Recently, the College of Fashion and Design at Donghua University completed a highly anticipated upgrade of its visual identity system. This system was designed by Professor Wang Min, a member of the IAI Global Design Awards jury and a core member of the International Council of the Asia-Pacific Designers Federation (APDF), along with his team. As a leading figure in China's design community, Professor Wang Min previously served as the Dean of the School of Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and played a key role in the visual landscape design for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. From 2013 to 2016, he was the Chairman of APDF Greater China, laying a solid foundation for the alliance's development in China. He has also been actively involved in promoting design exchanges and international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region through his roles, such as being a jury member of the IAI Design Awards. The new visual system he has brought to Donghua University is far more than a simple graphic update—it is a profound interpretation by a design strategist of contemporary Chinese design education branding.

(In the group photo taken on July 10, 2013, at the Central Academy of Fine Arts to mark the establishment of the Greater China Region Council of the Asia Pacific Designers Federation (APDF), Professor Wang Min is the sixth person from the right in the front row.)

(Professor Wang Min had a cordial conversation with Oskar Ho, founding chairman of the Asia-Pacific Designers Alliance, and other core members at the Central Academy of Fine Arts Design School in April 2015.)

Professional Perspective: Strategic Leap in Visual Storytelling

Professor Wang Min's latest work serves as a benchmark for "how universities can articulate their strategic vision through visual identity systems." APDF Academic Observers highlight its core value in achieving two narrative advancements:

1.From "Disciplinary Identity" to "Paradigm Manifesto": A Narrative Evolution

The new visual identity transcends the traditional institutional focus of school emblems, elevating into a comprehensive value narrative system. Removing the old elliptical border symbolizes breaking down disciplinary barriers; the core graphic shifts from "bidirectional running" to "collaborative advancement," visually conveying the interdisciplinary and cross-boundary spirit of the times. This visual language clearly declares the institute's commitment to constructing the "Donghua Paradigm" driven by "sustainable fashion," "design-driven innovation," and "smart technology," making abstract educational philosophies visible, tangible, and shareable.

2.From "Visual Identification" to "Ecological Connection": A Systemic Framework

The brilliance of the new identity lies in its creation of multi-layered connectivity. The shield-shaped outline aligns with Donghua University's emblem, forging a cultural bond with its parent institution. The "woven" motif threading through typography and graphics roots in Donghua’s "Textile+" heritage while metaphorizing design as an innovative hub bridging technology, humanities, and industry. The masterstroke is the primary color, "Flint Yellow," symbolizing the primal spark of inspiration and sustainable energy under design-driven innovation, elevating the visual system to spiritual and motivational dimensions. This design series systematically positions the institute within a dynamic ecosystem of academic legacy, industrial networks, and future missions.

Design Symbiosis: APDF's Leadership Network and Annual Thought Almanac

Professor Wang Min's current endeavor serves as a vivid microcosm of how APDF's top design leaders continuously drive industry progress. As an international professional design organization, APDF has been committed since its inception to gathering global wisdom, elevating design standards in the Asia-Pacific region, and promoting original design concepts. The alliance's vitality stems precisely from distinguished members like Professor Wang Min, who not only delve deeply into professional education but also lead industrial practice.

Among them are visionaries like Mr. He Changcheng, APDF's founding chairman and creator of the IAI Global Design Award, who has built international platforms; practitioners and educators such as Professor Wang Min, who shape China's design language through academic excellence and major national projects; as well as numerous Chinese and international masters who selflessly engage with students through initiatives like the "APDF Masters Public Lecture Series," inspiring the next generation of designers. It is this robust and dynamic symbiotic network that enables APDF to consistently document and propel every significant evolution in the design field.

The interpretation of the new visual identity for Donghua University's College of Fashion and Art Design has been included in APDF's official "Industry Yearbook" column. This column aims to preserve and showcase key works and ideas that define and transform the design industry, providing designers, educators, and researchers worldwide with a continuously updated source of inspiration and a reference for values.

Explore more APDF "Industry Yearbook" content:

The Charitable Echo of Design Education: Revisiting APDF Masters Charity Lecture Series First Campus Visit, witness how design leaders ignite the creative passion of young students.

China's Voice on the Global Stage: Relive The 8th IAI Design Awards Ceremony and Asia-Pacific Creative Wisdom Forum Successfully Held in Beijing, and gain insights into the historic moment when Chinese design integrated into global dialogue.

The Guiding Core of the Alliance: Learn about the mission and vision of APDF Founding Chairman He Changcheng and the IAI Design Awards.

(This article is supervised by the APDF Academic Committee and belongs to the "Industry Yearbook" permanent archive series. Please indicate the source when reposting.)