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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that it will host an exhibition titled “Design is an Act of Love” at Milan Design Week 2026. Immersive in nature, the exhibition will explore the Human Side of Tech through a dialogue between experimental concepts and the latest commercial products.

The exhibition takes the form of Samsung Design Open Lab, a space imagined as a laboratory for exploration, experimentation and discovery. Within the space, Samsung invites visitors to explore how ideas take shape, offering a glimpse of how human-centered and expressive design can transform technology into a more personal, emotional and meaningful presence in everyday life.

What visitors experience in Milan represents a moment in an ongoing journey — an early expression of how Samsung is reimagining the relationship between technology and everyday life, as well as a signal of the direction in which its design vision is headed.

As part of the program, Samsung will host a Design Talk session in collaboration with Dezeen on April 22, where it will share perspectives on the evolving relationship between design and humanity.

Founded in 1953 as Die Gute Industrieform e.V., the iF Design Awards evaluates a comprehensive range of factors, including differentiation and impact, across a total of nine disciplines: Product Design, Packaging Design, Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Professional Concept, Service Design, Architecture, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI).

“Today, design goes far beyond products or user interfaces. It shapes meaningful experiences that resonate with People.” said Mauro Porcini, President and Chief Design Officer of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics.“Human-centered design will remain at the heart of our efforts -deepening immersion and advancing responsible innovation.”

Two Gold Awards Recognise Designs that Enrich People’s Lives

Music Studio 5, at first glance is a classic rectangular speaker, but a closer look reveals its unique details such as the finely perforated grille that conceals the high performing audio units. Dynamic front lighting helps the user easily identify key functions and the timeless design integrates seamlessly into any space while capturing the elegance of an objet d’art. Yet the shape is novel and pure, signaling an expressive presence in the room. Music Studio 5 can also connect to a Samsung TV through the novel Q-Symphony wireless interface resulting in a true cinema-like experience at home.

Advanced Design Concepts for Appliance Accessories – named as ‘Samsung Home Appliances Accessories’ designated three colours for accessories such as filters for vacuum cleaner and air purifiers – depending on their maintenance requirements and disposal methods. Through this design improvement, users can more easily recognise the needs of their accessories, especially if they have changed or been updated.

77 Awards Ranging From TVs to Home Appliances to Smartphones

Other products and services that were recognised for design excellence include One UI 7 user interface that brings AI-driven enhancement with a bold new design for greater personalisation and control to the user experience and Home Insight’, a smart home feature that analyses appliance status and user patterns to recommend optimal, personalised solutions.

• The S95H OLED, a TV that features an ultra-slim, bezel-free design that resembles a high-end picture frame mounted on the wall

• The Movingstyle, a lifestyle screen that follows you• Vision AI TV, an AI interface that adapts to your context

• Spatial signage’, a glasses-free 3D display that delivers an immersive visual experience

• Galaxy Z Fold7, the most advanced Galaxy Z series yet, seamlessly blending precision engineering and powerful intelligence to elevate everyday interactions, all in its thinnest and lightest design to date.

Other products and services that were recognised for design excellence include One UI 7 user interface that brings AI-driven enhancement with a bold new design for greater personalisation and control to the user experience and Home Insight’, a smart home feature that analyses appliance status and user patterns to recommend optimal, personalised solutions.

Samsung Electronics’ 77 awards is showcasing our human-centric design philosophy and how technology can become an enabler for living better, longer, loud and living on. The manifestation of the human side of technology.

Founded in 1953 as Die Gute Industrieform e.V., the iF Design Awards evaluates a comprehensive range of factors, including differentiation and impact, across a total of nine categories: Product Design, Packaging Design, Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Professional Concept, Service Design, Architecture, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI).

“Innovation with AI can help resonate with our customers through the power of design” said TM Roh, President and Head of the Corporate Design Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will strive to provide designs that harmonise with consumers’ changing lifestyles and contribute to society and the lives of our consumers.”

Two Gold Awards Recognize Designs That Offer Customised Experiences for Different Lifestyles

Ballie[1], an AI companion robot for the home, acts as a personal assistant that can autonomously drive around the home to complete various tasks. By connecting to and managing home appliances, Ballie can provide a helping hand to users in many situations — continually learning from users’ patterns and habits to provide smarter, more personalised services.

Advanced concept package design for small portable projectors — named as ‘Sustainable Design & Communication, BOJAGI’ — was inspired by a traditional Korean tool called bojagi. The design was implemented using scrap fabric, and was designed to be able to package and sustainably be reused regardless of its shape.

58 Awards Ranging From TVs to Home Appliances to Smartphones

Other products and services that were recognised for design excellence include Foldable Galaxy AI UX, Bespoke refrigerator UX and the Newfound Equilibrium exhibition at Milan Design Week 2024. Foldable Galaxy AI UX enables seamless communication anywhere, anytime with AI-based mobile features like Live Translate, which enables easy conversations with someone in another language. And thanks to the dual screen functionality of Galaxy Z series, you can switch your device into FlexMode so both parties can see the conversation translated in a more natural way. Bespoke refrigerator UX provides various experiences that simplify users’ lives, such as managing food lists and controlling connected devices. And the Newfound Equilibrium exhibition showcases Samsung’s user-centered design philosophy with an aim to inspire a vision for a better future that encompasses the balance between people and technology.

[1] Will be available in the first half of 2025 and availability may vary by region.

The study, conducted by Samsung UK and OnePoll, surveyed 1,000 UK adults with invisible and visible disabilities and reveals that over two-thirds (68%) have felt excluded from products or services due to accessibility issues.

Over half of the respondents (55%) don’t believe mainstream brands are invested enough in making products that cater to individual needs, while ​54% don’t think companies have an understanding of which accessibility features are important for consumers with disabilities.

Brands are missing a trick here, as the spending power of disabled people and their households – known as the purple pound – is estimated to be worth a staggering £274 billion a year^[1].

80% claim major national and international brands could be missing out on millions by not thinking about inclusive design for consumers with disabilities. It also emerged that 72% of consumers surveyed have abandoned a purchase due to a product’s lack of accessibility. On the other hand, over half (56%) are willing to pay more if they find a fully accessible product.

Greater accessibility also opens the door to loyal customers, as three quarters (76%) of consumers admit they would stay loyal to companies who offer a good range of accessible options.

Katharina Mayer, Head of LifeStyle Lab Europe, at Samsung said: “This research has highlighted the huge opportunity for brands to better understand the accessibility needs of consumers to provide greater access for people with disabilities in the UK. It is an absolute necessity for companies to test their ideas with diverse people with different needs. When designers consider varied needs from the beginning, they don’t just benefit people with disabilities – they create solutions that serve everyone and that is the approach we aim to take to inclusive design at Samsung. This is a foundation of good design that led to our enhanced design principles, which we developed in Project INKlusion”.

Project INKlusion was created by Samsung as a collaborative project aimed at enhancing inclusive design. Samsung spoke with design leaders and over five hundred members of Samsung’s Global Employee Resource Groups to understand the challenges within current products and solutions and find creative ways to address them together with leading design experts. The four DEI design principles and practice include:

1. Stay Curious – create joy through play, learning and growing
2. Challenge Assumptions – deconstruct the ‘normal’, solve problems not people
3. Celebrate Diversity – amplify diverse stories; represent real life
4. Be the Change – create with, not for; expand beyond the individual

But there’s still work to be done. When it comes to online shopping, 80% struggle with websites that are not optimised for accessibility. Issues include, poorly designed checkout process (30%), lack of text descriptions for images (22%) and inaccessible website navigation (20%).

Consumers also identified the most challenging everyday experiences due to poor accessibility as retail store layouts (24%), followed by food packaging (22%) and clothing (21%).

Promisingly, technology is paving the way for accessible design. The top tech innovations for people with a disability were named as virtual assistants, smart home devices and wearable devices for health monitoring.

Samsung is committed to advancing accessibility in technology, from ensuring all mobile and TV screens have accessible voice and caption tools. Our wearables have vision accessibility features for those who find screen size challenging, and our Galaxy Ring passively tracks body metrics.  Alongside this, hearing enhancements, voice feedback and Braille labels exist across Samsung’s range of smart appliances.

Ben Evans, Director of London Design Festival said: “Accessibility in design is not just a feature; it’s an essential foundation for a truly inclusive world. At London Design Festival, we believe that great design serves everyone, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance. Design should be a bridge that connects people, not a barrier. It’s clear from Samsung’s research, that there is still work to be done, and we must continue to showcase a wide breadth of spaces, products, and systems that promote inclusive design and encourage innovation and creativity”.

Amy Francis-Smith RIBA, Architect & Accessible Design Specialist said “The tech sector has long been a pioneer in empowering disabled individuals and creating transformative innovations that simplify life for us all – like voice recognition software, electric toothbrushes and keyboards. Yet, with over half of consumers questioning mainstream brands’ commitment to accessibility, advocates like Samsung championing this cause are more vital than ever. By prioritising inclusivity through empathetic design and considerate practices, we can set a new standard that fosters a more inclusive tech industry—and a more accessible society—for everyone.”

To learn more about Samsung’s accessibility features, please visit: www.samsung.com/uk/sustainability/accessibility

[1] https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmwomeq/605/report.html#:~:text=6.,choice%20available%20to%20disabled%20consumers

“Design must fully take the human experience into consideration, and Samsung’s design principles achieve this,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Corporate Design Center at Samsung Electronics. “With our human-centered design philosophy, we aim to create a future that harmonises with the lives of our customers through innovation with purpose.”

Five Unique Spaces Bring Essential∙Innovative∙Harmonious to Life

Samsung’s “Newfound Equilibrium” exhibition at Milan Design Week 2024 will showcase an inspiring vision for a better future that encompasses the balance between people and technology. To make an impact on attendees, the exhibit will feature media art that awakens the senses — particularly sight, hearing and smell.

Anchoring the multi-sensory experience, the immersive installation guides visitors through five spaces that express Samsung’s Essential⸱Innovative⸱Harmonious design identity as a thoughtful composition of light, sound and digital interactions. The five spaces that communicate with visitors through displays, sensors and light are titled “Essence,” “Innovation,” “Harmony,” “Infinite Dream” and “New Dawning.” As visitors approach the screens in the spaces, translucent elements change into specific shapes and textures, and the shapes beyond the window appear as if they are approaching onlookers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the dream of an infinite future drawing nearer.

Through collaborations with the human craftsmanship of ceramic masters MUTINA, and wood veneer wizards ALPI, the Bespoke Refrigerator and AirDresser have also been reimagined considering the co-existence of people and technology.

Samsung’s “Newfound Equilibrium” exhibition is located at Via Olona, 6 bis, Milan and offers free entry, at the following times/dates:

• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (April 16-18)
• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (April 19-20)
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April 21)

[1] Fuorisalone is the set of events held in different areas of Milan during Milan Design Week.

It’s always exciting to develop a product and introduce it to the market. Whenever I take on a challenge like this, I wonder if the new product will resonate with customers — perhaps, it will even become a game changer and impact lives in a meaningful way.

If we look more closely at the product development process, design makes innovative technologies shine while technology makes design dreams a reality. Only when design and technology are in perfect harmony can we develop a product that provides genuine value to our users. Samsung Electronics excels at balancing design with innovative technology, and we continually strive to create products that blend seamlessly into our customers’ lives.

To this end, we have redefined our design philosophy as we approach 2030. “Samsung Design Identity 5.0 (DI 5.0): Essential ∙ Innovative ∙ Harmonious”^[1] is the new direction that will define the future we hope to provide.

Samsung’s Design Philosophy and Its Evolution

More than 1,500 designers work at Samsung’s seven global design studios to solve everyday problems facing a wide range of customers, each from a different culture or background with unique preferences and tastes. At the centre of this effort is Samsung’s design philosophy — “Inspired by Humans, Creating the Future” — which has not changed since its inception in 1996.

But the way people live and experience their lives is constantly changing, and we have had to refine and evolve our design identity to reflect that. “Samsung Design Identity 5.0: Essential∙Innovative ∙Harmonious” is the vision that will guide us through 2030. Moving forward, we’ll continue to introduce smartphones, TVs, refrigerators and other products that reflect this new mindset.

Essential∙Innovative∙Harmonious. What Does That Mean?

Essential design focuses on the original intent and purpose of the product — to provide an optimised user experience without any unnecessary elements. This year, the latest Galaxy S24 series allows users to have an intuitive experience with their mobile phones alongside its unified look with a thin bezel. Our TVs with Infinity Air Design appear to float in mid-air for a more immersive viewing experience. On the other hand, our all-in-one washer and dryer maximises space efficiency through a minimalist design.

Innovative design brings valuable changes — not merely novelty — to our customers’ lives. Examples include a TV that automatically upscales low-resolution images to 8K level using AI technology; an AI-based robot vacuum cleaner that automatically recognises floor type, objects and living spaces for optimal cleaning; and a Live Translate feature that helps smartphone users overcome language barriers through real-time translation. These products all merge innovation with creativity.

Harmonious design unites products and people with society, the environment and other human values. SmartThings improves convenience by integrating and connecting products for users to control remotely. Meanwhile, Music Frame, a customisable frame-shaped speaker, blends into any interior. Designs that create harmony between products and customers’ daily lives — rather than designs that announce their own existence — are the kind we will continue to pursue.

A Future of Infinite Possibilities

At Samsung, our commitment to our essential purpose of innovating endlessly and creating designs that improve our users’ lives. We aim to empower customers around the globe and enrich their lives by offering meaningful experiences, no matter what Samsung products they choose.

At Milan Design Week 2024, we are presenting the exhibition “Newfound Equilibrium” to showcase an inspiring vision for a better future — one that achieves the right balance between humans and technology. Join us on April 16 for a future of infinite possibilities.

[1] History of Samsung’s Design Identities

Design Identity 1.0 (2001-2005): Simplicity with Resonance

Design Identity 2.0 (2006-2010): Create an Emotional Journey

Design Identity 3.0 (2011-2018): Make It Meaningful

Design Identity 4.0 (2019-2022): Be Bold. Resonate With Soul.

Design Identity 5.0 (2023-2030): Essential∙Innovative∙Harmonious.

Founded in 1953 as Die Gute Industrieform e.V., the iF Design Award conducts comprehensive evaluations of factors including differentiation and impact across a total of nine categories: Product, Packaging, Communication, Professional Concept, Interior Architecture, Architecture, Service Design, User Experience (UX), and User Interface (UI).

“It is important to design meaningful experiences that integrate shifting customer values with innovative technologies,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Corporate Design Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to contribute to our customers’ lives and our society with designs that cater to all needs.”

Gold Award Recognises Design That Offers Customised Experiences for Different Lifestyles

The Bespoke Infinite Line is a premium built-in look refrigerator that is available in a choice of fridge, freezer or wine cellar models and features a timelessly contemporary modular design that seamlessly blends into any interior^[2]. With simple lines, high-quality natural materials and features that maximise convenience and streamline food storage, the Bespoke Infinite Line adds lasting value to consumers’ kitchens.

The refrigerator’s exterior is made from premium aluminum that is more dent- and scratch-resistant and allows marks and stains to be easily wiped away. The interior is bright and refined with its Black Metal Cooling and Tunnel Lighting — two features that epitomise the refrigerator’s elegant balance of form and function.

Total of 80 Awards, From Product to UX Design, Including TVs, Home Appliances and Smartphones

Samsung Electronics’ 80 wins across all design categories, including Product and UX, were the most of any nominee at this year’s awards.

In addition to the Bespoke Infinite Line’s Gold Award, Samsung received awards in the Product category for the Odyssey Ark, the world’s first 55-inch 1000R curved gaming screen; the Bespoke Jet, a cordless stick vacuum with an all-in-one Clean Station; and the Galaxy Z Flip4 Bespoke edition, a smartphone that offers an exclusive customisation experience by allowing users to design a device that is uniquely theirs.

Samsung’s accessibility-enhanced TV UX, which includes an avatar-based Sign Language Guide that provides explanations of TV menus in sign language, and Samsung Space Tycoon, a virtual space and management simulation game on the Roblox metaverse platform where users can create and play games and share experiences using Samsung products, were also recognised for design excellence.

[1] Availability may vary by region.

[2] The refrigerator is available globally, and availability of other products may vary by region.

LONDON, UK – 13 October 2022 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  has collaborated with Christie’s – a world-leading art and luxury business renowned and trusted for its expert live and online auctions – as innovation partner.

Central to the collaboration is contemporary Italian artist Andrea Bonaceto’s interactive NFT artwork titled AB Infinite 1, brought to life at Christie’s through The Wall, Samsung’s luxury and bespoke multimedia display, via a site-specific installation which enabled the artwork to be a focal moment at the highly anticipated Contemporary Art Party, in association with ELLE, at its King Street London headquarters during Frieze Week.

Bonaceto’s interactive NFT, designed on the blockchain Algorand, invites the public to alter the digital artwork through a specially designed AI, a user-friendly mechanism that collects reactions to the work through social media and turns them into visual responses within the work.

AB Infinite 1 was also on view in London on Samsung’s The Frame from 6 to 13 October, ahead of the 20^th/21^st Century: London Evening Sale at Christie’s.

Damon Crowhurst, Head of Display at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. said: “Samsung’s innovation partnership with Christie’s is a symbol of our commitment to driving evolution through technology in the art sector. Our display solutions are perfectly placed to bring to life the vivid and breath-taking artworks such as AB Infinite 1, to elevate the viewing experience for all. As an official partner of the event, using our display technology such as The Wall, it is an exciting moment to be at the heart of an ever changing and evolving digital art world’

To find out further information, readers can visit the dedicated Samsung x Christie’s landing page here: https://www.christies.com/events/20th-21st-century-london/innovation-partner

Featuring a massive site-specific installation by felt sensation Lucy Sparrow and work by three of Korea’s biggest K-pop artistes, alongside over 70 emerging and established global artists and galleries from more than 25 countries, StART Art Fair 2021 will help to bring the work of emerging artistic communities to a global audience – with the help of Samsung’s innovative display technology.

Samsung technology on show at StART Fair will include various products across the Samsung Display range, including the Samsung Flip, the Wall and the Kiosk.  The 2021 Flip will be showcased throughout the gallery in 4K ultra high definition for visitors to interact with, as well as offering artists the opportunity to doodle and upload their artwork. In addition to the ground-breaking Samsung Wall showcasing content throughout the week, there will also be a Samsung Kiosk on display – offering visitors the opportunity to have their image taken against a backdrop of any of the artists’ work throughout the exhibition via a greenscreen, before taking the image away in a digital format.

Damon Crowhurst, Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd said, “We are happy to partner again with StART for a second year, and have increased our display technology to allow visitors to become part of their favourite artwork, we hope everyone will enjoy this year’s event, with Samsung products that enable even better life experiences.”

StART founder David Ciclitira said, “As we gear up for the 8th edition of StART, I am prouder than ever of the talent we have on display. Rather than having a section of the fair devoted to emerging talent, this Fair is entirely FOR emerging talent, the names of tomorrow. Don’t just watch this space, come and interact with it!”

LONDON, UK – August 28 2019 – The hotly anticipated Samsung KX has recently opened under the iconic kissing point of London’s Coal Drops Yard. The 20,000sq ft. space blends innovation and local culture into its design to create a place of discovery for guests.

The architectural prowess of Samsung KX starts with Coal Drops Yard. The internationally renowned London-based Heatherwick Studio has reimagined London’s derelict Victorian warehouses into ‘kissing’ rooftops. The design extends the inner gabled roofs of two heritage rail buildings from the 1850s, with a new, technical structure to form a floating upper storey. The studio’s design includes staggered glass panels which flood the space with natural light, illuminating Samsung KX and boasting iconic views of the retail district and beyond.

Cheil worked with Samsung to conceptualise and deliver the design of Samsung KX, driving the process from initial ideation through to technical planning and construction utilising the visionary space created by Heatherwick Studio.

For the interior, Samsung collaborated with progressive local studios Brinkworth, KSS, and Portview to create an innovative space. Centered around flexibility, everything inside Samsung KX can be adjusted for guests to discover new experiences. The space boasts a Monolithic ceiling which is adaptable in height and unbonded flooring made up of adjustable stone. It also features industrial concrete furniture which can easily be configured to create an auditorium set-up for up to one hundred guests.

Brinkworth designed bespoke furniture for Samsung KX, with each piece adapted for Samsung products to work seamlessly. A combination of materials has also been used within the space including stained oak, mass concrete and mirrored metals to give a premium feel to the retail fixtures. These have then been offset with soft booths and upholstery with steel seating, which nod to London’s infamous recording studios and underground network. Further finishing touches include pieces by up-and-coming British designers Lily Pearmain, Helena Lacy and Tom Dixon.

Samsung KX also features a prominent crystal acrylic installation from Korean designer, Saerom Yoon, representing the brand’s heritage in Seoul. The ‘Blue Pillar’ design purposefully replicates a watercolour painting through his use of carefully selected gradient tones and natural textures to provide a light ambience within the space.

Tanya Weller, Director of Samsung Showcase said: “Samsung KX has been built with local heritage at its heart and this is reflected heavily in the design; right from the roof to the floor tiles. This is a destination which absolutely embodies the community of London while boasting pioneering design and challenging architectural norms. We want to be a destination of culture and innovation and that starts from the building itself. We’re excited to provide a location for the community that fuels the creativity of King’s Cross and beyond.”

To learn more about the diverse range of events and experiences on offer, visit Samsung KX at London’s Coal Drops Yard, or online at www.samsung.com/uk/kx