Sensorial Surface Design: Color, Material and Finish Design for Interiors and Furniture

Sensorial Surface Design: Color, Material, and Finish Design for Interiors and Furniture

The Specializing Master in Sensorial Surface Design of thePolitecnico di Milano, held in collaboration with Assopannelli-FederlegnoArredo, focuses on designing the perceptive and technical aspects of surfaces intended as a privileged "place" for experiential interactions, research, experimentation, and anticipation of aesthetic and socio-cultural trends. Starting from the functional and sensory qualities of the surfaces, the training course the Master focuses on the project of the emotional identity of the furniture and interior product.

The specialized skills offered by the Master cover the theoretical, technical, and practical aspects related to color, materials, and finishes and the intangible elements related to sensory experience and the perception of value.

Module 1: Basics

1.1. Culture of design

1.2. Color Design

1.3. Material and Finishing Design

1.4. CMF Design

Module 2: Trend research and forecasting

2.1. Perceptual and social aspects

2.2. Moodboard Design

2.3. Color Trend

2.4. Trend Research and Strategy

Module 3: Experience and Strategic Design

3.1. User experience

3.2. The strategic approach to innovation

Module 4: Surface Design

4.1. Combining the technical and aesthetic, functional and emotional aspects of surfaces

4.2. Workshop

Module 5: Sensorial and Emotional Design

5.1. Designing the sensory and emotional aspects of surfaces, furnishings, interiors

5.2. Workshop

Module 6: Furniture Design

6.1. Product design and engineering

6.2. Workshop

Module 7. Project works

Delivered in person (5 days a week full time for a total of 105 hours)

7.1. Project work: Surfaces

7.2. Project work: Furniture product

7.3. Project work: Interior environments

The educational objectives of the Specializing Master are:

• Skills in designing the perceptual and technical aspects of surfaces;
• Design skills and management of the perceptual, sensory and emotional implications of furniture and interior design products;
• Specialist skills in CMF design;
• Ability to analyse trends and transformations in order to respond to the new needs of production sectors and markets.

The Master releases 60 ECTS, equivalent to 60 ECTS.

The professional figure trained by the Master can operate in the various sectors of Furniture / Interior design within the company teams dedicated to CMF Design, Color design, Material design, and Surface design.

Didactic Modules

The master's is divided into 7 teaching modules.

Modules 1 to 6 are delivered in blended mode (online and face-to-face): 2 days a week full time (14 synchronous hours). Module 7 relating to Project works is delivered in person: 5 full-time days a week (for a total of 105 hours).

The master's is based on a mix of theoretical lessons, testimonials, and technical insights, related to practical activities and workshops that will be held in blended mode (online and in person).

At the end of the training course, project work is conducted in small teams lasting 105 hours.

Types of Activities

• Introductory and specialised lectures by a highly qualified faculty made up of Politecnico di Milano professors, professionals, and sector experts from the business world.
• Testimonials and technical insights from designers and companies.
• Practical activities and workshops to acquire project and management skills.
• The project works are carried out in small teams starting from project briefs with the support of companies, professionals, and sector experts.
• Students will have to choose between the 400-hour professional project or the 400-hour internship in companies and professional studios, with the aim of testing and expanding the skills acquired during the Master’s course in the world of work.