Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), together with local startup Project KontempLtd., has bagged the coveted “Best of the Best” award at the 2025 Red Dot Design Awards for a temperature-controlled vest that fuses smart technology with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles.
The award — one of the highest distinctions in the international design competition — recognises the vest’s exceptional innovation, aesthetics, and functionality, offering a stylish and health-conscious solution to climate challenges.
Developed through the HKDI’s Centre of Innovative Material and Technology (CIMT), the vest combines advanced semiconductor technology with Traditional Chinese Medicine acupoint theory to deliver a wearable experience that is functional, health-conscious, and stylish.
The vest allows real-time temperature adjustments with six temperature-control modules, allowing real-time temperature adjustments that range from 5°C to 45°C. These modules help maintain comfort while supporting wellness.
Professor Wu Sheng-bing from the Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine commented, “By regulating body temperature, the vest alleviates stress on the heart and lungs in high temperatures, dissipating ventricular heat and effectively reducing the risk of heatstroke.”
Beyond performance and technical innovation, the vest is also quite fashionable. Made from waterproof and stain-resistant fabric, the vest features ergonomic tailoring that blends denim aesthetics with functionality. This was featured by HKDI Fashion Design student Jenny Lam in her graduate showcase, with her proposal for a detachable module design inspiring future product versatility.
The project’s commercialization, led by Project Kontemp Ltd., is now engaging in talks in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Plans are being made to launch a lighter, more affordable version tailored for outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts.
Future versions will explore advanced cooling coatings and integrate additional TCM elements such as moxibustion — using heat from burning dried mugwort to stimulate circulation — enhancing both performance and wellness benefits.
“The success of ‘Project Kontemp’ demonstrates HKDI’s strength in design innovation and cross disciplinary collaboration,” said Dr. Li Wang-hei, Project Leader and Deputy of HKDI’s CIMT. “By integrating TCM wisdom with modern technology, we’ve created smart apparel that is practical, stylish, and sustainable, offering a novel solution to climate challenges.”
Pun Chi-hang, Founder of Project Kontemp Ltd., added, “This vest is not only a design breakthrough but also a vision for the future of smart apparel. We look forward to bringing this product to global markets, allowing more people to experience its unique appeal.”
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