Hosted by the Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and organized by the Taiwan Design Research Institute, the “The 10th YODEX Industry-Academia Cooperation ” introduced a new competition format for the first time. Under the theme “Beyond Sustainability,” it developed four major lifestyle scenarios, matching enterprises with student teams to co-create innovative industry-academia outcomes. The list of winners was officially announced on April 29. Two works by Ming Chuan University’s Department of Product Design, “Daily Sound Gathering” and “Sea Turtle Defender,” were awarded the Gold Prize in the “Healthy Living” category and the Bronze Prize in the “Learning Life” category, respectively.
“Daily Sound Gathering,” designed by You Yao-Pu, Chiu Pin-Chen, Chiu Chien, and Chien Yu-Hao from the Department of Product Design under the guidance of Professor Lo Hsin-Chang, was developed through industry-academia collaboration with Taiwan Hitachi Johnson Controls Co., Ltd. and Wellgene International Co., Ltd., focusing on the “Healthy Living” scenario. Centered on individuals aged 60 and above, the project also aims to create an age-friendly environment for all generations, helping maintain physical and mental well-being, reduce discomfort for older adults in their surroundings, and provide solutions for family-based elderly care.
“Daily Sound Gathering” is a karaoke-based exercise kit designed to enhance social interaction among older adults. The main unit connects to a TV screen, displaying large subtitles for sing-along use. It also features weighted instrument handles, allowing users to sing while engaging in rhythm-based activities that exercise hand muscles and help alleviate sarcopenia. In addition, the system integrates smart home concepts, using IoT technology to regulate oxygen levels and air purification, enabling seniors to enjoy high-quality indoor air while singing.
“Sea Turtle Defender,” designed by Chen Xi, Yeh Li-Yan, Wu Yu-Ting, and Hsieh Yi-Ting from the Department of Product Design under the guidance of Professor Chan Hsiao-Chung, was developed through industry-academia collaboration with Xuan Long Industrial Co., Ltd. and the Child Welfare League Foundation, R.O.C., focusing on the “Learning Life” scenario. It aims to support children aged 2–12 in engaging with sustainable education through interactions with parents, teachers, and peers across home, school, and other environments—encouraging shared learning, understanding, and opportunities for practice.
“Sea Turtle Defender” is a set of colorful crayons designed in the form of marine barnacles. Inspired by the long-term impact of barnacle parasitism on sea turtles, the act of removing the barnacles helps train children’s hand muscles and logical thinking skills, while fostering early awareness of marine conservation.
The “The 10th YODEX Industry-Academia Cooperation ” attracted 685 outstanding project proposals from colleges and universities across Taiwan. Only 48 teams advanced past the first-stage written review, and after the second-stage student presentation evaluations, just 24 teams were officially selected as finalists. Following six months of collaboration and exchange between academia and industry, the teams produced outcomes that balance creativity with practical application. The award-winning works will be presented and exhibited at the “New Generation Design Exhibition” from May 24 to 27 at Hall 2 of the Nangang Exhibition Center.
Source of text and images: Ming Chuan Weekly（https://www.week.mcu.edu.tw/48512/）