SALTZMAN: Tech takes center stage at Milan’s Design Week
The 63rd annual Design Week in Milan, with the theme of “Mondi Connessi” (Connected Worlds), wrapped up on Thursday, showcasing collaborations between design leaders and fashion brands, furniture crafters and architects, musicians, and even software engineers. The event highlighted the convergence of digital and physical experiences, with a strong emphasis on technology and sustainable innovation.
One of the key exhibitors at the event was ASUS, known for its Zenbook laptops, which hosted a showcase titled “Design You Can Feel” at Galleria Meravigli. In collaboration with Studio INI founder Nassia Inglessis, ASUS presented an installation called “Willful Wonder,” exploring themes of materiality, craftsmanship, and AI. Inspired by Zenbook laptops featuring Ceraluminum, a fusion of ceramics and aerospace-grade aluminum, the installation offered a unique sensory experience.
Willful Wonder was described as a catwalk-like structure with honeycombed wings that opened and closed as visitors passed through. The installation aimed to create an immersive and interactive experience, with AI-generated videos personalized for each participant. Nassia Inglessis emphasized the use of technology to create an “embodied intelligence” that responds to physical interactions and perceptions.
The partnership between Studio INI and ASUS marked the first collaboration between the designer and a tech brand. Inglessis highlighted the analog feel of the installation, despite the embedded technology in the materials used. The experience of Willful Wonder was designed to evoke a sense of wonder and transformation, from a cocoon-like enclosure to a state of exploration and tranquility.
ASUS introduced Ceraluminum in some of its Zenbook laptops in 2024, a material achieved through an electrochemical process that combines the lightness of aluminum with the resilience of ceramic. The environmentally responsible material is 100% recyclable and offers a matte finish that repels fingerprints and scratches. During Milan Design Week 2025, ASUS unveiled Ceraluminum Signature Edition-branded laptops inspired by Earth’s natural landscapes.
Galip Fu, marketing director for ASUS Consumer PCs, emphasized the importance of design in personal computers and the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and beauty. The exploration of materials and design, including Ceraluminum, differentiates ASUS from its competitors and reflects a journey of innovation and sustainability.
The collaboration between Studio INI and ASUS at Milan Design Week showcased the intersection of technology, design, and art, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience that blurred the line between the physical and digital worlds. The event highlighted the potential for creativity and innovation when different disciplines come together to create connected worlds.
