Service Design Research Pioneers. An overview of Service Design research developed in Italy since the ‘90s

This paper provides an overview of the research on Service Design carried out in Italy (mainly in Milan) since the ‘90s. The authors show how the initial steps in this emerging field have definitely influenced the following evolution of studies in Italy; three areas of research in particular are described: investigations into the nature of services and of Service Design as a field; investigations into Product Service Systems; and investigations into social innovation and sustainability. As final considerations, a map of Service Design research is developed to suggest connections with the existing interna- tional research into Service Design and to imagine future developments.