I believe in design as a “tool of balance” between form, function, and the socio-cultural context.
I’m Milan, a Senior Product & Industrial Designer based in Milan. At Tangity, part of the NTT DATA Design Network, I work across research, concept development, 3D modelling and product visualisation.
My work connects user needs with technical constraints. I collaborate with engineers, UX/UI designers, R&D teams and international stakeholders to shape physical products in medical devices, furniture, agricultural tools and electrical and home-automation products.
The request was ambitious: to create a versatile chair, suitable for both formal and domestic environments, capable of integrating smart features to connect with mobile devices and deliver an immersive audio experience without the use of headphones.
Concept exploration — proportions, seating and integrated audio
02 / THE CONCEPT
2. The concept
The team of product/industrial designers and design engineers analyzed the market, trends, and user needs with the goal of creating a comfortable, modern seat consistent with the brand’s design language. The core of the project was to create a true sound bubble, allowing users to listen and speak freely while maintaining ergonomics and comfort.
03 / PRODUCT IN CONTEXT
Designed for a context.
Smart audio in a shared workspaceThe chair in a home-office setting
04 / WORKING METHOD & PROCESS
From thinking to making.
Sketch development — seating and integrated audio
3. The Design Development
Several concepts and usage scenarios were explored, followed by numerous physical prototypes to test both ergonomics and the quality of the audio and noise-cancelling system. The result is an innovative chair with a distinctive design and integrated smart features, capable of combining aesthetics, technology, and comfort.
05 / EXPLODED VIEW
Inside the design.
Luxy — disassembled chair component layout
06 / RENDERS, SKETCHES & DETAILS
A closer look.
04 SELECTED VIEWS
Open speaker wingsColour study — olive greenColour study — brick redArmrest and control interface
07 / DETAIL STUDIES
Details, in focus.
Partial wireframe — surfaces and structureAudio module — material and integration
08 / ROLE
My contribution.
4. My Role
Market and trend analysis
Concept ideation and development of initial sketches
Initial 3D modeling and ergonomics
Final product rendering
Original portfolio pages 13 pages / context, development and contribution
The original presentation, kept as a supplementary record of the project narrative.
Project under NDA. The brand name presented is fictional and for informational purposes only. The project has been adapted for presentation solely to showcase the working method.
01 / CONTEXT
Client & challenge.
1. The Challenge
The company develops laser technologies for surgery, aesthetic medicine, and the restoration of artworks. The client’s request was to design a component that had previously been purchased from an external supplier and later modified and branded. Key requirements to follow:
Aesthetic identity referable to the brand
Identification versioning system
Improved product ergonomics
Cost Reduction and Compatibility with Automated Production
Compliance with medical industry regulatory framework
Connector exploration — ergonomics and visual identity
02 / THE CONCEPT
2. The concept
The medical industrial design team, in collaboration with the design engineering department, analyzed the medical laser market and directly observed how the instruments were used in hospitals. This field research made it possible to better understand both the function of the component to be developed and its proper ergonomics and visual identity.
03 / PRODUCT IN CONTEXT
Designed for a context.
Optical fibre connector and laser consoleMetal look — side view
04 / WORKING METHOD & PROCESS
From thinking to making.
Final connector study — form and detail
3. The Design Development
The new product was designed to reduce costs, optimize the assembly process through automated systems, and simplify use for healthcare professionals.
The updated design made it possible to reduce the amount of material used, better integrate RFID systems, and make the component more visually appealing and recognizable.
05 / PRODUCT DETAIL
A closer view.
Connector — grip and strain relief
06 / RENDERS, SKETCHES & DETAILS
A closer look.
04 SELECTED VIEWS
Black polymer — perspectiveBlack polymer — top viewMetal look — rear connectionFront cap and tether
08 / ROLE
My contribution.
4. My Role
Market and Competitor Analysis
Product Analysis in a Hospital Context
Initial 3D modeling and ergonomics
Final product rendering
Original portfolio pages 9 pages / context, development and contribution
The original presentation, kept as a supplementary record of the project narrative.
The client produces a complete range of equipment for agriculture, gardening, and industry. The company needed to change supplier and adopt new internal mechanical components. This led to the collaboration with our studio: to develop a new family of agricultural products that are more functional and aesthetically refreshed.
A scalable language across the tool family
02 / THE CONCEPT
2. The concept
The product and industrial design team, together with the engineers, decided to focus on a scalable design capable of adapting to multiple products within the range. We analyzed competitors, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, while at the same time enhancing the company’s identity by reinterpreting it in a modern and recognizable way.
03 / PRODUCT IN CONTEXT
Designed for a context.
PRUNER 35–40 in its working environmentCHAINSAW 8 in its working environment
04 / WORKING METHOD & PROCESS
From thinking to making.
Pruner studies — proportions and integration
3. The Design Development
We kept the existing internal geometries as unchanged as possible to facilitate mechanical integration. At the same time, new product designs were developed, experimenting with innovative tools such as AI rendering engines, which helped accelerate the workflow and produce more impactful visuals.
Project under NDA. The project has been adapted for presentation solely to showcase the working method.
01 / CONTEXT
Client & challenge.
1. The Client and the Collaboration
Client: Gewiss (NDA) On-site experience at the client’s headquarters, within the product design team and in close collaboration with the development and R&D departments. This direct immersion gave me the opportunity to work closely with professionals from different disciplines on projects aimed at the electronics and home automation market.
Eracle electrical wall controls exploded view
02 / TASKS & COLLABORATION
2. Tasks Performed
I held multiple roles, covering a range of responsibilities, including:
Development and refinement of existing 3D models
Creation of renderings for catalogs and environmental settings
Production of animated videos for internal communication and presentations
Research of new materials and technologies for plastic components
Concept development for indoor and outdoor products
The product categories I worked on included a complete range of switch panels, charging stations, and other smart home devices.
03 / PRODUCT FILM
SYSTEM PURA / ERACLE
SYSTEM PURA / Product film LOOP / SOUND OFF
04 / WORKING METHOD & PROCESS
From thinking to making.
Cross-disciplinary work — sketches and physical product development
3. Challenges Encountered
The experience was not without challenges:
Many projects started from very early-stage concepts, leaving little room for thorough analysis of problems and potential solutions
Planning was often overloaded, with multiple parallel projects and unclear priorities
Tight deadlines left limited space for a structured and thoughtful design process
These factors made the workflow complex and sometimes confusing, requiring a strong capacity for adaptation.
SELECTED WORKSTREAMS / ONE SHARED EXPERIENCE
Different products. One design team.
The product categories I worked on included a complete range of switch panels, charging stations, and other smart home devices.
GEWISS / 01
SYSTEM PURA.
Eracle during development. Wall controls, plates and modular components.
Satin black wall controlsChampagne finish in context
SYSTEM PURA / Product motion study LOOP / SOUND OFF
GEWISS / 02
Mobility.
Publication planned for February
GEWISS / 02
Mobility.
EV charging across All in one, Movable and Wallbox configurations. 3D development, rendering and animated presentations.
Mobility — product and component studiesAll in one — exploded assembly
Mobility / Movable in context LOOP / SOUND ON
Movable — wheel and cable detailWallbox — connector and cable hook
GEWISS / 03
Moka.
A GEWISS-branded moka and its packaging. Final proposal and contextual product visualisations.
Moka — product and retail packagingMoka — final design in context
Moka — shape and detail studiesMoka — supplied final proposal
GEWISS / OTHER WORK
Beyond the product.
SYSTEM PURA — visual communication studies.
SYSTEM PURA — communication study 01SYSTEM PURA — communication study 03
05 / EXPLODED VIEW
Inside the design.
SYSTEM PURA — wall control detail
06 / RENDERS, SKETCHES & DETAILS
A closer look.
06 SELECTED VIEWS
SYSTEM PURA — three-module wall controlSYSTEM PURA — rocker detailMobility — Movable in contextMobility — All in one in contextMoka — product and packagingMoka — final proposal
08 / ROLE
My contribution.
4. My Contribution
Despite the challenges, I consider this experience extremely valuable. I had the opportunity to work on concrete and diverse projects, gaining firsthand insight into the real dynamics of the industry. I learned to navigate dynamic and ever-changing environments while consistently meeting deadlines and delivering tangible results. Working with a team with cross-disciplinary skills helped me grow and better understand the importance of a design that successfully combines aesthetics, functionality, and accessibility.
5. My Personal Growth
This experience, despite its challenges and complex moments, allowed me to develop a more pragmatic, agile, and resilient approach. I learned how to navigate even when processes are not linear, finding practical solutions while always keeping the project’s ultimate goal in focus.
This personal study explores the Bianchi Methanol CV FS through reverse engineering. The goal was to understand its frame geometry, proportions and component layout, using technical drawings and visual references to build a faithful digital reconstruction.
Reverse engineering — from geometry to visualisation
02 / THE APPROACH
3D modelling — rendering.
I analysed the technical drawings, measured the main components and rebuilt the bike in 3D. I then refined the geometry against the references and developed the materials, colours and lighting for the final renders.
I modelled the frame and components as separate assemblies, checking their proportions and connections throughout the process. The completed model supported both detailed studies and the final visualisations.
05 / EXPLODED VIEW
Inside the design.
Bianchi — partially disassembled study
06 / RENDERS, SKETCHES & DETAILS
A closer look.
06 SELECTED VIEWS
Material study — titaniumColour study — ruby redFrame and overall proportionsWireframe and finished surfacesRear assembly studyDrivetrain detail
07 / DETAIL STUDIES
Details, in focus.
Frame — wireframe and colourFork — front detail
08 / ROLE
My role.
I led the study from research and measurement through 3D modelling, material definition and final rendering.
Original portfolio pages 10 pages / context, development and contribution
The original presentation, kept as a supplementary record of the project narrative.
Senior Product & Industrial Designer with 5+ years of experience developing physical products across medical devices, furniture, agriculture and home automation. I turn research into concepts, 3D models and product visualisations, working closely with engineering and R&D teams.
Research · Concept development · 3D modelling · Product visualisation · Rendering · Prototyping
or download it from Download CV above.
Professional Summary
Senior Product & Industrial Designer with 5+ years of experience in multidisciplinary design consultancy, specialising in research, concept development, 3D modelling and product visualisation for physical products. Experience across medical devices, office furniture, agricultural tools and electrical and home-automation products, working closely with engineers, UX/UI designers, R&D teams and international stakeholders. Hands-on design mindset and strong problem-solving skills, combined with a practical, analytical approach that balances form, function, user needs and technical constraints. Open to international opportunities.
Core Skills
Industrial Design · Physical Product Design · Concept Development · Design Research · Market and Competitor Analysis · User Needs Analysis · Sketching · 3D Modelling · Product Visualisation · Rendering · Ergonomics · Design for Automated Assembly · Design Thinking · Cross-functional Collaboration
Software and Tools
3D modelling: Rhinoceros 3D
Rendering: KeyShot, V-Ray
Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro
AI and collaboration: Vizcom and AI rendering tools, Miro, Microsoft Office 365
Professional Experience
Senior Product & Industrial Designer, Tangity (NTT DATA Design Network), Milan 09/2021 – Present
-Home automation and EV charging – Gewiss (02/2025 – Present)
Embedded in the client's product design team at their headquarters, working alongside development and R&D departments on switch panels, charging stations and smart home devices.
Developed and refined existing 3D models and produced renderings for catalogues and environmental settings.
Produced animated videos for internal communication and presentations.
Researched new materials and technologies for plastic components and developed concepts for indoor and outdoor products.
Managed multiple parallel projects under tight deadlines, adapting to early-stage briefs and changing priorities.
-Cordless agricultural tool range – agriculture and gardening manufacturer (2024 – 2025)
Analysed competitors and helped define design rules for a scalable design language adaptable across the whole product range.
Developed concept and product design while keeping existing internal geometries largely unchanged to ease mechanical integration after a supplier change.
Used AI rendering tools to accelerate concept exploration and produce high-impact visuals; supported the engineering team with 3D-printed prototypes.
-Medical laser connector – medical device manufacturer (2023 – 2024)
Carried out market and competitor analysis and observed instrument use in hospitals to inform function, ergonomics and visual identity.
Contributed to a redesign of a component previously sourced from an external supplier, aimed at lower material use, automated assembly, RFID integration and compliance with medical-industry regulatory requirements.
Developed initial 3D models, ergonomic studies and final product renderings; supported tightening-torque user tests.
Led market and trend analysis, concept ideation and initial sketches for a chair with built-in speakers and a noise-cancelling microphone, developed with NTT DATA Sonority.
Produced initial 3D modelling, ergonomic studies and final renderings; explored multiple concepts and physical prototypes to test ergonomics and audio quality.
Product showcased at Salone del Mobile (Milan, June 2022) and Orgatec (Cologne, October 2022).
R&D Graphic & Product Designer, PolyKeg Srl, Grumello del Monte (BG) 03/2021 – 09/2021
Created 3D models for mould manufacturing and developed product designs for the food and beverage industry.
Produced product renderings and layouts for online and digital publication; supported R&D activities.
Education
IED – Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan – First-Level Academic Diploma in Product Design (3-year, bachelor's level, recognised by MIUR), 2017 – 2020. Thesis: Movability, an open-source electric vehicle for shared or private use, developed with Rizoma.
Liceo Artistico U. Boccioni, Milan – High school diploma, Figurative Arts, 2013 – 2017.
Languages
Italian; English
Additional Information
Portfolio: behance.net/milanfontana (full PDF portfolio available on request). Projects subject to NDA. Driving licence A, B. Italian Citizenship.
Personal data
I authorise the processing of my personal data in accordance with the GDPR (EU 2016/679).
