Samsung's Vision for the Future of Design: A Human-Centric Approach at CES 2026
The Future of Design: A Human-Tech Symbiosis
In a thought-provoking session at the CES 2026 Tech Forum, Samsung gathered a panel of renowned designers to explore the future of technology and its impact on humanity. The discussion, titled 'The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Living', delved into the potential of technology to enhance our lives and the role of design in making it happen.
Design as a Force for Good
Moderated by Debbie Millman, the panel included Samsung's Chief Design Officer, Mauro Porcini, and industry icons Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre. The conversation began by questioning the dominance of minimalism in tech design over the past two decades. What's next? The designers proposed a shift towards technology that is warmer, more expressive, and emotionally resonant, creating meaningful experiences in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Designing for Humanity
Debbie Millman highlighted the importance of putting people first in design. She suggested that technology should go beyond specifications and functionality, focusing on how it fits into people's lives, experiences, and needs. This shift in perspective is crucial as traditional barriers to entry, such as access to tools and technical capability, continue to diminish.
Mauro Porcini, Samsung's CDO, emphasized the company's commitment to enriching people's lives through meaningful technology. He outlined Samsung's vision to help people live longer, better, louder, and on through advanced technologies supporting well-being, creativity, and self-expression. Karim Rashid added that design allows us to develop strong connections with objects, even inanimate ones.
AI and Human Values
The panel discussed how AI can unlock new possibilities for expression when shaped by human values. They proposed that AI reaches its true potential when guided by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination, not as a replacement for human creativity but as a force that expands it. Mauro Porcini introduced his concept, 'AI × (EI + HI)', to balance Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination in innovation.
Expressive Design for Meaningful Experiences
Fabio Novembre emphasized the importance of expressive design in creating human-centered experiences. He believes that happiness is the aim of design, and it must return to the center stage. The panel noted a shift from designing objects to designing experiences where emotion, meaning, and identity are integral. This approach inspires new forms of expression, resulting in designs that range from subtle and minimal to bold and imaginative, all aimed at shaping a future worth living and loving.
