Recently, the China Office of Chiba University visited our institution and held discussions with faculty and students from the Department of Industrial Design, School of Mechanical Engineering. In-depth exchanges were conducted regarding teaching methodologies, project-based curriculum development, and credit transfer arrangements. Both parties reviewed the progress of the "Tianjin University of Science and Technology - Chiba University TOP Program" since its agreement signing in 2023, and discussed the latest developments of the TOP-D Program as well as the upcoming summer workshop. He Yixuan, a student from the class of 2022, shared insights from their study visit experience at Chiba University. The exchange session was attended by Li Xue and Ma Minghui from Chiba University's China Office, along with faculty members Wang Xinting, Cao Rui, and Xu Min from the Department of Industrial Design, as well as Hao Liang from the International Affairs Team of the School of Mechanical Engineering.

Chiba University, a renowned comprehensive university in Japan, possesses profound academic heritage and reputation in the field of industrial design education. The TOP-D program represents a significant initiative by the university in areas such as design innovation, technology integration, and social services, dedicated to cultivating design talents with international perspectives and interdisciplinary capabilities. The program covers various directions, including wearable devices, smart products, and service design. It emphasizes the integration of design and technology, encouraging students to explore new materials, smart interactions, and ergonomics to propose innovative design solutions.

As a national-level first-class program, our university's Industrial Design major is grounded in industry demands and actively explores international teaching practices for the future. With support from the School, Academic Affairs Office, Office of International Exchange, and Student Affairs Office, we have established a collaborative partnership with Chiba University in Japan, signing an agreement to become cooperative institutions.

Following the exchange session, Ms. Li Xue from the China Office of Chiba University delivered a specialized presentation on the TOP-D program and the summer workshop for students of the Industrial Design major. The presentation highlighted Chiba University's research directions in wearable devices, service design, and product innovation, while also providing detailed application guidance for students interested in overseas exchange opportunities.

During the presentation, the instructor shared feedback from past TOP-D participants and detailed the program's curriculum, which includes product design and service system design aimed at enhancing user experience. This showcased Chiba University's unique strengths in interdisciplinary collaboration and practice-oriented design. In addition to the TOP-D program, Chiba University also introduced its summer workshop, tailored for industrial design students. This workshop aims to enhance students' design thinking and practical skills through short-term intensive training. Typically centered on cutting-edge themes such as product design, interactive experiences, and sustainable development, the workshop enables students to complete the entire process from market research to design implementation within a short timeframe, under the professional guidance of Chiba University professors. This program not only hones students' teamwork skills but also provides valuable practical experience for their future research or career development.

During the interactive session following the presentation, the faculty members provided detailed answers to questions regarding application requirements, curriculum content, and research directions. They encouraged students to actively apply for the programs to broaden their international perspectives, expressing hope for more exchange and collaboration opportunities in the future. Additionally, student He Yixuan shared a detailed account of their learning experience at Chiba University, covering aspects such as classroom instruction, project development, course presentations, and design research.

This presentation offered students a fresh perspective on international design education and broadened pathways for future academic research and career development. Moving forward, the School of Mechanical Engineering will continue to enhance cooperation with internationally renowned universities, providing more high-quality academic and practical resources for both undergraduate and graduate students. This initiative aims to support students in taking more confident strides toward design innovation and global development.