At CES 2026, Samsung Electronics introduced its vision for the future of design, exploring how technology can move beyond its functional roots to connect emotionally with users. During the final session of the CES 2026 Tech Forum series, titled “The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Living,” leading designers came together to discuss how technology can become more meaningful, expressive, and human-centered in today’s world of AI and innovation.
The panel, moderated by Debbie Millman, host of Design Matters, featured Samsung’s Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini, along with designers Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre. This session addressed the importance of designing with people in mind and explored how technology, while continuing to evolve, can enhance lives in more profound and impactful ways.
Embracing the Future of Design
For decades, minimalism has been the hallmark of tech design, focusing primarily on clean lines and functionality. But as technology continues to shape our lives in more personal and complex ways, the panelists discussed the next phase of design. “In recent years, design in tech has been somewhat uniform,” said Millman. “Compared to other industries, this uniformity in tech is an anomaly.” The conversation highlighted the need for more expressive and emotionally engaging designs—products that not only serve a purpose but also evoke a sense of connection and meaning.
Samsung’s approach to this design evolution centers on creating technology that fits seamlessly into people’s lives, offering more than just technical specifications. Their goal is to make products that resonate emotionally, thereby contributing to a deeper and more personalized user experience.
Design That Connects with People
The panelists all agreed that design should be people-first. Samsung’s philosophy is built around the idea of enhancing people’s lives with meaningful technology. As Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini explained, Samsung is committed to improving well-being, fostering creativity, and enabling self-expression through its design innovations.
Karim Rashid emphasized how good design helps establish emotional bonds with the products people use. “Through design, you can create a powerful, emotional connection with inanimate objects,” Rashid explained. The design is not just about function; it’s about establishing an emotional resonance that transforms an everyday object into something meaningful and memorable.
AI and the Expansion of Human Creativity
The discussion also delved into the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human creativity. Rather than seeing AI as a tool that replaces human input, the panelists argued that AI should amplify human imagination and emotional intelligence. Porcini introduced the concept of “AI × (EI + HI),” a balanced approach that combines Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Human Imagination (HI) to make technology more human-centered.
According to Porcini, “When we design, AI is amplified by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination. And when people use products, AI amplifies both EI and HI.” This philosophy emphasizes that technology should empower, not replace, human creativity—enabling users to engage with products in deeper and more personalized ways.
Designing Meaningful Experiences
The panelists further discussed the importance of designing experiences, not just objects. “Happiness is the aim of design,” Fabio Novembre remarked. He believes that the ultimate goal of design is to make the impossible possible, creating experiences that bring joy, meaning, and emotional satisfaction.
The shift from designing objects to designing experiences marks a new era in tech. Whether through subtle or bold design choices, the goal is to create products that people connect with emotionally—designs that enhance identity, stimulate imagination, and foster human connections. As technology evolves, these experiences will become more integrated into daily life, making the future not just functional but also a place worth loving.
At CES 2026, Samsung showcased a bold vision for the future of design, one where technology is humanized, emotionally resonant, and deeply integrated into people’s lives. By combining AI, Emotional Intelligence, and Human Imagination, Samsung is shaping a future where technology not only serves a functional purpose but also enriches human experience. Through expressive and meaningful design, Samsung is guiding the industry toward a future that is not only worth living, but worth loving.
