In contemporary design education, the culminating Design Project (DP) functions as a crucible in which emerging designers synthesize theory, research, and practice into a coherent, original artefact or system. Martina Smeraldi’s DP, titled , exemplifies this integrative process. Completed in the spring of 2025 at the University of Milan’s Department of Design, her work confronts the escalating ecological crisis of textile waste while interrogating the cultural narratives that sustain fast‑fashion consumption. This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of Smeraldi’s DP, situating it within the broader discourse of sustainable design, explicating its research methodology, detailing its design development, evaluating its outcomes, and reflecting on its pedagogical and societal significance.
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Research has demonstrated that DP stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. Additionally, DP activates the proprioceptors in the muscles and joints, which helps to improve body awareness and reduce sensory defensiveness. This is particularly significant for individuals with autism, who often experience difficulties with sensory integration.
