the story.
we are an inclusive design studio crafting experiences that help fan the flames of change, big and small.
our design hearth is built from a lifetime of artistic practice, academic research in ethics, design and technology, and real-world experience in behavior change.
we design products, services, systems and strategies that spark folks to do things differently...
...to make farming a viable career path for kids interested in robotics, data, and engineering
...to co-create innovative mobility systems with non-technical experts
...to integrate new equity-based policies into old code-of-conducts and HR handbooks
...and, to learn to play with food at a three Michelin-star restaurant.
everyone is welcome around our fire. we use curiosity, belonging, and play to make our fiery world a more fun, fair place - by design.
"il tagliere"
Michelin-star chef Gianni D'Amato and Acetaia San Giacomo partnered with HESTIA design lab to launch "il Tagliere."
Read more about il Tagliere (anche in italiano, se vuoi...)
Twenty-five, limited edition "il Tagliere" signed by Chef D'Amato are available in the shop, if you like nice things.
exhibitions.
HESTIA design lab was thrilled to be part of the 21st Triennale di Milano.
A prototype of our behavior design concept, aurasano, was showcased as part of the Kitchen Tools installation, in the New Craft exhibit at Fabbrica del Vapore.
"gioccolato"
A classic boardgame gets a new, tasty twist.
Players explore four unique flavor combinations of dark chocolate and traditional balsamic vinegar.
Gioccolato debuted at MAKEAT in Milan in 2016, and was featured in Il Cucchiaio d'Argento.
Hi, I'm Hildreth.
about.
Artist by nature, scientist by nurture. I've been exploring design as a tool for collaborative creativity since 2004, stitching diverse voices and theory into new patterns of individual and organizational behavior, inclusive processes, and innovative products.
Shifting behaviors comes in lots of shapes and sizes, and I work across scales, sectors and industries to build inclusive, equitably positive systems, by (co) design. I explored this in research at the MIT Media Lab, and currently lead the organizational design practice with the Tomten Group. I've also taught ethical design courses at MIT, Tufts University, and EM Normandie in Paris.
I've been lucky to bring ideas to life with folks at Pentagram, IDEO, the Emerson Collective, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the Culinary Institute of America. My designs have found their way into the Triennale di Milano, the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Barbican Centre. Here's my CV.
HESTIA's goal? To spark connection and belonging using the science and art of design, nudging us towards becoming our healthiest, happiest human selves.
