V Sparkle

Creative Product Design: Students Showcase VPET Skills 

The "Upcycling Project for Retired Bus Spare Parts"— a joint initiative by CEU, HKDI’s Department of Architecture, Interior and Product Design, and The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) (KMB), has entered its final production phase. 

In June, students from HKDI’s Higher Diploma in Furniture and Lifestyle Product Design, Higher Diploma in Product Design, and Higher Diploma in Jewellery Design and Technology visited the KMB Kowloon Bay Depot. They explored a range of retired bus parts and interior components—including seats, handrails, seat belts, bells, mirrors, seat back cushions, and ventilation units—to source materials for their project. Leveraging their knowledge of design and manufacturing, the students have created a series of stylish homeware, furniture, and commemorative items. Prototypes were presented in August to representatives from KMB and CEU, where students shared their design concepts and usage ideas. 

Carmen NG, Head of Customer Experience at KMB, expressed her admiration for the students’ ability to repurpose retired bus parts into thoughtful creations such as long and foldable umbrellas, card holders, speaker accessories, lighting fixtures, handbags, and chairs. She looked forward to seeing these student-designed items displayed in the community, highlighting the project’s strong environmental message and its alignment with KMB’s sustainability ethos. 

Students will complete their projects by November and present their final works to KMB and CEU. Representatives from the St James’ Settlement Upcycling Centre (UPCC) will also join to explore possibilities for mass production, paving the way for HKDI students’ designs to become official KMB souvenirs available to the public. 

Photo 1: Group photo of KMB, CEU, and HKDI teachers and students after the interim presentation. 

Photos 2-3: Students share their design ideas with guests. 

Photo 4: Mr Daniel CHAN, Head of Department of Architecture, Interior and Product Design (AIP), HKDI discusses product design considerations with students.