Another chapter beyond Europe? DESIG*ness lands in Georgia
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An important international step for DESIG*ness: on 27–28 February 2026, within the third edition of the Social Design Days organized by the Design Institute in Tbilisi (Georgia), Luca Poncellini, Head of the Department of Design and Applied Arts at NABA Milano and member of the DESIG*ness project, led a workshop and delivered a lecture dedicated to the culture of inclusive design and design sensitivity.
The event programme - focused on human, accessible, and socially responsible design - brought together international and local professionals through sessions, panels, keynotes, and workshops aimed at exploring design practices that respond to the diverse experiences and needs of communities.
DESIG*ness in action: workshop and lecture
On the first day of the Social Design Days, the workshop “DESIGness: a collective exploration from awareness to empathy” was conducted as an experiential laboratory in which participants explored strategies and methodologies to develop a deeper understanding of design processes centred on empathy and active listening. The session took place alongside a rich programme of activities and workshops on human and inclusive design, reflecting the international and cross-sectoral nature of the initiative.
On the same day, a lecture presenting the DESIG*ness project was delivered, outlining its vision, objectives, and educational approaches to inclusivity in contemporary design. The presentation generated strong interest among students, designers, and local professionals, contributing to the dissemination of the DESIG*ness culture and methodology within the Georgian educational and professional context.
Participation in the Social Design Days 3 confirms DESIG*ness as a shareable and replicable practice: a pathway that places inclusion and accessibility at the core of the design process, not as additional requirements but as a cultural and methodological perspective capable of engaging with diverse contexts and communities.
Want to learn more about DESIG*ness and its international activities? Visit our News section and watch the project videos to explore workshops, stories, and key moments from the DESIG*ness journey.