Where ideas come to life: design, creativity and innovation overseas

• October 6th, 2026

What can Silicon Valley teach us about the relationship between design and innovation? During her mobility experience in the United States, Alessandra Dal Ben, a staff member at the Department of Environment Construction and Design, met with companies, universities and start-ups, gaining fresh insights and new perspectives. The International Office spoke to her about her experience and gathered some reflections on the role of design and Visual Communication in innovation processes.

When we think of Silicon Valley, technology and start-ups are usually the first things that come to mind. What were your expectations before leaving, and what struck you most once you arrived?

«Before leaving, I associated Silicon Valley mainly with major technology companies, start-ups and a very fast-paced working environment. Once I arrived, what struck me most was the mindset: the willingness to challenge assumptions, share ideas and see mistakes as part of the innovation process.»

During the week, Alessandra had the opportunity to visit some of the world's most influential companies, including Apple, Meta, Cisco and Google. She also had the chance to engage with emerging start-ups and professionals involved in developing new products and services.

Of all the organisations you visited, was there a particular meeting or conversation that helped you better understand the value of design within innovation processes?

« I was struck by the fact that, in many organisations, designers are not simply brought in to work on the final form of a product. Instead, they are involved right from the start in identifying problems, exploring new solutions and defining the user experience.»

Many people associate design primarily with aesthetics. After this experience, how would you define design?

«I would define the design process, in my case from a visual design perspective, as a way of approaching complexity and giving shape to ideas while putting people at the centre. It is therefore not simply about the aesthetics of a product, but also about the ability to observe, understand needs, ask the right questions and imagine new solutions. In this sense, design can become a strategic tool for innovation because it creates connections between technology, people and context.»

In your role as a lecturer, you are particularly close to the topic of entrepreneurship. What can Visual Communication students learn from the way ideas are developed and turned into concrete projects in these environments?

«I was particularly struck by my meeting with Pancrazio Auteri at UC Berkeley and our discussion about the importance of big ideas and storytelling. For Visual Communication students, having a good idea is not enough: you also need to know how to tell its story and translate it visually, making it understandable to others. This is precisely where visual designers can play an important role, building a bridge between an idea and the people it is intended for.»

In addition to meeting with companies, the week included visits to Stanford and Berkeley, two institutions that have for decades been leading centres for educating professionals capable of working across creativity, research and entrepreneurship.

What struck you most about the relationship between universities, the professional world and innovation that you observed in these environments?

«What struck me was the extent to which the synergy between universities and the professional world is seen as a natural and ongoing dialogue. At Stanford and Berkeley, I had the impression that education, research, experimentation and practical application continually feed into one another. Universities therefore become places where ideas can emerge and develop through interaction with companies, start-ups and professionals.»

In your post-mobility report, you mention the international network of contacts you built during this experience. How important is it today to build connections across different fields and disciplines, and what opportunities can they create for the future?

«It is essential. An international environment gives you the opportunity to encounter different ways of thinking, designing and approaching problems. A meeting can turn into an exchange of ideas, a collaboration or simply an opportunity to look at a problem from a new perspective. This is why I believe it is important to learn how to build relationships beyond the boundaries of your own discipline and country.»

If you could give one message to a prospective student considering studying Visual Communication, what would you say?

« I would say that they have the opportunity to explore and investigate every aspect of a creative world through an education that provides a range of tools for observing the world, interpreting it and transforming ideas into projects. It can open up many different paths, including opportunities at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and other disciplines. I believe that curiosity, flexibility, a willingness to experiment and an openness to learning from others are among the most important qualities to carry with you as you build your knowledge and skills.»

Experiences like this demonstrate how engaging with international environments can enrich one's personal and professional journey and open up new perspectives. We would like to thank Alessandra for sharing her experience and reflections, offering a first-hand insight into the value of international mobility as an opportunity for exchange, growth and discovery.