iF Design

What do “weak signals” tell us about possible futures? 🎙️✨ In this episode of FUTURE OF XYZ, we explore foresight as a practice that predicts or prepares for the future by listening closely to the “weak signals of possible futures”. Similar to trend tracking and forecasting, it explores how a provocation can blossom into possibility. Our guest is Radha Mistry (@radha_mistry), an expert in foresight who has held senior positions at Autodesk and Steelcase, before joining the global design and engineering consultancy Arup where she is Head of Foresight Thought Leadership. As regular listeners will expect, we cover a ton of ground, from cities to agriculture, media to robots, wellness to global trade, climate change to zero G orbits. This conversation also connects to the release of the 5th annual iF Design Trend Report. Download it at https://bit.ly/48nXw7L. 🎧 Tune in now: https://bit.ly/429ZjcO Or catch the episode on your favorite podcast app, surroundpodcasts.com or YouTube. #FutureOf #Podcast #iFDesign #Design #Trends #Insights #Forecasting #Foresight #Strategy

WHAT. A. NIGHT. ❤️ At the iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT 2026, we welcomed over 2,000 guests from 42 countries. Bold projects, powerful visions and the energy of a global design community filled the room. A huge congratulations to all winners. Your projects show why we trust in the power of design to shape a better future. Thank you to our global design community for making this night unforgettable! #iFDesign #iFDesignAward2026 #iFDesignAward #iFDesignAwardNight2026

OUT NOW: iF Design Trend Report 2026. Free download for a limited time only. ❤️ 300+ pages connecting global trends with the technological and social shifts shaping our future. Four key trend and countertrend pairs, expert insights, statistics and global best practice examples from products, projects and services. Download now:https://bit.ly/3O4cHvT #iFDesign #iFDesignAward2026 #iFDesignAward #iFDesignTrendReport2026

iF Design Breakfast in Milan ☕✨ A morning of ideas, inspiration - and excellent espresso. Last week, we gathered once again in Milan during Salone for our iF Design Breakfast. This year brought even more familiar faces, new connections, and inspiring conversations about what’s shaping the global design landscape. In this vibrant atmosphere, we welcomed guests from across the international design community - a perfect start to a busy day filled with meetings, discoveries, and creativity. Grazie di cuore to everyone who joined us. Moments like these remind us how meaningful real-life exchange is for better design. 🇮🇹 And we hope to see many of you tomorrow in Berlin - at the iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT! 🎉🇩🇪 Alberto Ferrari Uwe Cremering Rodrigo Brenner Mauricio Noronha Werner Aisslinger Natalie Hartkopf, CDF Jan Wagner van der Straten Fabio Verdelli raffaella mangiarotti Patrizio Cionfoli Max Bosio Patrick Abbattista Valentino Caporizzi Barbara Leippold Josh Owen Joa Herrenknecht Rachele Didero, PhD Michael Seum Benjamin Völksen Hlynur Atlason Hyuntaik Lim

A robot that fits the way you live. 🤖🤍 LG Home Robot takes its place among the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 winners as a physical AI designed for life at home. Moving stably on wheels, with dual arms and a flexible waist link system, it is made to assist across the home, bringing LG’s vision of a Zero-labor Home closer to everyday life. Its soft form, neutral-toned CMF and calm presence allow it to blend naturally into the space, while its emotional AI head responds to expressions, voices and gestures for intuitive interaction. By collaborating with other appliances, it strengthens the connected AI home ecosystem. A new role for physical AI in the home. iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 Discipline: Product Design Category: Household Appliances Manufacturer & Design: LG Electronics, Seoul/South Korea #iFDesign #iFDesignAward2026 #iFDesignAward

The Final Jury of the iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD 2026 is live. ❤️🔥🎓 Around 7,000 submissions from 84 countries to 300 shortlisted concepts: our international jury now takes on the final review, diving deep into the boldest student concepts from across the globe. Which projects cut through the noise? Which ones set new directions? This is where the future of design takes shape. We’ll celebrate our winners in June 2026 at a two-day event in Frankfurt, Germany, the World Design Capital 2026. Stay tuned! ❤️ We thank our international sponsors: GROHE, Wonderland Group, Compal, HOTO, Xiaomi Technology and Haier Design! #iFDesign #iFDesignAward #iFDesignStudentAward2026 Federico Ferretti, Lidan Liu, Tim Prigge, Astrid Anna BEHRENS, Leif Huff, Youbin (Binny) KIM, Alexandra Martini, adrien nazez

AI is reshaping design at every level, and the pressure to “do something” about it is mounting. But for design leaders, this moment isn’t about chasing tools; it’s about making smarter decisions. That’s what we’re digging into in our next SPARK Session with Tey Bannerman, AI strategy and transformation leader, on May 6th. In one focused session, you’ll: → Cut through the noise and understand what’s changing in the field → See how your role as a design leader is evolving → Learn how to set yourself and your team up for success You’ll also get a closer look at our “AI Strategy for Design Leaders” course. Join the free SPARK Session — secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/4sIHCfr #iFDesign #iFDesignAcademy #iFDesignAward

Powerful in tight spaces. 🚧⚙️ The Liebherr A 909 and A 911 Compact Litronic join the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 winners: two powerful and compact all-rounders engineered for a wide range of applications in the construction industry. Developed from scratch in the 9- and 11-tonne class, the models combine state-of-the-art technology, high efficiency, first-class workmanship and a strong, functional design. Numerous innovations and the use of more sustainable materials make this series future-proof. With a clear focus on ease of operation, safety and durability, Liebherr sets new standards in the compact wheeled excavator segment. iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 Discipline: Product Design Category: Commercial Vehicles Manufacturer: Liebherr Group Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH, Baden-Württemberg/Germany Design: NOW Design, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern/Germany & Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH, Baden-Württemberg/Germany #iFDesign #iFDesignAward2026 #iFDesignAward

Is your leadership equipped for the pace of change? Today’s design leaders don’t just shape outputs; they define direction. Design Leadership for Strategic Transformation is a high-impact, in-person masterclass developed by the University of St.Gallen and iF DESIGN ACADEMY. Over three days, you’ll learn how to: → Lead through complexity and rapid change → Use design to shape strategy and transformation → Move from execution to setting direction Set on the campus of the University of St. Gallen, this program strengthens your ability to navigate complexity in times of accelerated change. If you’re a mid-to-senior design leader moving from delivering solutions to shaping direction, this course might be the right fit for you. Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/4sDA5OU #iFDesign #iFDesignAcademy #DesignLeadership