Kickstarting the day, the hosts from Konzepthaus will set the stage for an exciting journey into the future of mobility design. Through thought-provoking discussions and expert insights, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of automotive design and innovation.

Speaker: Martin Groschwald

UX has become a standard part of automotive design, yet in many cases, it has not fundamentally transformed the overall product experience. What will it take for UX to have a more significant impact? In this session, we’ll explore how UX design is evolving - focusing primarily on the automotive world while also drawing inspiration from other industries. Beyond innovation, we’ll discuss fresh ideas and approaches that could push UX beyond its current boundaries, enhancing both functionality and emotional connection.

Speaker:

• Andrea Rosati | Head of Strategic Design - Lotus

• Michele Albera | Transportation Design Area Coordinator - IED

• Sebastian Kolb | Managing Director - deerstreet-experience

• Turi Cacciatore | Multidisciplinary Designer & Software Developer - Turi Design

The rise of limited editions, one-offs, and hyper-exclusive brands has redefined automotive luxury, yet UX design was often borrowed from the core brand rather than built from the ground up.

In this session, we’ll explore the next frontier of personalised automotive experiences. As electrification reshapes luxury, how can bespoke UX redefine exclusivity? What does true individuality in car design look like when experience becomes as important as aesthetics?

Speaker:

• Michal Matuska | Director of Interaction Design - Kiska

• Simon Adielsson | Head of Brand Strategy & Experience - Zeekr

• Wouter Struijk | Head of Digiphy - Granstudio

In today’s car design world, many traditional Italian brands are led by designers from across the globe—Germans, French, Spanish, and of course, Italians. (And let’s not forget that one of Germany’s biggest car brands is run by an Italian.) So, what truly defines Italian design? Is it the people behind it, the location, or the heritage it carries?

We’ll dive into what defines Italian design DNA and whether it follows a set of rules or simply an instinctive feeling. Expect a lively discussion as we break down the essence of Italian automotive identity.

Speaker:

• Emma Clerici | Co-Founder & Research director - Baolab

• Felix Kilbertus | Chief Creative Officer - Pininfarina

• Matteo Gentile | Head of Design - Touring Superleggera

Italy remains synonymous with automotive craftsmanship, artistry, and timeless aesthetics. With the resurgence of limited-series models and coach-built creations, the Italian design scene is experiencing a renaissance.

But what sets this new era apart? How are traditional design philosophies merging with modern innovations? And with new global players - particularly from China - setting up design studios in Italy, what does the future hold? Is this resurgence built on a strong foundation, or is it just a fleeting trend?

Speaker:

• Andrea Ferraresi | Strategy and Centro Stile Director - Ducati

• Eugenio Lolli | Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Alcantara

• Joaquin Garcia | Head of Design - Italdesign

• Mitja Borkert | Design Director and Design Strategy - Lamborghini

For over a century, car culture has inspired designers - whether through hot rods, coach-built masterpieces, tuning, or pop culture phenomena like The Fast and the Furious and Gran Turismo - it’s a lifestyle. However, in today’s digital world, much of this culture unfolds on screens rather than the streets.

How does this shift impact the way designers create cars? More than ever, their role extends beyond aesthetics; it's about shaping an experience that rekindles emotional connections with automobiles. How can design invite a new generation to embrace car culture and build new identities - not just as spectators, but as active participants?

Speaker:

• Klaus Busse | Head of Design - Maserati

• Luca Trazzi | Architect and Industrial Designer - Luca Trazzi Architetto

• Pär Heyden | Global Head of Brand - Polestar

• Stephane Janin | Design Director - GAC

Luxury in the automotive world is a term often overused. Different cultures interpret it in vastly different ways, making it more challenging than ever to establish a universal definition. In this discussion, we’ll explore what luxury means in the evolving landscape of mobility. How do craftsmanship and technology intersect to shape the next era of premium experiences? What elements of traditional luxury should be preserved, and which should be reimagined? Or, perhaps, should we take inspiration from the past and reintroduce a renaissance of true luxury?

Speaker:

• Jon Rådbrink | Head of Exterior Design - Zeekr

• Laetitia Lopez | Former: Head of CMF Design - Global Cadillac

• Mirko Bressan | Founder and Creative Director - Bressan Design Studio

• Roberto Cuneo | CEO and Founder - Medelhan

Join us during the Happy Hour for an exciting presentation by Zeekr, showcasing "The Art of Connection" followed by the reveal of a groundbreaking student project that reimagines the future of electric mobility.

In this unique initiative, emerging talent was given full creative freedom—unlike traditional design programs—empowering them to push boundaries and explore bold, unconventional ideas. The result? A collection of innovative concepts, brought to life through scale models, that challenge industry norms and offer fresh, Gen Z-inspired perspectives on the future of mobility.

Speaker:

• Aditya Jangid I Senior Designer - Zeekr

• Robin Wöhr I Senior Design Talent Partner - Zeekr

• Cyril Fenoglio | ISD Rubika

• Clémentine Balloy | ISD Rubika