Giovanni Lion

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Biography

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.

Interests

Generative AI
Creative Automation
AI Agents
Computational Creativity
Sound Design
Artificial Intelligence
Robotics
Algorithmic composition
Sailing
Ultimate Frisbee
Indie games

Education

PhD in Design, 2025
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
School of Design
MSc in Multimedia & Entertainment Technologies, 2015
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
School of Design
MSc in Organization Science and Information Systems, 2007
Bocconi University
BSc in Economics, 2005
Bocconi University

Experience

Ph.D. - Part-time Visiting Lecturer

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design

September 2019 – May 2025 Hong Kong

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 (Read more…).
Developed workshops and tutored students and professionals, helping them to better integrate Generative AI tools in their creative workflow (Read more…).
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 (Read more…).
Coordinated and facilitated group projects, teaching students how to work together and communicate effectively.

Project Associate

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design

September 2017 – August 2019 Hong Kong

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 (Read more…).
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

December 2017 – June 2019 Hong Kong

Responsible for overseeing performance scripting, transportation, setup, and operation of Sophia, the world-renowned humanoid robot (Read more…).
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

September 2018 – December 2022 Padova, Italy - Remote

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

February 2015 – May 2016 Hong Kong

Created Featherman, an innovative game aimed at raising awareness about migratory birds’ environmental issues (Read more…).
Oversaw all aspects of mobile game development and management as team leader.
Partnered with WWF Mai Po Reservoir.

Founder CEO and Lead Programmer

83bits

September 2011 – September 2014 Hong Kong

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

December 2009 – Present Hong Kong

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

September 2008 – August 2011 Milan

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

February 2007 – June 2008 Milan

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.

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…

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.

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…

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…