Taiwan's Design Research Institute Makes Debut at the 2025 Gwangju Design Biennale, Highlighting "Inclusive Design" to Display Taiwan's Focus on Human-Oriented Perspectives
The 2025 Gwangju Design Biennale, one of Asia's most influential design events, opened its doors on August 30, 2025. This year's theme, "You, The World: How Does Design Embrace Humanity?", brought together designers from around the globe to explore the role of design in contemporary society.
Among the participants was the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI), making its debut at the Biennale in South Korea. TDRI's presence was centred around the Taiwan Pavilion, curated under the theme of "Inclusive Design". This showcase featured 16 cases of design that remove barriers and foster participation for people of all ages, backgrounds, and pets.
The Taiwan Pavilion highlighted how Taiwan's design embraces people-centered values, diversity, and sustainability. It featured works from ten selected design companies and teams, including Supermachine Studio, My Design, Whitespace, Young Excellent Mechanics, Ray Studio, C for Circle, Lin Jie Design, Vision++, Maark, and Social Praxis Lab.
In addition to the Taiwan Pavilion, the Biennale featured 12 outstanding Taiwanese design companies and teams, such as JIASUI STUDIO, Chen Yu-Yi Architects, Lejong Technology, Fu-Ken International Technology, Yude Precision Tools, Fudy Printing, and Myzoo. Many works in the exhibition have been recognised by the Golden Pin Design Award.
The International Forum at the Biennale aimed to engage the international design community in dialogue. TDRI President Chi-Yi Chang delivered a keynote speech titled "Design Taiwan: An Inclusive Approach", and global experts such as Davin Stowell, Founder of Smart Design, Thomas Garvey, President of the World Design Organization (WDO), and Ico Migliore, Professor at Politecnico di Milano, were in attendance.
The curatorial theme "Inclusive Design" resonated throughout the Biennale, emphasising the importance of designing for everyone and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. The 2025 Gwangju Design Biennale served as a platform for designers to exchange ideas, showcase innovative designs, and discuss the future of design in embracing humanity.
