On December 22, 2024, the “Seminar on the Development of the Design Discipline” was successfully held in Room A108 of Guangle Building at the School of Fine Arts, Nanjing Normal University. Centered around critical issues such as the current state of design as a discipline, its future trajectory, and key strategies for talent cultivation, the seminar fostered a high-level and in-depth exchange of ideas. It aimed to provide fresh perspectives, strategic guidance, and new momentum for the discipline’s advancement.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Professor Liu Weidong, former President of Nanjing University of the Arts; Professor Li Chaode, former Dean of the School of Arts, Soochow University; Professor Guo Weimin, former Dean of the School of Design, Jiangnan University; Professor Long Diyong, Dean of the School of Arts, Southeast University; Professor Li Haiming, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Arts, Soochow University; Professor Wei Jie, Dean of the School of Design, Jiangnan University; as well as leaders and key faculty members of the School of Fine Arts, Nanjing Normal University.

During the seminar, experts shared diverse viewpoints. Professor Liu Weidong emphasized that design, as an interdisciplinary field, should embrace cross-disciplinary integration and break through traditional boundaries to foster well-rounded, innovative talents suited to the rapidly evolving social landscape. Professor Li Chaode stressed the importance of foresight in discipline development and highlighted the need for methodological approaches in interdisciplinary integration. Professor Guo Weimin asserted that such interdisciplinary practices should remain centered on the essence of design itself, underscoring its leading role within the broader academic ecosystem. Professor Li Haiming noted the shift from a traditional art-dominated framework in design studies and called for a balance between the arts and engineering perspectives. Professor Long Diyong cautioned against blindly pursuing interdisciplinarity and advocated for innovation rooted in tradition. Drawing on her experience in teaching and management, Professor Wei Jie highlighted the importance of leveraging institutional strengths and characteristics to cultivate students' core competitiveness through meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration.

The seminar concluded with a lively and fruitful discussion. The insights shared—ranging from integration and foresight to balance and specialization—offered a comprehensive and nuanced roadmap for the discipline’s growth. With such valuable contributions, the design discipline is poised to transcend current limitations, achieve new breakthroughs in education and research, and continue contributing design-driven solutions to societal progress.