October 10
10.30-11.30
Venue: Center Rog
Trubarjeva cesta 72, 1000 Ljubljana
Beyond Trends: Building Meaningful and Responsible Products
Design should not be limited to the aesthetics of the moment but must carry long-term value, influence quality of life, remain responsible to users, and respect the environment. The task of industrial design today is no longer merely to create visually appealing objects but to develop solutions that reduce environmental impact, encourage sustainable habits, and offer users more than short-term satisfaction.
The discussion will explore how design can truly support sustainable development – from the selection of repairable and recyclable materials to production processes with a lower carbon footprint. Special emphasis will be placed on the challenge of moving beyond greenwashing, which has become far too common, and on assuming responsibility as a genuine and verifiable part of the design process.
The round table will also highlight the role of users – how design can guide them toward more conscious purchasing decisions, and how manufacturers should ensure product transparency and traceability. The key question will be whether industrial design can move beyond the logic of short-lived trends and become a driver of a higher-quality, more responsible, and more sustainable way of life – for individuals and for society as a whole.