Where is the space for radical ideas to thrive?

Launched by DesignWanted during Milan Design Week, ENHANCE breaks the mold by spotlighting projects that go beyond furniture and lighting to confront urgent social and environmental challenges based on the 17 goals set by the United Nations. Now gearing up for its second edition, ENHANCE builds on its debut, which emphasized design’s intersection with social impact, by focusing on material innovation.

For Patrick Abbattista, Founder of DesignWanted, and Juan Torres, Creative Director and Curator, this initiative is part of an ongoing journey—a process of learning, adapting, and daring to explore design as a transformative force.

“We’re constantly searching for ways to translate design research based on the seven SDGs that have been identified by WDO members as particularly relevant to the industrial design community into something tangible,” says Patrick. “This isn’t about claiming to have all the answers; it’s about creating a space where questions can be explored, and where designers can connect with a public that’s curious about more than mere aesthetics.” For Juan, ENHANCE represents a chance to showcase projects that arise out of deep research and a genuine passion to make a difference. “It’s not easy finding projects that balance purpose with practicality, but we’re excited to keep searching,” he adds.

At ENHANCE, the spotlight turns to materials—the starting point of every design process. Materials are more than just components; they are the foundation upon which every product is built. They define functionality, durability, and impact, providing the basis for innovation and responsibility. Aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), the event highlights how material choices are fundamental to creating designs that drive global change. By beginning with materials, we address the root of design’s influence, proving that impactful solutions start with thoughtful, purposeful foundations.

Milan Design Week is known for its high-end furniture and luxury brands. But ENHANCE turns the spotlight toward design as a force for good, focusing on projects that dare to address global issues. Last year’s debut tackled social impact, showcasing projects such as Looop by Cheuk Laam Wong or D-Heart by Strena Medical’s company as well as Powerplant by Nick Geipel & Charlotte Von Ravenstein. It encourages visitors to engage with the stories behind each piece, giving them a glimpse into design’s potential beyond mere functionality.

“We are inspired by the SDGs,” shares Patrick. “And there’s so much talking about SDGs, sustainable initiatives—yet much of it feels routine rather than delivering bold, tangible change. Often, what’s presented on the market is either too experimental or lacks clarity for end users—or even for the designers themselves, who struggle to translate SDG principles into practical products. What we aim to highlight here is the importance of showcasing real, market-ready products that fully embrace SDG principles in a pragmatic, accessible way. Something that’s already making an impact.“

An evolving curatorial process

Curating for ENHANCE is anything but formulaic. “We’re experimenting with every edition,” Juan reflects. The first year’s theme of social impact invited over a hundred submissions, each with its own take on design’s responsibility toward society. For 2025, the exhibition will focus on material-driven projects. “We’re diving into the possibilities of material innovation, looking for work that challenges how we think about sustainability in design,” Juan explains. This exploration is as much about discovering new perspectives as it is about sharing them.

Giving designers a platform

For many of last year’s participants, ENHANCE offered a springboard for new collaborations and visibility. For Jonas Krämer, one of the participating designers, the event stood out because of its focus on practical, impactful innovations rather than just aesthetics. “It reinforced that by aligning creativity with purposeful design, we can inspire real change,” he shared. Beyond the ideas presented, the event also fostered meaningful connections between designers, experts and potential collaborators, opening doors to opportunities and sparking conversations that extended far beyond the exhibition walls. The goal is to give designers a space to showcase ideas that might otherwise go unseen, providing them with a unique stage at one of the world’s most renowned design events. “In a way, we’re all learning from each other—designers, curators and audiences alike,” Juan adds.

Crafting an immersive experience that goes beyond

ENHANCE goes beyond static displays to immerse visitors in a story-driven experience. Last year, the layout itself became part of the narrative, offering an oasis of calm and focus amidst the Milan Design Week bustle. “It’s about creating a moment of reflection for visitors,” says Patrick. The team behind ENHANCE sees this as just the beginning. “We hope to take ENHANCE beyond Milan,” Juan shares. They’re already in discussions with international partners to expand ENHANCE’s reach, bringing its distinct focus to other major design events. “This isn’t about creating a fixed formula. We’re excited to see where ENHANCE can go and how it can evolve,” Patrick adds. “We’re learning with each step.”

Broadening the impact of design

Beyond the boundaries of Milan Design Week, ENHANCE has the potential to redefine how design exhibitions are perceived worldwide. By focusing on projects rooted in research and aligned with global sustainability goals, ENHANCE not only showcases innovative concepts but also inspires deeper industry conversations. It raises critical questions about design’s role in addressing environmental and social challenges and encourages both emerging and established designers to think more ambitiously. This shift in perspective could influence design practices and motivate further exploration of how creativity can intersect meaningfully with the needs of our planet and society. 

How to join the journey

Designers interested in participating in ENHANCE 2025 have until January’s end to apply.