Smart materials e Design Sistemico. Verso la definizione di un nuovo paradigma progettuale

The world of design and industrial engineering is often characterized by a holistic view of the entire design paradigm. Starting from an encyclopaedic definition of system in the scientific field, it follows that the product can be schematized by means of a bill of materials, components and sub-assemblies which, properly assembled and interconnected, give life to the whole, final product. However, it is important not to deal with a project as a mere list of items. The systematic nature of its functions is a fundamental parameter to consider, to allow the integration of the artifact in a space-time context, as well as a cultural reference. Giving meaning to the system being designed means creating functional links between each of its parts and including the practice of making sense of the design material available for design. In this regard, scientific research has been focusing on the development of so-called smart materials, the maximum expression of the paradigm of designed materials, having nowadays the ability to control them at a molecular level. These solutions are capable of reacting to an external stimulus by modifying their structural, morphological, chromatic or thermal properties. There is a perspective revolution applied to product design that no longer sees designers involved in defining the shape of an object, but in the performance and functional design of smart systems capable of interpreting the present and predicting the future needs of users. Material design will increasingly coincide with the shape of the object. Currently, studies are also focused on the processability and practical applications of smart materials, to create MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical) devices, capable of replacing the complex and macroscopic mechanisms that drive the functioning of objects. This would reduce the overall complexity of the system, with a consequent minimization of the amount of energy and material required. Many of the applications are oriented towards active safety, fault prevention and management. Sensitivity, interactivity and communication skills characterize the "objects that think", communicating surfaces and interactive micro-environments, leading to a world that is more sensitive to our desires. Materials, devices and intelligent systems represent a universe that goes far beyond our expectations on matter, with selfregenerative and reparative abilities, in an increasingly tangible affinity with the dynamics of living beings.