Building on Design Summer’s 15 years of expertise in design education, DS academy (DSa) is an upgraded international design education initiative. It offers a holistic design practice experience, integrating technological innovation, design philosophy, design history, printing techniques, and diverse visual art subjects, providing a rich multidisciplinary perspective. Bringing together leading experts from the global design and art fields, DSa stands as an experimental master class, merging comprehensive design education with the cultivation of refined artistic sensibility.

In terms of educational philosophy, DSa draws from the rich pedagogical traditions of both China and the West. We derive inspiration from 20th-century Chinese educator Cai Yuanpei and his advocacy for the crucial role of aesthetic education in society, as described in his “five types of education”. We are also influenced by the educational philosophy of John Dewey, who considered education to be “life itself” and viewed society as a form of schooling. By integrating the ideas of these two visionaries, we strive to harmonize Chinese and Western philosophies, embracing the nuanced and reserved Eastern approach alongside the pragmatic Western perspective.

DSa is committed to contemporary design education, emphasizing the academic depth of the discipline while upholding the goal of “developing individual creativity and adapting to social change.” We believe that “design is the pursuit of thinkers and the forerunner of skills.” Our program breaks down disciplinary boundaries between design, art, history, and technology, Upholding a diverse, cross-cultural, and in-person education model. We encourage hands-on practice, fostering the synergy of mind and craft to unlock each individual’s potential. DSa encourages exploration and innovation. Our goal is to cultivate a new generation of artists and designers who retain their individuality, think independently, possess refined taste, demonstrate creative thinking, express themselves effectively through art, and skillfully utilize modern technology.

Following the success of DSa’s inaugural edition in 2024, which received high praise from students, industry professionals, and education experts alike, the 2025 edition remains true to its mission. This year, we have assembled an unparalleled faculty of over 40 global experts, including renowned contemporary design leaders as well as specialists from diverse multidisciplinary fields such as history, philosophy, media, film, curation, and contemporary art. DSa continues to provide an open, diverse, and inclusive in-person learning platform for participants worldwide.