Las Vegas (OTE) – The concluding session of Samsung’s CES 2026 Tech
Forum series
highlighted the human side of technology with leading designers

Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. today held the final session in
its CES 2026 Tech Forum series, ‘The Human Side of Tech: Designing a
Future Worth Living,’ at Samsung’s The First Look space at The Wynn
Las Vegas. The panel, moderated by Debbie Millman, host of ‘Design
Matters,’ featured Samsung Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini and
industry-leading designers Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre.

With minimalism having defined the visual language of the tech
industry for the past two decades, this panel of designers convened
by Samsung asked: What comes next? Together, the panelists explored
how warmer, more expressive and emotionally resonant technology can
shape meaningful experiences in today’s AI era, while also charting a
path forward for the industry.

Design as an Act of Love

The session covered a shared view on the purpose of design as
fundamentally people-first. “In recent years, design in tech has been
somewhat uniform,” said moderator Debbie Millman. “Compared to other
industries, the uniformity in the world of tech is an anomaly. So
what if we were to extend technology beyond specifications and
functionality?”

Samsung is currently addressing this question by introducing
meaning beyond products by focusing on how technology fits into
people’s lives, experiences and needs. The panelists discussed the
growing importance of this mindset in the current landscape in which
traditional barriers to entry such as access to tools, scale and
technical capability continue to diminish.

The Human Side of Tech

The discussion highlighted technology’s role in making intention,
care and humanity visible in everyday life. Panelists noted that
technology should help people recognize the thoughtfulness embedded
in the products they invite into their homes and routines.

In this context, Samsung Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini
shared Samsung’s design purpose: to enrich the quality of people’s
lives through meaningful technology designed for humanity. He
outlined the company’s commitment to help people live longer, live
better, live louder and live on through advanced technologies that
support wellbeing, creativity and self-expression.

Panelist Karim Rashid added to this sentiment, saying, “When we
think about physical things in our world, we think not only about
diversity of choice but also the fact that we can develop strong
connections to objects,” he said. “Through design, you can end up
with a very powerful, emotional connection with inanimate objects, or
even products.”

Designing for Human Values

The panel went on to explore how AI can unlock new possibilities
for expression when shaped by human values. Panelists discussed a
shared view that AI reaches its true potential when guided by
Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination, not as a replacement
for human creativity but as a force that expands it.

CDO Porcini articulated this with “AI × (EI + HI),” his approach
to balancing Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination to bring
meaning to innovation. While describing this philosophy, CDO Porcini
said, “When we design and develop, AI is amplified by Emotional
Intelligence and Human Imagination. Then, when people use products,
AI amplifies Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination.” He added,
“Do not fear technology. We are here to humanize it, guide it, and
shape it.”

Through these insights, the session reinforced the belief that
technology should be humanized, guided and shaped to serve people’s
lives in increasingly new and meaningful ways.

Expressive Design Drives More Meaningful Experiences

The discussion reinforced the importance of expressive design in
bringing human-centered purpose to life, creating experiences that
reflect emotion, support self-expression, invite connection and
stimulate imagination.

“Happiness is the aim of design,” said Fabio Novembre. “Our
pursuit of happiness is through design, making the impossible
possible. I strongly believe in design, and that it must move back to
the center of the stage.”

Panelists noted that this reflects a shift from merely designing
objects to designing experiences where emotion, meaning and identity
are increasingly integral to how people relate to technology. This
approach inspires a new kind of expression, resulting in designs that
range from subtle and minimal to bold and imaginative — all meant to
shape a future that isn’t just worth living, but worth loving.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with
transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the
worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home
appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and
foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC
solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and
audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open
collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its
portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected
experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at
news.samsung.com .

Photo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856235/Samsung_CES_2026.jpg

Photo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856237/Samsung_Mauro_Porcini.jpg

Photo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2856238/Samsung_CES_Tech_Forum.jpg

Logo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2848283/5705094/Samsung_Digital_App-
liances_Logo.jpg

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-
releases/samsung-reimagines-the-future-of-design-at-ces-2026-guiding-
technology-for-humanity-302654739.html

Digital press kit: http://www.ots.at/pressemappe/PR181708/aom