After visiting enough design oriented companies, it was fully apparent that the companies put a substantial focus on research. Especially when one of your biggest competitors is within driving distance of your main headquarters, research is one of the definite ways of having a unique product. Maybe I am naive but I think one of the most untapped markets I’ve seen this week is the need based one. I don’t want to sound unimpressed, the strides Artemide and Kartell have made to move towards the future is nothing but impressive, but I think this trip has made me aware of what type of design I would like to be a part of. I think an interesting project for both companies could be how to use their platforms to solve some of the problems of the average Italian. With most of the material research already done, I can’t image there would be a big jump from applying that information to the problems that the average italian faces. Kartell began their company trying to attack these issues but has changed its focus in its most recent years. I thought this could be a good food-for-thought exercise to see if I could find a connection between the work that companies like Kartell and Artemide are doing and problems that have not been fully addressed as expressed by the Italian people. This also makes me think about my personal projects I have either already done or are planning to do and reevaluate how much of an impact it is making on its target audience. I think this is something I will think about for a project after this study abroad is over.