Lavazza, one of Italy’s most iconic coffee brands, joined forces with SPD Scuola Politecnica di Design to explore how design can shape the next chapter of Italian coffee culture. The collaboration brought together tradition and innovation, inviting students to reflect on the emotional, social, and sensory dimensions of one of the world’s most beloved rituals: drinking coffee.
Lavazza
With a history dating back to 1895 and the invention of the coffee blend, Lavazza has always been a pioneer. Today, the company operates in 140 markets worldwide and continues to evolve its approach to design and product innovation. Since 2015, its internal design team has played a central role in crafting products that reflect both global trends and Italian identity. This collaboration with SPD reinforces Lavazza’s dedication to design as a cultural force, capable of enhancing not only functionality but also meaning and experience.
Designing for Experience
Master’s students from SPD worked individually to develop new concepts that respond to the changing ways people prepare and enjoy coffee. Each project envisioned a product that is as emotionally resonant as it is technically credible from form and user interaction to materials and sustainability.
The results reflect a rich diversity of visions: machines that adapt to modern workspaces, accessories that consider special user needs, and proposals that reimagine rituals through inclusive and future-proof design.
A Partnership Rooted in Values
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, cultural relevance, and user-centered design. For SPD students, it offered the opportunity to collaborate with a globally respected brand. For Lavazza, it was a chance to tap into the creativity of the next generation of designers and imagine new ways of connecting people through coffee.