Paolo Cardini

Paolo Cardini came to RISD from the interdisciplinary graduate design program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. His work ranges from product design to interaction design and from integrated communication to strategic planning.
Cardini studied industrial design at Politecnico di Milano and Glasgow School of Art and has served as department chair for undergraduate and graduate industrial design departments at Istituto Europeo di Design in Turin. In addition to teaching, Cardini designs and consults for various international firms, lectures at conferences and design schools worldwide and contributes actively to the field with papers and publications.
Courses
Fall 2023 Courses
ID 241G-01
GRADUATE ID STUDIO I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The execution of two assigned design projects provides the framework for a thorough examination of the design process. This structured and intensive studio will focus on the relationship between the implementation of sound design methodologies and successful problem solving in the design process. This first studio experience is intended to provide the methodological infrastructure for the remainder of the M.I.D. thesis experience.
Preference is given to Graduate Industrial Design Students.
Major Requirement | MID Industrial Design
ID 241G-02
GRADUATE ID STUDIO I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The execution of two assigned design projects provides the framework for a thorough examination of the design process. This structured and intensive studio will focus on the relationship between the implementation of sound design methodologies and successful problem solving in the design process. This first studio experience is intended to provide the methodological infrastructure for the remainder of the M.I.D. thesis experience.
Preference is given to Graduate Industrial Design Students.
Major Requirement | MID Industrial Design
LAEL 1038-01
HISTORY OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
History is a powerful tool; a basic understanding of the history of design and familiarity with important design movements and designers is essential for thorough design work. By examining the work of other designers, we are better able to identify our own interests and concerns, and avoid repeating mistakes that have been navigated in the past. This lecture-based class will present the history of Industrial Design in a way that links it to today's studio work, and offers connection points to link past innovation and design activity with future design success. The lectures present a chronological overview of the profession of Industrial Design and its antecedents. Topics discussed will include major design movements, significant designers, manufacturers, and design-related companies, innovations in technology and material use, the development of sales, marketing, and user-focused designing, and the history of design process. Coursework includes extensive reading, in-class presentations based on independent research, projects, and writing.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design
LAEL 1038-02
HISTORY OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
History is a powerful tool; a basic understanding of the history of design and familiarity with important design movements and designers is essential for thorough design work. By examining the work of other designers, we are better able to identify our own interests and concerns, and avoid repeating mistakes that have been navigated in the past. This lecture-based class will present the history of Industrial Design in a way that links it to today's studio work, and offers connection points to link past innovation and design activity with future design success. The lectures present a chronological overview of the profession of Industrial Design and its antecedents. Topics discussed will include major design movements, significant designers, manufacturers, and design-related companies, innovations in technology and material use, the development of sales, marketing, and user-focused designing, and the history of design process. Coursework includes extensive reading, in-class presentations based on independent research, projects, and writing.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design
Wintersession 2024 Courses
ID 305G-101
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DESIGN, CONCERNS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Design, from craft to industrial production, has always been double chained to its tools. The innovation in production methods as well as the introduction of new materials and techniques have often represented massive changes and disciplinary mind-shifts. Since a few years the study of AI, in all its forms, is going through a new spring suggesting that we should expect a rapid implementation of those tools into any activity and consequently any aspects of our daily life. As any new technology, before being fully domesticated and adopted smoothly by the majority, there is a moment in time in which multiple “beta-versions” are tested and evaluated in its opportunities and risks. The commentary around Artificial Intelligence is highly vaste and spans from deep enthusiasm to harsh critique. Aligning with RISD’s idea of “Critical Making”, students will explore new questions and challenge existing assumptions mixing experimental making with critical thinking.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
Spring 2024 Courses
LAEL 1038-01
HISTORY OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
History is a powerful tool; a basic understanding of the history of design and familiarity with important design movements and designers is essential for thorough design work. By examining the work of other designers, we are better able to identify our own interests and concerns, and avoid repeating mistakes that have been navigated in the past. This lecture-based class will present the history of Industrial Design in a way that links it to today's studio work, and offers connection points to link past innovation and design activity with future design success. The lectures present a chronological overview of the profession of Industrial Design and its antecedents. Topics discussed will include major design movements, significant designers, manufacturers, and design-related companies, innovations in technology and material use, the development of sales, marketing, and user-focused designing, and the history of design process. Coursework includes extensive reading, in-class presentations based on independent research, projects, and writing.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Sophomore Industrial Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Industrial Design