Dipartimenti di Eccellenza

The Department of Design is among the 180 Italian departments selected and financed by the MUR as a Department of Excellence for the Design for systemic change project, for the second five-year period in a row, in recognition of its excellence in research and the quality of the development project presented.

The Design for systemic change project is set in a context characterised by the challenges posed by the ecological and digital transition that require integrated and multidisciplinary changes. Design becomes a powerful tool for facing complex problems, driving design experimentation in real contexts and promoting the development of systems, products and services that respect the principles of circularity and sustainability.

The Department developed a portfolio of strategic actions to strengthen the project's coherence and achieve the overall objectives of enhancing research competencies. These actions were structured to address contemporary academic and societal challenges in an integrated manner through

recruiting new staff, professional development and promoting the internationalisation of researchers and lecturers in order to create a more qualified and globally competitive scientific community
the design of new laboratory infrastructures and innovative spaces capable of fostering cutting-edge, interdisciplinary teaching and research models
the development of innovative educational paths, such as new courses and doctoral scholarships

These actions, synergic with each other, represent the heart of the Department's project, aimed at consolidating the role of design as an engine of cultural, scientific and technological innovation and a tool for a systemic approach to change.

Design for systemic change

The Design for systemic change project is structured into three research domains in which research and experimental research is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design-led systemic approach and to develop models and methodologies for sustainable transformation in the production, public and cultural sectors:

Design for systems of production and use of products and services, with a focus on the transformation of the Made in Italy industry towards more sustainable models
Design for public and social systems, to develop public services centred on the needs of the population and to promote social inclusion
Design for creativity and culture systems, to enhance cultural production and access in a sustainable and inclusive way

See all the projects

Design for systemic change

T-Factor

Making cities in the age of uncertainty

01/05

Design for systemic change

Human Cities/SMOTIES

Creative works with small and remote places

02/05

Design for systemic change

UGPplus

Enhanced Urban Greening Plans for Biodiversity Mainstreaming in Society

03/05

Design for systemic change

HeriTech4Fashion

Technologies and processes for dissemination and augmented fruition of the technical heritage in the fashion-textile sector

04/05

Design for systemic change

Design Philology

A historical and philological research project to celebrate design at Politecnico di Milano

05/05

Publications

As part of the project, the Department undertakes to publish choral volumes recounting the cross-sectoral and synergetic research it produces and books on a selection of European research projects that adhere to the objectives of the DIpartements of Excellence - Design for Systemic Change project.

edited by Stefana Broadbent and Silvia Ferraris

Embracing change and supporting transitions

It explores the role of design in the transition to an unknown future, taking a systemic perspective to respond to physical and social transformations.

01/05

edited by Elena Caratti and Laura Galluzzo

Designing ethically in a complex world

Explores the ethical challenges of designing for public and social systems, clarifying what it means to design ethically in a complex and interconnected world.

02/05

edited by Paola Cordera and Raffaella Trocchianesi

Design challenges in creative systems

It focuses on dynamic systems of creativity and culture in different fields of design, combining theoretical reflections, case studies, methodologies, technologies, tools and novel practices.

03/05

edited by Davide Fassi

Food procurement and short food value chains

It examines food ecosystems in small territorial units and their impact on local systems, laying the foundations for the definition of innovative strategies, the implementation of practical experiments and the development of sustainable models to address food challenges in the cities of the future.

04/05

edited by Davide Spallazzo and Mauro Ceconello

Designing Immersive Technologies in Art and Culture

Explores how immersive technologies transform artistic and cultural experiences, merging the physical and artificial worlds to create immersive environments.

05/05

Infrastructures

The Design Department is undertaking a reorganization of its instrumental laboratories, which will lead to the creation of a cutting-edge Competence Center by 2026. This initiative is designed to foster increasingly innovative and multidisciplinary teaching and research in the field of design.

The first phase of this transformation is the establishment of a transversal Pilot Lab, an experimental space equipped with shared and versatile tools characterized by low complexity and ease of use. This new laboratory model, envisioned as a multifunctional competence center, enables the exploration of new ways to interact with technologies and applied design. While maintaining continuity with traditional laboratories also promotes an integrated vision across different sectors.

The Pilot Lab serves as the prelude to a comprehensive reorganization of the Design Department’s laboratory ecosystem, which will unfold over the next two years. Subsequent phases will further develop the pilot lab paradigm, offering users guided access through progressive levels of use, training, and project development in technologically advanced islands capable of meeting educational and professional demands.

The renewed laboratory system will support complex research projects and activities with an interdisciplinary approach while addressing advanced training needs. It will align with international standards and respond to new challenges in digital transformation and sustainability within production sectors.

The new Competence Center will act as a flexible and dynamic platform, stimulating and fostering the specific skills required. It will integrate innovation, sustainability, and collaboration among students, faculty, and industry partners, ensuring a forward-looking and inclusive environment.