ABSTRACT
The present article discusses the experience of redesigning the pedagogy and learning tools of a pillar course at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano, the Metadesign studio course. Metadesign is a design methodology that leads to the concept definition of a new product or service through a research process that synthesizes design goals, technological and productive constraints, market context, and consumption trends for a consumers' group of reference. It represents a unique methodological approach characterizing a design education as it provides a consolidated research practice able to support the design process. The course structure foresees the reconstruction in phases and the development of all the contextual elements-product, space, service, communication artifact, etc.-that come into relation with the to-be-designed object and influence its characteristics. This process enables creating the "abacus" of components to use in a design activity. Considering the ever-increasing need to reshape the whole education system because of the paradigmatic change pushed by digital transformation and the urgency for on-distance courses posed by the COVID-19 emergency, the article presents a renewed "reversed" course structure. It highlights strengths and opportunities for further improvements representing a solid base for innovating a fashion design education.