Workshop: Designing Everyday Companions: An Italian Approach to Subtle Innovation
Led by Fabio Verdelli, Founder and Director of Fabio Verdelli | Design Studio, this intimate design workshop explores how the spirit of Italian design and his philosophy of subtle, human-centred technology can shape the future of everyday products.
Building on insights from his keynote, Verdelli will share the stories and thinking behind his celebrated projects — Blocco, Dune, and Clessidra — revealing how thoughtful design choices turn ordinary objects into quiet, meaningful companions that enrich daily life.
Participants will then take on a hands-on design brief: to imagine a “Smart, Beautiful Door” that combines intelligence, emotional warmth, and familiar rituals. Through group sketching, brainstorming, and guided critique, attendees will co-create fresh product ideas that embody this subtle yet powerful approach to innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain practical insights into Fabio Verdelli’s design method and his perspective on integrating technology gracefully.
- Discover how Italian traditions of craft and pleasure can inspire new directions in product design.
- Develop and present product concepts that feel natural, beautiful, and quietly intelligent — true companions for everyday living.
Photo Credit: De'Longhi Colonna ceramic heater. Courtesy of Fabio Verdelli | Design Studio