#Japan #Tokyo #Design #Spice Factory #Ezio Manzini

Spice Factory Sponsors Ezio Manzini's Talk Event

On September 5, 2026, Spice Factory, a leader in supporting digital transformation based in Tokyo, will proudly sponsor a talk event for the Japanese version of Ezio Manzini’s book, "Design for Everyone". This event will showcase the insights of a renowned Italian design researcher, providing a platform for discussions around the democratization of design.

The event will pose a provocative question: Can design be democratized? Manzini’s work focuses on a new approach to social innovation where everyone has the capacity to design. This philosophy is pivotal for understanding how individuals and communities can leverage design thinking to create meaningful change.

Event Details

• - Date & Time: Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00
• - Venue: Musashino Art University, Ichigaya Campus, 5th Floor
• - Speaker: Ezio Manzini
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 80 participants
• - Format: Simultaneous interpretation will be provided
• - Organizers: Musashino Art University, Ezio Manzini Arrival Planning Committee
• - Sponsored by: Spice Factory Inc., Hitachi, Syphon LLC, ACTANT LLC

Background of the Event

Spice Factory's involvement with this event ties back to our commitment to education and research. We have established a collaboration agreement with Ritsumeikan University’s Design and Art School focusing on Design Enablement. This partnership aims to enhance education and develop talent in design-driven innovation.

By facilitating the dialogue presented in "Design for Everyone," we align our goals with Manzini's exploration of "ubiquitous design" and "expert design". These concepts resonate with our vision of nurturing collaboration between experts and non-experts to drive design capabilities.

The book was supervised by Professor Fumiko Yaegashi of Ritsumeikan University and emphasizes the potential of individuals and organizations to enact social change by harnessing their daily design capabilities combined with expertise.

Meet the Speaker: Ezio Manzini

Ezio Manzini, a distinguished professor emeritus at the Politecnico di Milano and President of the DESIS Network, is a leading figure in the field of sustainable design. For over 30 years, he has contributed significantly to research and practice focused on social innovation and design. He founded the DESIS Network, a global initiative aimed at fostering sustainable social innovation through design, which now encompasses over 60 universities and design schools worldwide.

In 2024, he will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Design Research Society for his contributions to design research. His influential work, including the book "Design, When Everybody Designs," continues to inspire researchers and practitioners around the globe.

Spice Factory's Commitment to Design

Under the leadership of Executive Officer and Chief Design Officer Akira Honmura, Spice Factory is dedicated to enhancing design capabilities in this AI-driven era. We offer a range of services aimed at empowering organizations in design implementation, including:

• - AI-Driven Design Support: Collaborating with teams to rethink design processes based on generative AI.
• - Design Enablement Training: Helping individuals develop decision-making skills while utilizing AI in design.
• - Organizational Development for Design Enablement: Building frameworks for successful and autonomous design practices within organizations.

Spice Factory integrates AI, design, business development, and public relations to facilitate transformative changes for businesses and public institutions across various sectors, contributing to a cycle of hope that links societal and economic values.

Conclusion

We invite all designers, researchers, local government officials, and anyone interested in community development and co-creation to join us at this remarkable event. Together, let’s explore how design can empower every individual and lead to innovative solutions for our society’s pressing challenges.