
Giovanni Lion
Researcher & Developer
Giovanni's research focuses on generative AI and creativity, which is also the topic of his PhD awarded in May 2025. His recent work explores agents, automation, and their transformative impact on design practices.
About
Giovanni is a researcher specializing in generative AI and creativity, the focus of his PhD awarded in May 2025 from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His recent work explores how AI agents and automation are transforming design practices, examining the social and creative implications of these emerging technologies.
His doctoral research has explored diverse applications of generative AI within creative practices, with particular emphasis on understanding usage patterns and network effects in AI adoption within communities. He has technical proficiency across multiple programming languages and platforms, including Python, Javascript, Max/MSP, Arduino IDE, Docker, Linux and Windows system administration, SBC (RaspberryPi), Leap Motion, Muse (EEG), and openvibe.
Giovanni has a passion for indie games and enjoys exploring the latest developments in the gaming industry. He also competes at an international level in Ultimate Frisbee, where he showcases his skills and leadership abilities. In his spare time, he loves making music with his OP-Z portable sequencer and synthesizer, experimenting with different sounds and beats to create unique compositions. His original songs from 2000-2005 can be heard on Suno.
As an enthusiastic learner, Giovanni is always eager to explore new ideas and concepts through attending conferences or reading academic papers on the latest advancements in AI and robotics.
Experience
Ph.D. - Part-time Visiting Lecturer
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design
- Completed Ph.D. research on Generative AI and creativity, with focus on agents, automation, and their impact on design practices (awarded May 2025).
- Developed a real-time TensorRT accelerated img2img pipeline using webrtc, StableDiffusion and docker.
- Developed workshops and tutored students and professionals, helping them to better integrate Generative AI tools in their creative workflow.
- Taught elective courses in Sound Design, Interactive Multimedia Environment and Transformative Technologies.
- Created A-Eye, an interactive AI installation that reimagines audiences in realtime, premiered at M+ private party for Art Basel.
- Coordinated and facilitated group projects, teaching students how to work together and communicate effectively.
Project Associate
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design
- Collaborated with school staff to develop and implement extracurricular activities and workshops to support student learning.
- Developed a 32-speaker ambisonics system capable of real-time spatialization of audio content.
- Developed and taught specialized lectures in the field of computer science and maker education, resulting in higher student engagement and improved learning outcomes.
- Lectured in MSc elective courses Sound Design, Interactive Multimedia Environment and Transformative Technologies.
Robot Operator
Hanson Robotics
- Responsible for overseeing performance scripting, transportation, setup, and operation of Sophia, the world-renowned humanoid robot.
- Gained in depth knowledge of ROS (Robot operative system), and its servo motor, computer vision and chat-bot components.
- Worked on high-profile events, including a commercial shoot with Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Showcased Sophia’s capabilities at the World Investment Forum 2018 at UN in Geneva.
IT Manager
Ambulatorio San Massimo
- Lead the design and implementation of the network architecture and RemoteApp services (database, VoIP, appointment booking API) of a medical clinic with two sites.
- Automated backup and routine system administration tasks using docker to reduce manual effort.
- Streamlined and automated system administration tasks, resulting in a 60% reduction in operational costs.
Founder CEO and Lead Programmer
Hagao Studio
- Created Featherman, an innovative game aimed at raising awareness about migratory birds’ environmental issues.
- Oversaw all aspects of mobile game development and management as team leader.
- Partnered with WWF Mai Po Reservoir.
Founder CEO and Lead Programmer
83bits
- Successfully established and managed the primary product, AllIn1Social, a web application for managing content and advertising campaigns on Facebook pages.
- Developed front-end and back-end development using Ruby on Rails.
- Worked with Facebook Advertising API.
Founder CEO
Shi Cheng Trading
- Established and led Shi Cheng Trading Limited, a successful import company specializing in innovative gel material and foam pillows and mattresses for the Hong Kong and China markets.
- Managed the end-to-end operations of the company, including procurement, sales, logistics, and customer service, to ensure smooth and efficient business processes.
- Oversaw the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, utilizing OpenERP (now Odoo) and currently ERPNext, to maintain accurate records of sales, purchases, stock, and accounting.
Social Media Specialist
77Agency
- Responsible for developing and deploying Facebook applications for marketing purposes.
- Worked with influential Italian companies including Lavazza, Repubblica, RCA, CondèNast, and Mondadori.
Teaching Assistant
SDA Bocconi
- Teaching Assistant at SDA Bocconi, working for the TeD+ lab focused on e-learning platforms and remote teaching.
- Actively participated in teaching the course 8340 “Organizational Dynamics and Technical Change” of EMIT Master of Science.
- Honed skills as an educator through hands-on involvement in teaching activities and providing support to students.
Projects

A-Eye
A-Eye is an interactive installation that utilizes AI to reimagine the audience in realtime and projects it on a wall at the M+ private party for Art Basel.

Videosd
TensorRT accelerated diffusion pipeline, combined with webrtc frontend for camera input and speech recognition.

Mediabots
Mediabots is a Discord server that provides access to the latest generative models to students and professionals, as integral component of my doctoral research. Read more…

Brainmusic
Brainmusic is an experiment in generative music driven by brain activity using the Muse headband.

Musical fruitstand
Musical Fruitstand is a unique and interactive installation that uses fruit as its interface for generative music. The installation provides a fun and engaging way for users to create their own music by simply touching the fruits on the table. Read more…

Papinee world
Papinee World is a multi-sensory experience for children created through collaboration with Papinee, xhibited at Pearl Lam Galleries in Hong Kong. The installation comprises interactive stations that allow children to explore different characters and aspects of the magical world, including projection screens, narration and sound effects rendered in ambisonic sound.

Working with Sophia
Working with Sophia the humanoid robot was an extraordinary experience that allowed me to gain valuable insights into the world of robotics and human-robot interaction. As a robot operator, I was responsible for animating scripts, setting up the robot for events, and puppeteering the robot during public appearances. Read more…

3DSND
3DSND is a system that is capable of low-latency ambisonic rendering. This platform is designed to provide an immersive sound experience to the users, enabling them to hear sound from all directions. Read more…

Featherman
The Featherman game project is a mobile game designed to raise awareness of environmental issues, specifically the importance of wetlands for migratory birds. The team behind the project consists of international students in Hong Kong who are passionate about local environmental issues. Read more…
Publications
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to collaborate, please feel free to get in touch.