Elisa Giaccardi

Prof. Elisa Giaccardi is a Professor in Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology, specializing in Human-Technology Relations. Their research focuses on sustainable energy practices, AI ethics, decolonial design, and material interactions in everyday life. Giaccardi has led projects exploring heat pump adoption, clinical AI development, and microbial coexistence with humans. They are affiliated with TU Delft’s 4TU.ResearchData repository and hold editorial roles in design conferences such as EKSIG 2017. Notable contributions include datasets on heat pump practices and awards like the 2023 Best Paper Honourable Mention. Giaccardi actively participates in international conferences, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration across design, technology, and social sciences.

Research interests span decolonizing design methodologies, energy transition practices, and the ethical implications of AI. Their work bridges technical innovation with human-centered approaches, addressing societal challenges through speculative and critical design frameworks. Recent publications analyze household improvisation with heat pumps, hauntological critiques of AI, and material care for cyanobacteria in domestic contexts.

Giaccardi has supervised 5 academic works and contributed to over 70 research outputs. They organize conferences, review journal submissions, and advocate for inclusive, equitable design practices. Current activities include exploring AI’s societal integration and fostering dialogue between designers, engineers, and marginalized communities.