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Design and innovation: sources of responsible change

Mario Scarpa

1. Design: Between Technology and Radical Technological Innovation
Innovative tools such as immersive reality and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the design process, enhancing efficiency and quality. Real-time communication and remote collaboration enable more dynamic and globalized design processes. Multimaterial 3D printing and rapid prototyping allow the creation of complex products that were once unimaginable, supporting even small-scale productions, leading to the concept of “NO FACTORY, NO WASTE.”

DESIGN IS NO LONGER BOUND BY TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION BARRIERS BUT EXPANDS THROUGH NEW AND POWERFUL FREEDOMS.

2. Responsible Design and Environmental Impact: The Role of the Designer
Eighty percent of a product’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase (European Commission on the circular economy). Therefore, design plays a pivotal role in reducing negative impacts on people and the planet. Every stage of a product’s lifecycle must be considered to minimize its footprint. Jewelry, by nature, consists of items meant to be preserved, cherished, and often passed down through generations. While the end of product life is not our primary concern, much can still be done: optimizing packaging, selecting low-impact materials, understanding certifications and supply chains, and adopting responsible communication strategies.

KNOWING THE ALTERNATIVES WE CAN IMPLEMENT TO REDUCE OUR EXTERNALITIES IS OUR DEFINITE RESPONSIBILITY. ONLY THROUGH A SYNERGY OF DESIGN, PROCESS, MATERIALS, AND COMMUNICATION CAN WE CREATE A MORE CONSCIOUS AND ATTENTIVE CONSUMER. Designers have the specific task of communicating the importance of design choices, transforming the consumer into an informed and responsible participant.

3. Technological Efficiency vs. Effectiveness
Technology today offers access to multiple solutions that act as true “game-changers,” but efficiency does not always ensure effectiveness. Achieving effectiveness requires the ability to navigate and choose correctly. While knowledge is more accessible than ever, it requires the right tools to acquire and one irreplaceable factor: TIME.

In design, time is a precious resource. As Giorgio Armani stated, “luxury cannot and must not be fast.” Artificial intelligence and modern immersive design technologies help save significant time, but it is our responsibility not to channel it into a growing “creative bulimia” spurred by constantly shifting market briefs. Instead, we must use it to keep up with the times and reduce the impact of our productions on the planet. By investing in knowledge and skills, we can make informed decisions, and that requires TIME.

LET US USE DESIGN TIME WISELY.

Bio

Mario Scarpa

For over twenty years, they have been committed to industrial design and product communication, with a particular focus on the fashion industry. Collaborating with major Italian and international multinationals, they explore a sector that has a significant impact on the planet, people, and workers. Their expertise spans various fields, from luxury and fashion to technology and automotive. They have always focused on the intersection of technology, research, materials, and design, fully aware of the impact design choices have on people’s lives and their relationship with the planet. In 2022, they founded **Humanum Est SB Srl**, a benefit corporation dedicated to promoting the transition toward a more responsible industrial culture within the fashion sector. Through the **DESIGNCIRCOLARE®** model of responsible design thinking, they raise awareness within the industry and management about the impact of their choices, advocating for the use of creative skills and tools across all organizational levels. They firmly believe that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to addressing the challenges of sustainable fashion. They hold a bachelor’s degree in **Philosophy, International and Economic Studies** from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, as well as a master’s degree in **Global Development and Entrepreneurship** from the same institution. Their creative vision is enriched by an economic perspective, which facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the broader context, and a philosophical approach, which delves into the root causes of decision-making. With a broad background and a deep passion for sustainability in the fashion world, they champion an innovative and alternative culture of creative responsibility. By contributing to the future of production and consumption in the industry, they foster the search for groundbreaking solutions.