Research and didactic for an explorative way of learning. IndossaME: design for a proactive life style. A didactic experience

In the last few years the interest towards the study of solutions centred on the human being and its wellbeing has grown greatly leading to an ever-increasing cooperation between different disciplines such as bioengineering and bio-robotics which, through Design, got finally in touch. Body sensors networks, wearable electronics and smart fabrics are only some of the interesting technologies advancing in the market, but how do designers react in front of the opportunities offered by such solutions? What kind of real possibilities exist to design and conceive new products/services? Transformations affecting economic scenarios on an international level require a prompt update of traditional competitive logics. The nature of innovation changes: the sphere of technologies and forms blends with the sphere of signifies and experiences. In relation to such changes, the need for different educational methods and new design ways of expression, which are able to satisfy the extremely interactive potential of new technologies, becomes evident. Research and didactic activities will become ever more participatory generating new forms of explorative learning. This paper goes over the design process used during the workshop IndossaME: design for a proactive life style at the Politecnico di Milano - Faculty of Design, focused on a learning explorative approach. Through the understanding and the use of technological innovations coming from the research in progress on micro-technologies and smart textiles, designers should be able to catch the opportunity, supported by a method to interpret correctly the requests, and develop design solutions in accordance to significant social issues. The design process, in fact, sees the developing phases follow one after the other with the aim of solving methodologically the objectification of the idea. The text gives directions on the design process, the ergonomics, the usability and psychology for a correct approach in designing with the user, a succession of inspirations for new products and services that can be interesting for new designers because it puts people and their experiences at the core of an innovative approach.