Participatory design for change: Francesco Rodighiero in Il Bagno Oggi e Domani

A more complex, older society

Rodighiero points out that “the society of the future will be increasingly varied, faster and more culturally complex”, a condition made evident by the fact that five generations, with very different rhythms and habits, now live side by side. Population ageing is, in his view, one of the most important factors: “By 2050, one third of the population will be over 64”, an age group that will carry real weight not only in consumption but also in collective decisions.

Note, 29 October 2026. The figure cited in the interview matches the projections for Italy: according to the Istat press release of 31 August 2026 (opens in a new tab), people aged 65 and over made up 24.7% of the population on 1 January 2025 and will make up 34.5% in 2050. European data are collected on the page Ageing and disability in Europe: the data.

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Designing for everyone, with people

Hence the need, which can no longer be put off, to rethink design as an open and inclusive process. Rodighiero is clear: “We can no longer think of designing for a single category or for ourselves: we have to start imagining places and objects for everyone.” It is an approach that takes in people’s entire life course, including temporary frailties and situations in which changing habits call for new systems, new products or simply new ways of living in spaces.

Research and development in companies

The interview also highlights the central role that research and development will have to play within companies. In Rodighiero’s view, sustainability, adaptability and attention to needs shared across different groups of people become the cornerstones of contemporary design. Participatory design, understood as structured listening and a responsible interpretation of needs, is an essential tool for avoiding solutions that reflect only the designer’s viewpoint and for creating social value.

Rodighiero’s contribution is part of a broader dialogue on the future of bathroom furnishing and the innovation scenarios ahead for the sector. His perspective is a reminder that design cannot simply respond to today, but must anticipate tomorrow with a vision able to include differences, diversity and everyday change.

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For our studio this is also a choice of process. In Design for All, as in Inclusive Design, two distinct approaches, involving people through Co-Design is not a final check: it comes at the start and returns throughout the process, which does not move in linear phases but through successive rounds of dialogue.

In its September–October 2026 issue the same magazine published “Anche per me” (‘For me too’), an accessible and inclusive bathroom that grew out of a process of listening and participation. To apply this approach to products, spaces and services, the page on Design for All and Inclusive Design consultancy describes how we work.