73452 - Product Design T (L-Z)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, the student—through engagement with real design problems presented either extensively or in full-immersion formats—will be able to identify attainable outcomes, undertake pre-design research, define an appropriate design process, and develop a final design. This includes the ability to produce physical models (for study, volume control, client presentations, and pre-production purposes).

Course contents

The laboratory addresses contemporary challenges in the design of textile-based products, with a specific focus on sustainability and circularity. Textile artifacts featuring multi-material and multi-layered structures present significant end-of-life issues: the combination of heterogeneous materials and irreversible assembly systems often makes recycling difficult or impossible, leading to disposal practices that are not aligned with circular economy principles.

The educational pathway aims to explore design strategies focused on material simplification and assembly reversibility. Students will be guided in developing monomaterial products or multi-component products assembled through disassemblable systems, ensuring that textile materials play a central role.

Each group will be assigned a specific family of objects from which they will develop a design proposal based on a primary textile material.

The laboratory activities aim to foster a design culture that is aware of the environmental implications of material and technical choices, promoting the development of product systems consistent with sustainability and circular economy principles. Particular attention will be dedicated to material analysis, assembly strategies, and disassembly criteria as structural components of the design process.

Within the laboratory, a dedicated workshop activity is included as a key component for developing the specific design skills addressed in the course. The workshop offers students an immersive and intensive learning environment, enabling them to experiment with methods, tools, and collaborative dynamics typical of contemporary design practice. This concentrated experience enhances their ability to make informed decisions, rapidly translate ideas into models and practical tests, and directly engage with design challenges, contributing significantly to the overall development of their design capabilities.

Readings/Bibliography

The complete list of bibliographic references and supplementary materials required for the laboratory will be provided at the beginning of the course. These resources will be selected according to the topics addressed during the teaching activities and will support project development as well as provide a theoretical and methodological framework consistent with the learning objectives of the laboratory.

Teaching methods

The Laboratory adopts a teaching methodology that combines theoretical lectures, contributions from professionals, and research activities, alongside continuous guidance throughout the various stages of the design process—from concept development to the creation of models and prototypes. In addition, the laboratory includes the collective construction of a Material Library, conceived as a shared and long-lasting resource supporting research and design activities.

Assessment methods

La valutazione finale si basa sul progetto sviluppato all’interno del laboratorio e sulla qualità del percorso progettuale che ha condotto alla sua definizione. L’esame consisterà nella presentazione degli elaborati alla classe, durante la quale gli studenti illustreranno gli obiettivi, le scelte progettuali e i risultati ottenuti.
La presenza continuativa e la partecipazione attiva alle attività laboratoriali costituiscono elementi fondamentali della valutazione complessiva, contribuendo alla definizione dell’esito finale.

L'esame si svolgerà in un’unica giornata e richiederà la presentazione dei seguenti output:

1. Prototipo scala 1:1
2. Tavole di spiegazione del progetto elaborato
3. Scheda del materiale utilizzato con esplorazione sviluppata

Teaching tools

The laboratory makes use of a range of tools and activities to support the design process. The Virtuale platform will be used for communication between instructors and students, sharing teaching materials, and submitting assignments.

Project templates and shared boards will be developed through Figma.

Classroom activities include individual project reviews and group critiques, aimed at fostering critical discussion and peer learning. The laboratory may also collaborate with internal and external university facilities—such as the Model Laboratory, the Photography Laboratory, and relevant libraries—to expand the technical resources and skills available to students.

Office hours

See the website of Ludovica Rosato

See the website of Massimo Brignoni