The D20 Global Design Deans Summit takes place in Hangzhou on June 28. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The D20 Global Design Deans Summit took place in Hangzhou on June 28. This inaugural AI design-themed summit brought together deans from over 20 design schools worldwide, along with representatives from the AI and design industries, to explore how AI can better connect academia and industry and cultivate future digital design talent.

During the summit, the educational version of Alibaba International's AI design product, D.Design, was officially launched.

According to Yang Guang, vice-president of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group and head of Alibaba Design Committee, the educational edition is a customized AI design teaching management platform. It addresses the needs for AI design models, tools, teaching, and computing power, allowing teachers and students to swiftly adapt to the AI era.

Dubbed the domestic version of Midjourney, D.Design has been recognized among the "Top 10 AIGC Tools of 2023" by China's prominent design platform UISDC. It boasts over 1 million active users and generates more than 100,000 artworks daily.

The launch of D.Design Education Edition will pioneer AI-era design education in collaboration with top universities. Currently, the top 20 design schools in China have dedicated channels for this partnership. Leveraging Alibaba International's expertise in cross-border e-commerce, the educational edition will also offer extensive e-commerce design courses.

The D20 Global Design Deans Summit takes place in Hangzhou on June 28. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]