At CES 2026, Samsung Electronics showcased its vision for the future of design during the final session of its Tech Forum series. The session, “The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Living,” was held at Samsung’s The First Look space at The Wynn Las Vegas. Moderated by Debbie Millman, host of Design Matters, the panel featured Samsung’s Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini, along with designers Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre. Together, they explored how technology can go beyond functionality to create more meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences in the AI era.
What’s Next for Tech Design?
For the last two decades, minimalism has dominated the design of tech products. But what comes next? The panelists discussed the future of design in technology and how it can evolve. “Design in tech has been somewhat uniform,” said Millman. “This uniformity is an anomaly compared to other industries.” The discussion revolved around moving past strict functionality to create designs that are more expressive and connected to human emotion.
Samsung is already working on this shift by focusing on how technology fits into people’s lives and enhances their experiences. This is about going beyond product specs to design with a deeper purpose, guided by emotional resonance. As barriers like access to tools and technical capability continue to diminish, the opportunity for more expressive design grows.
Designing with People in Mind
The panelists agreed that design should always be people-first. Porcini shared Samsung’s philosophy: creating technology that enhances people’s lives in meaningful ways. Samsung’s goal is to enrich well-being, foster creativity, and support self-expression through advanced technology.
Karim Rashid echoed this, stating that good design helps people form emotional connections with the products they use. “Through design, you can create a powerful, emotional bond with inanimate objects,” he said. This connection to products, when designed with care, can transform everyday items into meaningful parts of our lives.
AI and Human Creativity
The panel also discussed how AI can expand human creativity. Rather than replacing human ingenuity, AI should be seen as a tool that amplifies it. Porcini introduced his concept of “AI × (EI + HI),” which blends Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Human Imagination (HI) in the design process.
He explained, “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 encourages people to embrace technology not as a threat but as a way to enhance creativity and innovation.
Expressive Design for a More Meaningful Future
The panel underscored the importance of expressive design in shaping experiences that reflect human emotion, identity, and connection. “Happiness is the aim of design,” said Fabio Novembre. He believes that design should strive to make the impossible possible, creating products and experiences that resonate with people emotionally.
Design today isn’t just about creating objects—it’s about designing experiences. These experiences invite emotional connections, encourage self-expression, and help people feel seen and understood. Whether subtle or bold, designs are meant to make the future not just livable but worth loving.
At CES 2026, Samsung demonstrated how the future of design can humanize technology. By integrating emotional intelligence and human imagination, Samsung is shaping products that enhance people’s lives in meaningful ways. The company’s vision for the future of design is not just about innovation—it’s about creating products that connect emotionally and serve humanity. Through expressive design, Samsung is setting the stage for a future where technology serves people, inspires creativity, and fosters connection.
