The 9th edition of Isola Design Festival will take place during Milan Design Week, from 14 to 20 April 2025.

The world of design is always changing, evolving from ancient skills and methods to modern technological advances. As it progresses, design shapes both humanity and the planet, influencing how we look at the past and imagine the future.

Over time, design has improved the quality of life, created architectural marvels, and advanced technologies. Yet, it has also contributed to pollution, carbon footprints, urban isolation, and unequal access to resources, among other issues. Therefore, we must embrace change by combining human craftsmanship with digital innovation and technologies, while keeping real people at the center of the design process.

Isola’s annual theme for 2025, Design is Human, invites reflection on the relationship between humans and design, emphasizing the need for intentional and thoughtful solutions. Design should start at a human scale, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both people and the planet. For this to happen, designers must pursue creative solutions and ensure responsible processes

At the upcoming Milan Design Week 2025, Isola Design Festival sets the stage for humanity-driven design through fresh perspectives, uniting a global community of designers around topics such as innovative technologies, digital and artisanal crafts, social design, environmental responsibility, functional design, and locally sourced materials. The festival will inspire a shift from traditional design to a broader, humanity-centered approach.