Asia's First Social Innovation Design Institute: J.C.Disi 2013/14 Biennial

Leo P. H. Chan and Michelle Leung's Innovative Design Approach to Social Challenges

Founded in 2012, the J.C.DISI is the first design institute dedicated to social innovation in Asia. Stationed at the famous Zaha Hadid-designed Innovation Tower, the institute was initiated by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The institute's vision is to build a vibrant, knowledgeable, and resilient community capable of tackling complex challenges through a creative approach and humanistic design.

The J.C.Disi 2013/14 Biennial is a testament to the institute's commitment to social innovation. The biennial serves as an archive and reflection of the institute's work within 2013 and 2014. It showcases the institute's unique approach to social challenges, which involves initiating design projects with partners in public, social, and private sectors to propel substantial social changes in Hong Kong.

Under the creative direction of Leo P. H. Chan, with designers Michelle Leung and Kelly Ho, the biennial also focuses on capacity building for future social innovators in Asia. It launches platforms of various forms and mediums to catalyse knowledge exchange on a global scale. The biennial, measuring 250mm(W) x 295mm(L) x 18mm(H), is a physical embodiment of the institute's vision and work.

The J.C.Disi 2013/14 Biennial is not just a design project, but a social project tackling social challenges through humanistic design. It is a testament to the institute's capacity to imagine, inspire, ignite, and implement creative solutions for the community. The biennial was realized in September 2015 in Hong Kong, and it has since served as an important tool for knowledge exchange and capacity building.

The J.C.Disi 2013/14 Biennial has been recognized for its innovative approach to design and social innovation. It was awarded Silver in A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade rewarded to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the J.C.Disi 2013/14 Biennial is a shining example of how design can be used as a tool for social innovation. It showcases the power of design in addressing complex social challenges and offers a fresh perspective on the role of design in society.