Biosyntax Vanguard
Project Overview
About
Polluted and degraded landscapes can be difficult to restore using fixed infrastructure or widespread chemical treatment. Biosyntax Vanguard proposes lightweight, branching structures that roll across the ground with the wind. Each carrier contains dormant microorganisms within a responsive shell that changes when it encounters a specific environmental trigger, such as acidity, oil, pesticide residues or moisture. This releases the appropriate biological treatment exactly where it is needed. The carriers then biodegrade, offering a low-energy approach to restoring contaminated soil, stabilising degraded land and supporting ecological recovery.
Team
Yujie Zhou
Yujie Zhou is a human-computer interaction researcher and interdisciplinary designer at Zhejiang University, with a background in industrial design engineering. His work spans computational design, digital fabrication, interactive electronics, wearable sensing, inclusive design, and AI-enhanced experiences. Through projects ranging from 3D-printed smart structures and assistive products to open-source creative tools and speculative ecological restoration systems, he explores how emerging technologies can address human and environmental challenges. Combining research with hands-on experimentation, he develops novel fabrication workflows, prototypes, and interaction methods. His work has received international recognition from Red Dot, iF Design, Core77, and the James Dyson Award.
Fan Zhang
Zhang Fan, an associate professor in industrial design, serves as Reviewer of the HCII Conference, Outstanding Young Talent of Beijing Municipal Universities. She’s research focuses on tangible interaction design, wearable intelligent design, and virtual-real fusion interaction design. She has published over 20 related papers and obtained more than 10 invention patents and utility model patents. She has collaborated with leading enterprises to develop exoskeletons, posture correction belts, and service robots. She herself has won or guided her students to win over 40 top design awards such as iF Design Award, Red Dot Award, K-design Award, and DIA Award.
Run Ye
Run Ye is a human-computer interaction designer, specializing in operating system design. He holds a Master's degree of IDE from Zhejiang University and is a certified Intermediate Engineer. His innovative work has earned him over 20 international accolades, including the Red Dot Award, and twice placed him among the Top 8 finalists in the James Dyson Award China region.
Hongli Xi
I am currently a Ph.D. student in Design Studies at the School of Artificial Intelligence at Zhejiang University. My research interests include human-computer interaction, AI-assisted design, and agents.
Antong Lyu
I am an industrial design graduate and the principal of a 3D printing studio. I oversee studio operations and lead the development of creative products. My work merges industrial design thinking with additive manufacturing, turning conceptual ideas into tangible, custom-made objects. I’m delighted to join Dubai Design Week, eager to connect with global designers and exchange perspectives on digital fabrication and innovative product design.