“A bright future can only be achieved by elevating people’s desires. Design has the power to influence the very essence of those desires.” - Kenya Hara, “Education of Desire”
Every design originates from a desire or some sort of longing. Many designers have drawn inspiration from their daily observations and feelings, often using diaries to collect, organize, and document their discoveries in our present surroundings. As a tool, visual diary serves not only captures desires but also inspires new ones. Moreover, with the diverse habits and styles of their creators, these diaries become captivating works of art in their own right.
The “Filing and Yearning - Visual Diary Workshop” will explore various possibilities and applications of this interface together with participants. Drawing inspiration from renowned designers’ and artists’ examples, participants will create their own personal visual diaries with materials, tools, and tips provided during the workshop.
Benny Lau is an award-winning designer with a wide range of accomplishments. Illustrator and picture book author with extensive experience. Benny has taught at major design academies and universities in Hong Kong, specializing in subjects like Community Design and Creative Thinking. In recent years, he has increasingly collaborated with schools and NGOs in early childhood education, exploring picturebooks both as an artistic language and as a learning medium for communication and creativity. His latest book, “Sadhu The Retriever,” has been selected for the prestigious Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf 2025.