116 - The Fifth Order of Design

MARZIA MORTATI, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT THE DEPARTMENT OF DESIGN AT POLITECNICO DI MILANO

‍Today on the podcast, we have the pleasure of chatting with Marzia Mortati, an Associate Professor at the Department of Design at Politecnico di Milano. Marzia’s research interests focus on service design and public sector innovation, with an emphasis on the intersection of design, data, and artificial intelligence in public services. 

‍In this conversation, Marzia shares her insights into the evolving landscape of design education and practice, highlighting the critical shift from problem-solving to problem-setting. She discusses the importance of integrating both quantitative and qualitative data (big and thick data) to inform meaningful design processes and transformations. Marzia also explores the role of designers in shaping the future through systems thinking, co-creation, and fostering a culture of continuous iteration. This episode delves into how design must adapt to rapid technological advancements and societal changes, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift among designers and organizations to stay relevant and impactful.