Program Overview

Introduction to the Laboratorio di Basic Design Program

The Laboratorio di Basic Design program is designed to introduce students to the complex world of design through a journey of knowledge that helps them understand the cultural, methodological, and technical elements that form the basis of project culture in the area of industrial design.

Program Objectives

The objective of this teaching is to provide students with the tools to understand the meaning of the basic concepts of product design and to experiment with the dimension of the design process. Fundamental formative moments are the communications dedicated to learning the elements of the process that goes from analyzing needs to ideation and realization of products, and theoretical-practical exercises.

Program Structure

The course is structured in two different modalities: a module reserved for frontal lessons of theoretical deepening, and another reserved for classroom activities of research, elaboration of exercises, and revisions. Classroom work is considered an indispensable formative moment.

Course Content

The course will alternate theoretical lessons with practical exercises to be carried out in the classroom. It will initially address the theoretical concepts of "Basic Design," developing the theories of composition at the level of form, color, and visual perception, such as the color theories of Johannes Itten or the laws of Gestalt.

Teaching Methods

The teaching method involves stimulating the student's curiosity and creativity, leading them to continually question how the objects that surround us are designed. The method emphasizes learning to see and observe, decontextualizing and deconstructing common objects, and understanding the archetypes of design.

Evaluation Methods

The student will be evaluated based on the following exercises and exam tests:

1. Basic Design individual ex-tempore exercises during the semester, worth 30% of the final grade.
2. Reading the project group exercises during the semester, worth 20% of the final grade.
3. Research and project group project exercise to be presented at the final exam, worth 40% of the final grade.
4. An exercise on a book from the bibliography, worth 10% of the final grade.

Bibliography

The complexity of the topics covered requires more detailed and specific bibliographic references, which will be provided during the course. However, the following texts are considered essential:

• Bruno Munari, "Da cosa nasce cosa."
• Donald Norman, "La caffettiera del masochista. Il design degli oggetti quotidiani."
• "Appunti di Basic Design. La Storia - I presupposti," edited by Francesco Fumelli.

Teachers and Commissions

The course is taught by Alessandra Giacardi, who is available for reception one hour before lessons, by appointment only.

Lessons and Exams

The lesson schedule can be found on the EasyAcademy portal. The exam will take place on February 4, 2026, at 9:45 AM in Genoa, and students are required to bring their final project and any missing exercises.

Additional Information

It is recommended that students attend all lessons. The course can be attended in either frequent or non-frequent mode. Students who attend at least 70% of the lessons and submit all in-class exercises are considered frequent students.

Agenda 2030

The program aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, specifically:

• Quality Education
• Gender Equality
• Affordable and Clean Energy
• Responsible Consumption and Production
• Climate Action

By following this program, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of basic design and develop the skills necessary to apply them in real-world scenarios, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.