Topic 1: Historical Maps and Digital Storytelling: HKUST Library’s Special Collections and Digital Endeavors

How might we critically examine and interpret historical maps through a digital lens? This session explores the HKUST Library’s Special Collections of Antique Maps, demonstrating how these primary sources are transformed from static artifacts into dynamic scholarly narratives. Drawing upon the Library’s recent exhibitions and projects, such as the "China in Maps" exhibition—featuring Western printed maps from the 16th to 19th centuries—and the Augmented Reality (AR) project "Tales from a 1493 World Map" collaboratively developed with students, we illustrate the interplay between archival preservation and digital innovation. We will explore how to leverage these rare materials and the Library's digital scholarship services to enhance research projects and visualize history in the digital era.

Speaker: Ms. WANG Yifan (Assistant Librarian, Lee Shau Kee Library, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Topic 2: An Interactive 3D Nostalgic Game Design for Elderly Memory Training

This talk will share an interdisciplinary group project completed by the presenter at HKUST focused on memory training design for older adults. On one hand, the group designed a nostalgic street-view game where users engage in memory training. On the other hand, they renovated an underutilized room on the 5th floor of the HKUST(GZ) Red Bird Makerspace into a multi-functional space featuring a dedicated VR cycling zone, with the ultimate goal of integrating art therapy, immersive technology, and physical exercise.

Speaker: Ms. LIU Dongqian (PhD Student, Division of Humanities, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)