Event Report

Politecnico di Milano
Design Workshop Week 2025

Following previous workshop experiences, the head of Creative Center, Daisuke Ishii, held a workshop as a Visiting Professor at Politecnico di Milano - School of Design with several designers. The workshop was a one-week course, which saw talented students from different countries and enrolled in different Course of Study, such as Integrated Product Design, Digital and Interaction Design, and Management Engineering. The topic of the workshop was "Evolution and expansion of furniture for the future", and each group came up with a holistic approach to propose a new user experience in which technology supports our daily lives.

Politecnico di Milano Design
Workshop Week 2025

Date:
February 10 – 14, 2025
Theme:
Evolution and expansion of furniture for the future
Output:
Product, UI/UX, customer journey and branding.
Participants:
Students of Politecnico di Milano – School of Design
Integrated Product Design M.Sc.
Digital and Interaction Design M.Sc.
Management Engineering M.Sc.

Workshop outputs

Grand Award: Group 5 'MIRARI'
'MIRARI' is not just a curtain. It's an experience that interacts with light and you. It embraces you when the sun is too intense and brightens your space when you need it – creating a cozy and harmonious atmosphere.
UIUX Design Award: Group 1 'QUADRA'
'QUADRA' is an intelligent workspace that adapts to the cognitive and sensory needs of users to improve concentration, productivity and well-being.
Visual Design Award: Group 2 'esse'
'esse' is an innovative intelligent divider designed to transform small or shared spaces into multifunctional environments. Featuring integrated lighting and automated moving panels, it adapts to the layout and ambiance based on user needs.
Spatial Design Award: Group 3 'nora'
'nora' is a smart curtain equipped with advanced sound-filtering technology, allowing users to selectively cancel unwanted noise while enhancing desired sounds for a tailored acoustic experience.
Product Design Award: Group 4 'purr'
'purr' helps business travelers recognize the importance of sleep and create a bedtime ritual to feel at home anywhere. A smart pillow at night, a neck rest on the go, and an elegant interior.
Strategy Design Award: Group 6 'DOME'
'DOME' is a smart headboard that incorporates audio technologies to create a 'bubble' around the user. Using noise reduction, white sounds and light, it enhances sleep quality and supports a natural sleep cycle.

Comments from the students

  • I was surprised by what we did in only five days, and I learned a lot about the importance of emotion in product design. Thanks to all Sony's supervisor feedback I gained a new way to see the product development.
  • The fast-paced, hands-on nature of the workshop allowed me to experience and apply design thinking in a very dynamic way, enhancing both my creative, collaborative and problem-solving skills.
  • I really appreciated the environment that was created within the workshop. The professors and the team were very proactive in guiding our ideas, providing clear direction and valuable feedback on our choices.
  • I gained the opportunity to think and consider all aspects of a product, especially the branding side. This is the first time I had the occasion to really tackle in a deeper level.
  • I have learned to cooperate with group members with different skill sets.

Thanks for joining the Sony Group Workshop at Workshop Week at POLMI Design School!

* Photos and workshop presentation material by courtesy of Politecnico di Milano, School of Design.