Imagine a future where technology doesn’t just serve us—it understands us. That’s the bold vision Samsung unveiled at CES 2026, challenging the very essence of design in the tech industry. But here’s where it gets controversial: What if the next frontier of innovation isn’t about faster processors or sleeker screens, but about creating technology that resonates emotionally, almost like a work of art?**
In the final session of its CES 2026 Tech Forum series, titled The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Living, Samsung gathered some of the brightest minds in design to tackle this question head-on. Held at The First Look space in The Wynn Las Vegas, the panel was moderated by Debbie Millman, host of Design Matters, and featured Samsung’s Chief Design Officer (CDO) Mauro Porcini alongside industry titans Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre. Together, they dissected the future of design in an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
For two decades, minimalism has reigned supreme in tech, shaping everything from smartphones to smart homes. And this is the part most people miss: While minimalism has its merits, it often prioritizes uniformity over individuality. The panel dared to ask: What if technology could be more than just functional? What if it could inspire, connect, and even evoke joy?
Design as an Act of Love
Debbie Millman set the tone by pointing out the uniformity in tech design, a stark contrast to the diversity seen in other industries. “Why can’t technology transcend specs and functionality to become something deeply personal?” she challenged. Samsung is already addressing this by shifting focus from products to people, exploring how technology integrates into our lives, experiences, and needs. This human-centric approach is becoming increasingly vital as barriers like access to tools and technical expertise continue to dissolve.
The Human Side of Tech
The conversation underscored technology’s potential to amplify intention, care, and humanity in our daily lives. Mauro Porcini shared Samsung’s design philosophy: to enrich lives through technology that’s not just advanced, but meaningful. He emphasized the company’s commitment to helping people live longer, better, louder, and more authentically through innovations that foster wellbeing, creativity, and self-expression.
Karim Rashid added a thought-provoking perspective: “We form emotional bonds with objects, not just because of their utility, but because of their design. A well-designed product can become an extension of our identity.” This idea challenges the traditional view of technology as purely functional, inviting us to see it as a medium for emotional connection.
Designing for Human Values
The panel also explored AI’s role in shaping the future of design. Here’s the controversial part: While some fear AI will replace human creativity, the panelists argued it’s a tool to expand it—but only when guided by Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Human Imagination (HI). Porcini coined the formula AI × (EI + HI) to illustrate this balance, explaining, “AI amplifies our humanity when it’s rooted in empathy and imagination. It’s not about replacing us; it’s about enhancing what makes us uniquely human.”
Expressive Design Drives More Meaningful Experiences
Fabio Novembre captured the essence of this shift: “Happiness is the ultimate goal of design. It’s about making the impossible possible and putting humanity back at the center of innovation.” The panelists agreed that the future of design isn’t just about creating objects—it’s about crafting experiences that reflect emotion, meaning, and identity. This shift opens the door to designs that are as bold and imaginative as they are subtle and minimal, all aimed at creating a future worth loving.
Food for Thought
As we stand on the brink of this design revolution, a question lingers: Can technology truly become an extension of our humanity, or will it always remain a tool? And if it can, what does that mean for how we live, connect, and express ourselves? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that shapes the future of design together.
Note: This article discusses concepts and products currently in development. Plans, claims, timelines, and specifications are subject to change, and availability may vary by region, country, or carrier.
