Following Patrizia Moroso, Creative Director of Moroso S.p.A., and her inspiring talk at BODW 2024, "Curiosity in Action: Harnessing the Power of Collaboration," we are excited to further explore the transformative power of open innovation with Lorenzo Taucer, Product Development & Marketing Director at Moroso, in the launch edition of the bodw+ Series. 

Taucer will delve into how open innovation and collaborations drive creativity and accelerate breakthroughs at the acclaimed Italian furniture house. From Moroso’s mainline to its experimental subline More-So, the brand has consistently bridged the gap between visionary ideas and tangible masterpieces. Taucer will share how the brand’s iconic collaborations with renowned designers such as Patricia Urquiola, Ron Arad, Front, and Tord Boontje have brought Patrizia Moroso’s artistic vision to life. These partnerships have not only resulted in vibrant, functional works of art but have also redefined how design can transform spaces into bold expressions of art and life — while overcoming significant manufacturing challenges along the way. 

Taucer will also share insights into Moroso’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers and creative thinkers. This includes their 2025 collaboration with Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG) and an exciting, soon-to-be-revealed partnership with the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI). 

Photo Credit ©Alex Kroke

Fabio Verdelli, internationally acclaimed designer and visionary behind Fabio Verdelli | Design Studio, is a multiple winner of prestigious awards such as the iF Design Awards and Red Dot Design Awards. Recognised as a thought leader in the global design community and a pioneer of Italian modernity, Verdelli’s work seamlessly integrates aesthetics, technology, and functionality, embodying the emerging Gentle Tech design philosophy—a movement dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between humans and technology. 

As the keynote speaker for bodw+ Series 1, Verdelli will share his holistic approach to design, blending strategic design thinking with advanced technological insights to craft products that are both functional and emotionally engaging. He will highlight collaborations with global brands across industries, including consumer electronics, luxury goods, and furniture, with a particular focus on his revolutionary project, the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses — a groundbreaking innovation that combines cutting-edge technology to redefine human interaction with wearables. 

Verdelli will also delve into his recent projects that merge modern technology with traditional Chinese craftsmanship, creating a bridge between cultures and generations. Offering a glimpse into the future of product design, Verdelli envisions a world where innovation and human connection harmoniously coexist. 

In today’s fast-evolving design landscape, open innovation has become a powerful tool for brands and designers to co-create value, solve challenges, and stay ahead of the curve. This workshop, led by Lorenzo Taucer, Product Development & Marketing Director at Moroso S.p.A., offers a unique opportunity to explore how strategic design and open innovation can work hand-in-hand to unlock creativity and deliver breakthrough solutions. 

Drawing from Moroso’s rich legacy of collaboration with world-renowned designers such as Patricia Urquiola, Ron Arad, Front, and Tord Boontje, Taucer will provide an insider’s view on how the acclaimed Italian furniture house embraces open innovation to bridge the gap between visionary ideas and tangible masterpieces. Participants will learn how Moroso navigates the complexities of innovation, from concept development to overcoming manufacturing challenges, while maintaining their commitment to artistry and functionality. 

This interactive workshop will guide brand representatives and designers through practical approaches to building effective partnerships, fostering creativity, and implementing strategic design processes. Taucer will share actionable insights into leveraging external collaborations and internal resources to co-develop solutions that resonate with audiences and drive market success. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore: 

• The Framework of Open Innovation: How brands can integrate external ideas and resources into their innovation pipelines.
• Strategic Design Thinking: Techniques to align creativity with business goals. 
• Collaboration Best Practices: Insights into forming partnerships that spark innovation and deliver measurable results. 

Photo Credit ©Josh Tucker Captivate Imagery

As technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, the Gentle Tech Revolution is shifting the focus of industrial and product design toward creating technology that prioritizes human connection, simplicity, and emotional resonance. This workshop, led by Fabio Verdelli, Founder and Creative Director of Fabio Verdelli | Design Studio, explores how designers can craft thoughtful, human-centric solutions that balance technological innovation with empathy and purpose. 

With a strong emphasis on industrial and product design, Verdelli will guide participants through the principles of Gentle Tech—designing objects and systems that feel intuitive, tactile, and emotionally intelligent. Leveraging his extensive experience and collaborations with global brands, Verdelli will reveal how this emerging design philosophy influences every aspect of product development, from concept ideation to material selection, functionality, and aesthetics. 

Drawing on case studies from leading brands, as well as original designs by Verdelli, participants will gain unique insights into how Gentle Tech is reshaping the industrial design landscape. The workshop will explore practical strategies to create products that connect with users on a deeper level, combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore: 

• The Core Principles of Gentle Tech: Learn how to design products that are intuitive, tactile, and emotionally resonant, while balancing technological innovation with human needs. 

• Human-Centred Product Development: Discover strategies for integrating empathy into every stage of the design process, from concept ideation to prototyping and final production. 

• Materiality and Aesthetics for Connection: Understand how material choices, textures, and visual design evoke emotional responses and foster deeper user engagement. 

• Case Studies and Best Practices: Explore real-world examples of Gentle Tech in action, including iconic designs from leading brands and Fabio Verdelli’s own portfolio.