Inspiration in Design Heritage

Abstract

This project aims to introduce first year Industrial Design Engineering bachelor students to the world of Industrial Design through the creation of an exhibition that centers around the products from the faculty’s Heritage Collection. The exhibition, located at the entrance of the faculty, is designed as an educational tool that uses the displayed products to showcase the various dimensions of Industrial Design. Currently, the products displayed in the faculty are not sufficiently contextualized and fail to fully convey their historical, technological, or cultural significance. This project seeks to address that gap, providing new students with a more comprehensive and accessible narrative to help them better understand the evolution of Industrial Design and its role in contemporary society.

The exhibition was created to fill a gap identified during the research phase: the lack of a historical educational approach to Design within the faculty’s curriculum. It allows visitors to explore the history and identity of the displayed products, highlighting the importance of choices related to materials, production technologies, aesthetics, and functionality. This is done through four distinct thematic areas, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the product. The pieces in the Heritage Collection are not merely objects but concrete testimonies of how Industrial Design has addressed challenges and needs over time, offering innovative solutions that continue to influence daily life.

Another goal of the project is to spark students’ interest in research and innovation, encouraging them to reflect on how past designers were able to anticipate future needs and how to carefully observe a product to fully understand its meaning. The exhibition, therefore, not only celebrates the past but also inspires a new generation of designers to look ahead with creativity, critical thinking, and an awareness of the emotional impact that an object can evoke.

For the creation of the exhibition and the communication strategy, various methodologies were explored and then integrated into the exhibition as essential parts of the process. Interactive design, storytelling, and emotional design methodologies were analyzed, all aimed at engaging visitors and creating an immersive educational experience. These techniques were then applied through the use of informational panels, multimedia supports, interactive installations, and narrative paths. The goal was not only to convey information clearly but also to spark curiosity and reflection, making the history of Industrial Design accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.