Authors: Soegoto, Herman S. ; Pohan, Muhammad Aria Rajasa ; Luckyardi, Senny ; Supatmi, Sri ; Amasawa, Eri ; Phithakkitnukoon, Santi ; Hasibuan, Zainal Arifina
BANDUNG, UNIKOM – To foster student creativity, the Visual Communication Design and Graphic Design Student Association (HIMA DKV & DG) at the Universitas Komputer Indonesia (UNIKOM) once again demonstrated its commitment by organizing the 2026 Design Festival (HADE) themed “Where Every Piece Shines Together,” held over two days, Wednesday and Thursday, July 15–16, 2026. Held at the UNIKOM Volleyball Court, the event attracted more than 500 participants, including members of the academic community and the general public.
Embracing the spirit of collaboration and appreciation for students’ creative works, HADE 2026 featured a variety of inspiring activities, ranging from an Art Exhibition, Creative Talks, Workshops, a bazaar, a Fashion Show, to an Awarding Night a celebration honoring the best works by UNIKOM students in Visual Communication Design (VCD) and Graphic Design (GD).
The opening ceremony of HADE 2026 was a lively event and was attended by the Head of the VCD Program at UNIKOM, Dr. Kankan Kasmana, S.Sn., M.Ds., and the Head of the Graphic Design Program at UNIKOM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rini Maulina, M.Sn., the Coordinator of Student Affairs for UNIKOM’s VCD program, Achmad Deptian Djenuari Rizky, M.Ds., the Coordinator of Student Affairs for UNIKOM’s GD program, Ivan Kurniawan, M.Ds., faculty members, the executive boards of the VCD and GD Student Associations (HIMA), students, and the general public. The presence of the university leadership and faculty members serves as a tangible demonstration of support for fostering students’ creativity and innovation through both academic and non-academic activities.
Adi Wijaya Kusuma, Executive Chair of HADE 2026, expressed his appreciation in his opening remarks to all faculty members, invited guests, committee members, and students who contributed to the event’s success. According to him, HADE is not merely a platform for showcasing works but also a space for students to inspire one another, expand their networks, and enjoy the creative process in a warm and collaborative atmosphere.
In line with this, the Chair of the UNIKOM Visual Communication Design and Graphic Design Student Association (Hima DKV & DG), Muhammad Faisal Hafiz, explained that the theme “Where Every Piece Shines Together” represents the diversity of ideas, personalities, and potential of each student, all of which complement one another in producing creative works. Through this theme, HADE 2026 is expected to serve as a platform for appreciating all works by students in UNIKOM’s Visual Communication Design and Graphic Design programs.
Over the two-day event, participants took part in various activities designed to broaden their horizons and enhance their competencies in the creative industry. One activity that garnered significant attention was the Creative Talk titled “Perspectives of Creative Professionals on AI,” featuring Irvan Alfian, Creative Director of Nolla Studio. During this session, participants gained insights into the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creative industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by designers in the era of digital transformation.
In addition, participants also attended the “Beads Buddy” Workshop led by Naila, a 2024 Visual Communication Design student, who shared her experience in building a creative business based on craft art. The workshop inspired students to transform their creativity into economically viable business opportunities. The event series was further enlivened by a Fashion Show and an Awarding Night, which recognized the best works across various categories as a form of appreciation for the students’ creativity and dedication.
The Coordinator of Student Affairs for the Visual Communication Design (DKV) program at UNIKOM, Achmad Deptian Djenuari Rizky, M.Ds., expressed his appreciation in his remarks to the entire organizing committee and the DKV & DG Student Association (Hima) at UNIKOM for their dedication and hard work in organizing HADE 2026. He hopes this event will serve as motivation for students to continue producing their best work not only as part of the academic process but also as a tangible contribution to the development of the creative industry and society.
The success of HADE 2026 demonstrates the high level of enthusiasm among students for fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. More than just an exhibition of student work, the event served as a gathering that strengthened bonds among students across different graduating classes while fostering a culture of collaboration within UNIKOM’s Visual Communication Design and Graphic Design programs. Through the organization of HADE 2026, UNIKOM continues to foster the emergence of creative individuals who are adaptable to technological advancements, possess global competitiveness, and are capable of producing innovative works that benefit society. In line with its commitment as a Digital Entrepreneurial University, UNIKOM consistently organizes various activities that support the development of student competencies, strengthen a culture of innovation, and prepare graduates to face the challenges of the creative industry in the digital age. (Directorate of Hms & Pro)
