Samsung Electronics held CES 2026 forum on human-centered design

Samsung Electronics held the final session of its CES 2026 Tech Forum series, titled “The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Living,” to examine how design practices relate to everyday technology and user experience.

The session placed that examination in a broader context by noting minimalism had defined the visual language of tech for two decades and questioning what might follow; panel participants also observed that traditional barriers to entry such as access to tools, scale and technical capability continued to diminish.

Speakers discussed how warmer, more expressive design approaches could interact with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Edge Resource Allocator (ERA) ERA, and they argued that AI could enable new forms of expression when shaped by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination. Mauro Porcini framed the concept as “AI × (EI + HI),” describing it as a Healthcare Information System (HIS) approach to balancing Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination.

The live session took place at Samsung's The First Look space at The Wynn Las Vegas, and Debbie Millman moderated a panel that included Samsung Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini and designers Karim Rashid and Fabio Novembre. Panelists explored technology’s role in making intention, care and humanity visible in everyday products and routines.

“In recent years, design in tech has been somewhat uniform,” said Debbie Millman. “Compared to other industries, the uniformity in the world of tech is an anomaly. So what if we were to extend technology beyond specifications and functionality?” “When we think about physical things in our world, we think not only about diversity of choice but also the fact that we can develop strong connections to objects,” said Karim Rashid. “Through design, you can end up with a very powerful, emotional connection with inanimate objects, or even products.” “When we design and develop, AI is amplified by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination. Then, when people use products, AI amplifies Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination,” said Mauro Porcini. “Do not fear technology. We are here to humanize it, guide it, and shape it.” “Happiness is the aim of design,” said Fabio Novembre. “Our pursuit of happiness is through design, making the impossible possible. I strongly believe in design, and that it must move back to the center of the stage.”

Samsung described plans to help people live longer, live better, live louder and live on through advanced technologies that support wellbeing, creativity and self-expression.