The Future of Aerospace Lies in Design-based Innovation. A Second Interview with Francesca Parotti

Nearly four years after the first interview, Krein met once again Francesca Parotti, a civil engineer and professor of "Production Processes & Advanced Manufacturing" at ISIA (Higher Institute of Artistic Industries) in Florence.

As a former member of our Scientific Advisory Board, Francesca has previously collaborated on some of our projects, providing support in the delivery of technical content.

Aerospace is a sector close to Francesca's core activity and heart. Besides overseeing the "mARTS Design" project, she is one of the promoters and future instructors of the Master in Space Design, organized and coordinated by ISIA Florence.

Focus of this second interview will be on the application of design to the aerospace sector.

1. What is meant by Aerospace Design?

I would gladly start to delineate my answer from the general concept of “design”, which includes the design of everyday objects, work tools, personal protective devices, and facilitators.

Design is a concept that also extends to interior spaces and processes. The application of design plays a crucial role in simplifying processes, space, and the execution of specific tasks for the user. In particular, for what concerns the aerospace sector, my team and I have worked on facilitator objects and personal protective devices that assist astronauts in performing key tasks inside vehicles and/or space stations.

I am pleased to mention a “success story”: the development of a bioreactor that purifies air and the environment by transforming CO2 into oxygen, allowing those inside the habitat to more easily consume superfoods with high mineral and nutrient content. The device's value lies in ensuring performance as well as comfort, ergonomics, and usability.

It's important to keep in mind that design is a cross-disciplinary field. I myself am an engineer, increasingly blending with design skills.

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2. What is meant by a Design-based Approach to Innovation in this Sector?

Our primary focus is to ground everything in the user experience, embracing a "human-centered" approach to the fullest extent possible. That is, in a nutshell, prioritizing the user and putting it at the center of the process. This inherently means engaging in "disruptive innovation": breaking loops that could be unfavorable to the user to transform the process into a “virtuous circle”.

For example, we strive to associate multiple properties with an object – perhaps aesthetically "beautiful” – to render it more functional without interfering with its usability. The contextual ergonomic factor must be always considered: users should be able to use an object or wear special clothing that guarantees effectiveness and functionality standards. Some devices, such as those recording heart rate and vital parameters, are often uncomfortable due to their invasive bulk.

Innovation lies in integrating high-tech features into already accepted objects with high technologies – nanotechnologies, smart materials – that are not purely high-tech, rather have "low-tech" characteristics as well. In other words: low maintenance needs, adherence to wearability criteria, interchangeability, and removability. The novelty, in aerospace and beyond, lies not so much in the introduction of "high technology" for its own sake but in using it in a "new" way compared to what is currently available.

3. Why do you think a sector like Aerospace needs to introduce a Design-based Approach to Innovation?

The first reason is that typically in highly-engineered contexts, everything often seems to work splendidly but only on paper. This does not equate to correct functionality for those who use "that everything" we are referring to.

For example, we designed a glove that serves both as personal protective equipment – radiation resistance, protection from space frost – and at the same time records the vital parameters of the astronaut. Up to this point, we are within the boundaries of engineering. However, it's the design intervention that propels us to the next level. In this scenario, the astronaut couldn't physically engage with the device, leading to a dehumanization of the experience from a "sensory" standpoint. Essentially, the individual couldn't identify what they were holding.

To solve this problem, we developed a structured system with a series of layers that, thanks to the employment of smart materials, restores the sense of touch to astronauts. This technology can be applied not only in space but also in other ecosystems.

Now, more than ever, it's crucial to shift our focus back to the senses and the essence of the human experience.

Throughout the design phase, it must be remembered that touch is the most extensive of the senses humans possess. Depriving a person of this channel is equivalent to putting them in a psychological and physical situation of dizziness and alienation from what they are doing.

4. Human factors are therefore at the center of innovation processes. As you know, Krein pursues this line with the goal of bringing value to Industrial Companies. Looking at your professional and research experience, what does such a perspective teach us when applied to a complex sector like Aerospace?

Without a doubt, we are currently entering a phase of evolution.

Let me illustrate with another example. Concern for the environment has only recently become a priority; not too long ago, pollution was simply seen as a crime against property. This perspective arises from an anthropocentric view that overlooks a crucial holistic premise: that humans are just one part of an interconnected system.

In sectors such as aerospace, this premise is fundamental. We are dealing with a system where humans, machines, and the associated companies function as intricately synchronized components.

That's why, in this setting, the focus on the user takes center stage in aerospace design. The user experience must be the primary developmental goal. Right from the design and brainstorming phase, the question must be asked: "What can I enhance to simplify the user experience of my product and streamline the connected process?"

This approach aligns with a company like Krein, dedicated to facilitating processes and enhancing customer experience, ensuring the complete customization of what is offered.

In both our realms, a truly meticulous customization is implemented: every body, every astronaut, every mission, every planet has distinct characteristics. Similarly, every company must be treated with the attention that would be given to an endangered species.

5. What are the prospects for collaboration for entities like Krein, academic institutions, and Aerospace companies? How could these synergies innovate and change the industry in the future?

In this regard, I would like to mention the Master in Space Design, where Krein is involved. Our partnerships extend to collaborations with entities like Toscana Spazio, reflecting Italy's commitment to space exploration with the goal of returning to the moon by 2030 (ESA and the Italian Space Agency). However, a noticeable gap exists in corporate investment in higher education.

The ISIA Master stands out as the first in Italy to merge design and aerospace. To make this innovative leap, securing sponsorships and tangible corporate investments through scholarships is essential. Encouraging companies to sponsor and engage interns is crucial too. Recognizing that, as seen in technical fields, introducing design into these teams has been a transformative move. Scholarships can open doors for new students, instilling confidence in young designers to pursue this path.

6. Communication Design: In your opinion, will Aerospace companies have an increased need for communication-related services in the future? What role could digital companies like Krein play?

Absolutely, a pivotal role indeed. Communication and information transmission, including data, have undergone significant changes in recent years, demanding skilled interpreters and adept "conductors." This isn't limited to social media, which merely represents the visible part of a complex and multifaceted landscape.

In highly competitive markets like aerospace, where distinctions between two equally prestigious companies can be razor-thin, effective communication, adept trend interception, and a friendly website become the defining factors. The brand becomes the differentiator, and it's crucial to excel in communication, demonstrate proficiency in capturing and assimilating industry trends, and maintain a high-quality website.

Krein, leveraging customer-focused marketing and communication strategies, undoubtedly has the potential to make a significant impact in this sector. I am confident in that.

7. When discussing a human-centered approach, the conversation naturally extends to addressing the issue of female representation in STEM careers, particularly in the aerospace engineering field. According to a study from the University of Nebraska titled "Women in Aviation: A Workforce Report," only 13.4% of the workforce in the U.S. aerospace sector consisted of women in 2019. What suggestions can you offer to encourage more women to participate in innovation processes in STEM, and how can we foster their presence in the field?

Thank you for raising this important question, as it's a topic close to my heart. As an engineer, I've encountered instances of gender discrimination both during university, where female enrollment was limited, and during exams. In the '90s, for example, I was asked during an exam if I had enrolled in engineering to find a husband, as it was assumed that people pursued engineering for such reasons. Although the situation has somewhat improved in academic settings, workplace discrimination persists, as evidenced by disparities in addressing men by title and women by name despite equal roles.

Language plays a crucial role in fostering a non-discriminatory environment. Currently, I'm working on a book chapter about artificial intelligence and the gender gap, exploring how AI reflects the gender imbalances in a society's perceptions of scientists, engineers, and technicians.

My advice to young colleagues entering STEM careers is to stand firm in their convictions and ambitions without succumbing to intimidation. It's important to vocally denounce any insinuation diminishing their abilities, competence, or skills. To underscore the significance of this issue, I can highlight successful women in STEM and technology, especially in aerospace.

Consider Samantha Cristoforetti, an exceptionally competent astronaut aboard the International Space Station. During her last mission, she was asked, "Who will take care of the children?" reducing her professional identity to a stereotypical maternal role. She aptly responded, "The children will be with their father. Since they are born from the two of us."

This is a central theme. Society, including STEM fields, still lags behind. The historical exclusion of women from higher education and their marginalization in scientific research is a testament to this imbalance.

Directly addressing young women, I encourage them to reject the perception of “being animals to be protected". Instead of advocating for 'Gender Quotas,' or other forms of Affirmative Actions, I believe in earning one's space based on professional expertise, regardless of the gender.

Many remarkable examples exist. Margaret Hamilton, the computer scientist who manually wrote the codes for the moon landing, is often overlooked. Remaining in the Italian context, there is Amalia Ercoli Finzi, the first female aeronautical engineer in Italy and a participant in the Rosetta project. Also, Ilaria Cinelli, an astronaut and professor in the aerospace design Master, of which Krein is a partner. Ilaria leads the Human Factor Association in aerospace, showcasing significant achievements in the field.

Last but not least, Italy's only astrophysics journal is directed by the astronomer Morella Lattanzi.

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Pills of Francesca Parotti

Francesca Parotti graduated in civil engineering at the University of Florence and continued with a Ph.D. in Material Science and Technology. Francesca now works as a Freelancer Engineer and she is Professor at ISIA Florence where she teaches Material Technology and Technology Innovation.