The 2024 Hebei International Industrial Design Week (HIDW) began on September 20 in Xiong’an New Area, bringing together over 100 renowned designers from around the world. The event featured six themed exhibition areas spanning over 10,000 square meters, showcasing 3,000+ cutting-edge design products. Highlights included the Golden Reed Industrial Design Award Ceremony, Korea Design Day, the International Design Launch Event, and 18 other activities, offering a comprehensive display of the innovative industrial design value chain. This global “design feast” fostered collaboration between Hebei and international design hubs, infusing Xiong’an’s construction and Hebei’s industrial design development with new vitality.

A Haven for Both Old Friends and Newcomers

"Old Friends": Early Residents of the “Future Design Tower”

On the first day of the event, Northern Precision Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. attracted crowds at its booth with its innovative products, including a five-axis cradle machining center and an automated sodium hypochlorite generator. One standout exhibit was a bright orange smart roasted chestnut vending machine, designed in collaboration with Tangshan Shijie Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. This machine integrates intelligent roasting and unmanned vending capabilities, already in use at malls and stations across various cities.

At the same time, Xiong’an’s Green Building Exhibition Center unveiled the “Future Design Tower,” aiming to establish a new industrial design landmark. Northern Precision, a longstanding participant in HIDW, became one of the first companies to move in. Chairman Ma Fengshun praised Xiong’an’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, expressing confidence that the new hub would enable broader access to global design resources and drive the company’s R&D capabilities.

"New Faces": A Platform Worth Attending

Among the event’s newcomers was Zero Gravity Design Co. from Shenzhen, showcasing over 30 high-tech products, including a portable oxygen concentrator, a smart speaker with a lyrics display, and a fingerprint-secured insulated bottle for children. The latter, a popular e-commerce item, uses fingerprint technology to prevent unauthorized access, addressing hygiene concerns.

For Zero Gravity, their first visit to HIDW brought unexpected opportunities. A Tangshan-based client was impressed by the company’s innovative designs and immediately initiated a partnership discussion. “The design week has given us a platform to display our strengths and connect with manufacturers. It’s absolutely worth it!” said Zero Gravity’s marketing director, Jia Lili.

Xiong'an-Infused Designs Steal the Spotlight

At the event’s main venue, designs inspired by Xiong’an’s unique identity captured the attention of visitors. Exhibits included lamps modeled after the Ronghe Tower, incense burners inspired by the “Millennial Forest,” and badges featuring Baiyangdian’s iconic bird species. These creative products reflect Xiong’an’s cultural and ecological essence.

One standout exhibit was a set of “Xiong’an-themed souvenirs” designed by students from Guangzhou Huali College. The designs incorporated elements of Xiong’an’s transportation network and urban vitality, symbolizing the city’s rapid development and bright future. Some creations, such as a bamboo lamp designed to resemble Ronghe Tower, even caught the eye of commercial buyers.

Immersive Future Design Scenarios

Another highlight was the “Future Design Scenarios” exhibit, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, big data, low-carbon materials, and more. The display included both market-ready products and conceptual designs, providing a glimpse into Xiong’an’s progress in urban planning, industrial development, and technological innovation. Visitors left inspired by this vibrant demonstration of the “city of the future.”

(Source: Hebei Daily, reporter Kang Xiaobo)