Samsung concluded its CES 2026 Tech Forum series earlier this week with a session exploring how technology design can become more expressive.
The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Living was held at Samsung’s The First Look space at The Wynn Las Vegas on January 7.
With minimalism having dominated consumer technology aesthetics, the panel questioned what comes next as the AI era progresses.
Moderated by Debbie Millman, host of Design Matters, the discussion brought together Samsung’s chief design officer Mauro Porcini alongside designers Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre: they suggested technology should extend beyond specifications and functionality to reflect care, intention and emotional connection.
For residential environments in particular, the discussion highlighted technology that feels considered and personal rather than uniform or purely technical; panelists noted it should help people recognise the thoughtfulness embedded in the products they invite into their routines.
Porcini outlined a design purpose around quality of life, helping “people live longer, live better, live louder and live on”. He also introduced his design philosophy of “AI × (EI + HI).”
“When we design and develop, AI is amplified by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination,” he said. “Do not fear technology. We are here to humanise it, guide it, and shape it.”
Designers Rashid and Novembre echoed the importance of warmer technology, with Rashid stating: "Through design, you can end up with a very powerful, emotional connection with inanimate objects, or even products."
Image source: Samsung Newsroom