The Design of Care

Description

In recognition of the International Day of People with Disabilities, which takes place on December 3rd, the Department of Industrial Design at XJTLU, together with the Suzhou Accessibility Promotion Association, is proud to host a special event dedicated to promoting awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving innovation in the fields of accessibility and inclusion. This multi-faceted initiative brings together experts, academics, and students to explore how we can collectively build a more inclusive world.
This event is a testament to our commitment to universal design principles and social responsibility, creating a platform to share knowledge, showcase groundbreaking work, and celebrate the creative spirit within inclusive communities.
This initiative directly supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By advancing accessibility and inclusion, we contribute to the global effort to reduce disparities and ensure everyone can participate fully and equally in society.
By convening voices from industry, cultural heritage, academia, and the arts, we aim to:
•Spark Collaboration: Foster interdisciplinary partnerships that can lead to meaningful, real-world solutions.
•Amplify Research: Provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the impactful work being done at XJTLU.
•Inspire Action: Encourage students, faculty, and the wider community to consider accessibility as a fundamental aspect of design, technology, and society.
The event sees the participation of the School of Advanced Technology and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Program Overview

The event will feature a dynamic blend of expert insights, academic exploration, and artistic expression, structured as follows:

Wednesday 3rd, 1:30 pm ES121
Keynote Presentation: Advancing Accessibility in Cultural Heritage
• Topic: The Development of Accessibility in Chinese Museums
• Speaker: Chen Jie, Museum Researcher from the Suzhou Silk Museum.
• Details: This presentation will delve into the evolving landscape of accessibility within China's cultural institutions. The speaker will share insights into the strategies, challenges, and successes in making museums more inclusive and engaging for all visitors.

Wednesday 3rd, 2:00 – 2:45 pm, ES121
Panel Discussion: Cross-Disciplinary Approaches to Inclusion
• Theme: Bridging Technology, Academia, and Lived Experience.
• Participants:
o Dr. Li Lin Qing: Representing the Suzhou Accessibility Promotion Association.
XJTLU Faculty Members: Mariia Zolotova, Assistant Professor, Industrial Design Department; Silvia Albano, Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Architecture; Martijn ten Bhömer, Associate Professor, Department of Mechatronics and Robotics (SAT); Penelope Scott, Head of the Department of Applied Linguistics (HSS). Moderator: Ivan Parati, Associate Professor, Industrial Design Department.
• Details: This interactive session will explore the future of inclusive design, discussing how collaboration between technology, the humanities, and science can create a tangible impact.

Wednesday 3rd, 3:00 pm IBSS Ground Floor
Exhibition opening and guided tour: Research & Academic Exhibition (the exhibition will run from the 3rd until the 5th of December)

• Focus: Showcasing a diverse range of research and academic work from colleagues across various schools and departments at XJTLU.
• Details: The exhibition will serve as a vibrant hub of innovation, displaying projects that address challenges and opportunities in accessibility. It is a unique opportunity to witness the breadth and depth of inclusive research happening within our university community.

The exhibition features work from the School of Design and the School of Advanced Technology.

Period	3 Dec 2025 → 5 Dec 2025
Event type	Other
Location	Suzhou, ChinaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	Local