Giovanni Lion

Researcher · Generative AI · Creative Code

Giovanni Lion —
building with code, agents and noise.

Giovanni's research focuses on generative AI and creativity — the topic of his PhD awarded in May 2025 from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Recent work explores agents, automation, and their transformative impact on design practices.

Hong Kong  /  Padova See the work → Visit the lab →
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About

Giovanni is a researcher specialising in generative AI and creativity. His doctoral research 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 is technically fluent across Python, JavaScript, Max/MSP, Arduino, Docker, Linux, single-board computers, Leap Motion, Muse EEG, and openvibe. Off-screen he plays Ultimate Frisbee at international level, sails, and writes music with an OP-Z.

PhD in Design from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2025). I build interactive AI installations, teach, and write about how generative systems re-shape design practice. I also play Ultimate at international level and write music with an OP-Z.

Selected work

Installations, tools and games — built between research and practice.

A-Eye
2024 ★ Featured

A-Eye

Interactive AI installation reimagining audiences in realtime at Art Basel
Videosd
2023 Project

Videosd

TensorRT-accelerated diffusion pipeline with a WebRTC frontend for camera input and speech recognition.
Mediabots
2022 Project

Mediabots

A Discord server for generative AI
Brainmusic
2020 Project

Brainmusic

Generative music driven by your brain activity
Musical fruitstand
2015 Project

Musical fruitstand

A touch-fruit interface for generative music
Papinee world
2016 Project

Papinee world
Working with Sophia
2017 Project

Working with Sophia

Life as a robot operator
3DSND
2017 Project

3DSND

A 32-speaker ambisonic installation
Featherman
2015 Project

Featherman

A mobile game raising awareness of environmental issues — specifically the importance of wetlands for migratory birds. Built in Hong Kong with WWF Mai Po Reserve.

CV

Across research, robotics, agencies and a few small companies.

Sep 2019 → May 2025
Hong Kong

Ph.D. — Part-time Visiting Lecturer

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design

  • Completed PhD on generative AI and creativity, with focus on agents, automation and their impact on design practices (awarded May 2025).
  • Built a real-time TensorRT-accelerated img2img pipeline using WebRTC, Stable Diffusion and Docker.
  • Developed workshops and tutored students and professionals on integrating generative AI into creative workflows.
  • Taught electives in Sound Design, Interactive Multimedia Environment and Transformative Technologies.
  • Created A-Eye, an interactive AI installation that reimagines audiences in real time, premiered at the M+ private party for Art Basel.
Sep 2017 → Aug 2019
Hong Kong

Project Associate

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design

  • Designed and ran extracurricular workshops supporting student learning.
  • Developed a 32-speaker ambisonics system capable of real-time spatial audio.
  • Lectured in MSc electives Sound Design, Interactive Multimedia Environment and Transformative Technologies.
Dec 2017 → Jun 2019
Hong Kong

Robot Operator

Hanson Robotics

  • Oversaw performance scripting, transport, setup and operation of Sophia, the humanoid robot.
  • Worked across ROS, servo-motor control, computer vision and chatbot components.
  • Showcased Sophia at high-profile events including a commercial shoot with Cristiano Ronaldo and the World Investment Forum 2018 at the UN in Geneva.
Sep 2018 → Dec 2022
Padova, Italy — Remote

IT Manager

Ambulatorio San Massimo

  • Designed the network architecture and RemoteApp services (database, VoIP, booking API) for a two-site medical clinic.
  • Automated backup and routine system administration with Docker, cutting operational costs by ~60%.
Feb 2015 → May 2016
Hong Kong

Founder, CEO & Lead Programmer

Hagao Studio

  • Created Featherman, a mobile game raising awareness about migratory birds, in partnership with WWF Mai Po Reserve.
  • Led mobile game development end-to-end as team leader.
Sep 2011 → Sep 2014
Hong Kong

Founder, CEO & Lead Programmer

83bits

  • Built and operated AllIn1Social, a web app for managing content and ad campaigns on Facebook pages.
  • Full-stack development on Ruby on Rails; integration with the Facebook Advertising API.
Dec 2009 → Present
Hong Kong

Founder & CEO

Shi Cheng Trading

  • Established an import company specialising in gel and foam pillows and mattresses for the HK and China markets.
  • Managed end-to-end operations: procurement, sales, logistics, customer service.
  • Operated ERP systems (OpenERP / Odoo, then ERPNext) for sales, purchases, stock and accounting.
Sep 2008 → Aug 2011
Milan

Social Media Specialist

77Agency

  • Developed and deployed Facebook applications for marketing campaigns.
  • Worked with Lavazza, La Repubblica, RCA, Condé Nast and Mondadori.
Feb 2007 → Jun 2008
Milan

Teaching Assistant

SDA Bocconi

  • TeD+ lab — e-learning platforms and remote teaching.
  • Co-taught the EMIT course “Organizational Dynamics and Technical Change”.

Teaching & open source

Course materials and tools, kept open.

Teaching · PolyU

pfad

SD5913 — Programming for Art and Design. Weekly exercises and examples for the elective at PolyU School of Design. Python, p5.js, generative art, and getting comfortable with code as a creative material.

github.com/venetanji/pfad ↗

Writing

Publications

Lab

Sketches & experiments — generative geometry, sound, agents.

A growing index of sketches, notebooks and small tools. See all →

observable

Friendly Polygons

Concentric polygons morphing through simplex noise — the seed of the homepage hero.

 p5

p5.js sketches

An archive of vintage and recent p5.js experiments — flow fields, particle systems, generative geometry.

 observable

Observable notebooks

Live, reactive notebooks exploring algorithmic composition and visual systems.

Contact

Open to collaborations and conversations.

The fastest way to reach me is by email. I’m especially keen on projects at the intersection of AI, design and live performance.

giovanni.lion@gmail.com