Against the backdrop of shifting global macroeconomic dynamics and evolving industry trends, the “E-Innovation Shenzhen” practice team from Tsinghua University conducted a field study in Shenzhen over the winter vacation. Led by team leader An Jiamin, the team—composed of freshmen from Class 56 of the Department of Electronic Engineering at Tsinghua University—visited a range of cutting-edge research institutions, enterprises, and local communities. Through the field visits, team members deepened their understanding of how technological innovation integrates with user needs, laying an important cognitive foundation for their future academic study and personal development at university.
Visiting Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School
The practice team visited Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, and other research universities. By learning about cutting-edge scientific research achievements such as visuo-haptic sensors and artificial intelligence technologies, team members came to understand that research universities have provided important support for talent cultivation and innovation in Shenzhen. They also realized that research universities emphasize both the future applications and potential risks of technology, ensuring that technology can better serve the public.
Observing DJI’s lightweight drones
Visiting Mindray’s digital operating room
In addition, the practice team visited a number of enterprises covering sectors including embodied intelligence, low-altitude logistics, smart healthcare and consumer electronics, to learn how enterprises connect technology with users through products. Enterprises should fully consider user needs and market insights when defining products, prioritize user comfort and privacy when designing products, and collect user feedback after product release for continuous improvement. In this closed-loop process, team members realized that the "people-centered" concept is crucial for technology to benefit the public.
To further explore the needs of residents on emerging technologies, the practice team visited Dongjiaotou Community of Shekou Subdistrict, Nanshan District in Shenzhen. Team members distributed questionnaires, and invited resident representatives to hold a community meeting.
"E-Innovation Shenzhen" practice team organized a community meeting with resident representatives
During the community meeting entitled "Human-Centered AI for Community Life," team members discussed with resident representatives the prospects for applying technology within communities and families. Participants expressed their expectations for future intelligent systems: easy operation, efficient performance, and the ability to satisfy personalized and emotional needs. Through in-depth exchanges, team members experienced the innovative vitality of Shenzhen and further reflected on how AI technology can benefit society. While pursuing technological advancement, it is also important to respond to the public’s expectations for regulation, empathy, and fairness.
This field practice was not only a vivid learning experience rooted in society but also a valuable lesson for freshmen in integrating professional knowledge with social responsibility. It has provided clear direction for members as they define their future academic and professional goals.
Editor: Li Han
