural Expertise Drives Global Influence
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Based in North America while maintaining strong ties to China, Song bridges Eastern philosophical thinking with Western design logic, translating both into universally resonant design languages.
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Her international jury experience spans evaluating digital interactions, brand narratives, and strategic design frameworks, reflecting the growing global recognition of Chinese designers as contributors to international design standards.
Design Shifts: From Aesthetics to Systems Thinking
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Song observes a clear trend: designers are evolving from producers of aesthetics to coordinators of complex social systems.
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Future design education and practice increasingly require interdisciplinary approaches, integrating data, technology, ethics, and cultural context.
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Real-world challenges such as climate change, aging populations, and cultural fragmentation now demand design solutions that are both innovative and socially responsible.
Implications for Investors and Industry Stakeholders
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AI Adoption in Creative Industries – Presents opportunities for efficiency gains, prototyping, and scaling creative output, but requires strategic integration with human-led processes.
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Cross-Cultural Talent as a Differentiator – Designers with global perspective, like Song, offer competitive advantage in international collaborations and market entry strategies.
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Sustainable and Human-Centered Design – Increasingly valued by brands, governments, and investors, signaling areas for premium design services and innovation-driven startups.
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China as a Creative Hub – Chinese designers are gaining recognition on global platforms, making the market attractive for venture capital, creative tech partnerships, and cross-border collaborations.
Bottom Line:
AI is rapidly expanding the creative toolkit, but human-centered design remains irreplaceable. Investors and industry leaders should focus on opportunities that combine technological augmentation with originality, societal impact, and cross-cultural expertise, positioning China’s creative sector as a strategic growth area in the global innovation ecosystem.