Smart Design

Design, technology and sustainability at the core of innovation

Smart Design focuses on design-driven development, where design thinking, emerging technologies, sustainable materials and circular economy principles are combined into products, services and new business models. The research area responds to the requirements of digitalisation, sustainability and user-centricity by strengthening the innovation capacity of companies and society through the integration of creativity, technology and data-driven development. Smart Design brings together expertise in design thinking, industrial design, systems design and innovation activities into a shared development platform. Through these, products, services and systems are renewed towards user-centred, sustainable and intelligent solutions that support competitiveness, resource efficiency and new value creation in changing operating environments.

The framework combines expertise in design, technology, business and systems thinking into a shared development platform. Its activities strengthen the innovation capacity of companies and society and support the development of sustainable and resilient ecosystems at regional, national and international levels. Research and development are carried out in close cooperation with companies and other stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on the practical applicability of solutions.

Industrial Service Design

integrates design thinking, digital services and data-driven operating models into products, services and new business models. Research and development focus on user-centred value creation, customer experience development and service-based business transformation. The aim is to support the development and practical implementation of digital and sustainable product-service solutions.

Industrial Design

applies user-centred design, technology and manufacturability in product development and services. Research and development focus on usability, aesthetic solutions and the ease of adopting products and services. The aim is to support the development and implementation of human-centred, accessible and technologically effective solutions in practice.

Systems Design

examines products, services and processes as part of broader ecosystems and value chains. Research and development focus on modular, flexible and circular economy–supporting solutions and the design of resource-efficient systems. The aim is to support the development and implementation of sustainable, resource-efficient and networked ecosystems in practice.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

strengthens entrepreneurship, innovation and development, piloting and scaling of new solutions. Research and development focus on market-driven innovation and business development, as well as bringing new solutions into practice and commercialisation. The aim is to support creation of new business opportunities and strengthen implementation, commercialisation and growth.