Design e Welfare nell’Industria 5.0: Verso un Paradigma Human-Centered / Design and Welfare in Industry 5.0: Towards a Human-Centered paradigm

The evolution of design within the context of the Fifth Industrial Revolution represents a turning point in the relationship between technology, production, and social well-being. While Industry 4.0 introduced digitalization and automation, Industry 5.0 aims at placing greater emphasis on the centrality of the human being, promoting sustainable and inclusive production models. In this scenario, design assumes a key role in redefining production processes, shifting from a “Design for All” approach to a more targeted one, defined as “Design for Each”, which allows for tailor-made product customization to meet the specific needs of individuals. This study explores the contribution of design in improving quality of life through the analysis of emblematic case studies. Among these, the project “Second Name: Huntington” demonstrates how design can become a mediator between technological innovation and human needs, facilitating the creation of customized solutions for people affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Thanks to the collaboration between designers, fablabs, and non-profit organizations, the project produced a series of objects conceived to improve the daily lives of people with Huntington’s disease, while remaining accessible to a broader audience. In parallel, experiences such as “OpenCare” and “Make to Care” bear witness to the growing involvement of design in practices of care and welfare, leveraging digital fabrication to make processes more flexible and customizable. This study highlights how design, supported by advanced technologies and participatory methodologies, can serve as a catalyst for social and productive transformation, capable of addressing contemporary challenges in an inclusive and resilient manner.