Specializing Master in Sensorial Surface Design

In partnership with ASSOPANNELLI - FederlegnoArredo

The Specializing Master in Sensorial Surface Design focuses on the design of the perceptive and technical aspects of surfaces as a privileged “place” for experiential interactions, research, experimentation, and anticipation of aesthetic and sociocultural trends. Starting from the functional and sensory qualities of surfaces, the Master’s course focuses on the design of the emotional identity of furniture products and interiors.

The specialized skills offered by the Specializing Master cover both the theoretical, technical and practical aspects linked to color, materials and finishes and the intangible aspects linked to the sensorial experience and perception of value.

Title Released

The Diploma of Specializing Master in Sensorial Surface Design by Politecnico di Milano will be awarded, with a course attendance rate of over 75%.

The Specializing Master program grants 60 CFU (Formative University Credits) equivalent to 60 ECTS.

The training objectives of the Specializing Master are:

• skills in designing the perceptual and technical aspects of surfaces;
• design skills and management of the perceptual, sensory and emotional implications of furniture and interior design products;
• specialist skills in CMF design;
• ability to analyse trends and transformations in order to respond to the new needs of production sectors and markets.

The professional figure trained by the Specializing Master can work in the different sectors of Furniture/Interior design within company teams dedicated to CMF Design, Colour design, Material design and Surface design.

Didactic Plan

The Specializing Master is based on a mix of theoretical lectures, testimonials and in-depth technical studies, correlated with practical activities and workshops that will be held in blended mode (online and in-presence).

At the end of the course, project works lasting a total of 105 hours in presence are carried out in small teams.

Types of activities

• Introductory and specialized lectures by a highly qualified faculty made up of Politecnico di Milano professors, professionals and sector experts from the business world.
• Testimonials and technical insights from designers and companies.
• Practical activities and workshops to acquire project and management skills.
• Project work is carried out in small teams starting from project briefs with the support of companies, professionals, and sector experts.
• Students will have to choose between the 400-hour professional project or the 400-hour internship in companies and professional studios, with the aim of testing and expanding the skills acquired during the Master’s course in the world of work.

All the activities are conducted in English.

DIdactic Modules

The master’s degree is divided into 7 teaching modules.

Modules 1 to 6 are delivered in blended mode (online and face-to-face): 2 full-time days per week (14 synchronous hours). Module 7 on Project works is delivered in face-to-face mode: 5 days a week full time (for a total of 105 hours).

1. Module: Basics

• Design Culture
• Color Design
• Material and Finishing Design
• CMF Design

2. Module: Trend research and forecasting

• Perceptual and social aspects
• Moodboard Design
• Colour Trend
• Trend Research and Strategy

3. Module: Experience and Strategic Design

• User experience
• The strategic approach to innovation

4. Module: Surface Design

• Combining the technical and aesthetic, functional and emotional aspects of surfaces
• Workshop

5. Module: Sensorial and Emotional Design

• Designing the sensorial and emotional aspects of surfaces, furniture and interiors
• Workshop

6. Module: Furniture Design

• Product design and engineering
• Workshop

7. Project works

• Project work: Surfaces
• Project work: Furniture product
• Project work: Interiors

Internship or professional training project: 400 hours.

• 1st in Italy
• 4th in Europe
• 8th in the World

Politecnico di Milano - QS Ranking 2023 in Art&Design category