On December 17, 2022, Tsinghua University announced the recipients of the 2022 Tsinghua University Special Scholarship following a university council meeting. Among the 20 outstanding students honored was Li Jiaxiang, a Master’s student from the Department of Industrial Design at the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), Class of 2021, under the supervision of Professor Zhao Chao.
Li Jiaxiang delivers remarks on behalf of the incoming students.
A Story of Academic Pursuit and Innovative Practice
Li first gained recognition as the representative of new graduate students at the 2021 AAD Graduate Opening Ceremony, where he shared his journey of pursuing academic dreams at Tsinghua. During his master’s studies, he independently developed original designs such as a stranded whale rescue vessel and an electric off-road camping vehicle, focusing on global sustainable development issues through interdisciplinary design practice.
AI Innovation: Pioneering Digital Sneaker Design with Diffusion Algorithms
In early 2022, the emergence of Diffusion algorithms sparked a revolution in AI-driven creation, enabling “text-to-image” generative AI to produce visuals from simple keywords—democratizing artistic expression. Captivated by AI’s vibrant, profound, and contemporary aesthetic, which embodies extraordinary imagination, Li—with no prior coding experience—sought to integrate this technology with his industrial design expertise. He posed a pivotal question: “If AI could assist in sneaker design, could it unlock new possibilities for footwear?”
The AI-generated digital sneaker collection conceptualized by Li Jiaxiang.
Li Jiaxiang and his peers attending the U Design Week exhibition.
Li consulting with Professor Zhao Chao at U Design Week.
Li delved into programming a Diffusion algorithm-based system to generate digital sneakers, creating a collection that merges traditional artistry with innovation, each pair featuring unique characteristics and stories. In August 2022, he showcased his digital sneaker series at the Hangzhou U Design Week, hosted by Alibaba, where Professor Zhao Chao attended to provide on-site guidance.
Mentorship: Guided by Rigor and Practical Wisdom
Li credits much of his growth to Professor Zhao Chao, Vice Dean of Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University. Despite balancing heavy research and administrative duties, Professor Zhao engages deeply with students during weekly group meetings, offering detailed insights into their research and project progress. His high standards and rigorous approach motivate students to delve deeper into their work.
Professor Zhao strongly encourages practical participation, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice. For Li, this included invaluable opportunities to join design teams, work on key projects, and collaborate with renowned enterprises—a rare and enriching experience at the graduate level.
Future Vision: Aspiring to Be a Socially Responsible Innovator
Looking ahead, Li Jiaxiang aims to grow into a socially responsible innovator, committed to leveraging design and technology to address global challenges.
