The panel discussion: “What Makes a Product Valuable?”

🚀 Tallinn Design House and Tallinn Business Incubator present the panel discussion “What Makes a Product Valuable?” as part of the satellite programme of Disainiöö / Tallinn Design Festival 2026 on Thursday, October 1 at 18:00.

The main theme of the 2026 Tallinn Design Festival, “The Future of Product Design”, focuses on how sustainability, adaptability, inclusivity and material awareness are shaping the next generation of products and services. At the Tallinn Design House panel discussion, we will explore these questions through jewellery, leather and fashion design, asking what value really means in product design.

Is value created by high-quality and durable materials, thoughtful functionality, a strong design language, or rather by an emotional connection with a product? When does a product become something that a person does not simply want to use, but wants to keep, repair, wear and choose again years later? And how is our understanding of a valuable product changing in a world where we need to think increasingly consciously about materials, production and consumption?

The discussion will feature:

Sofia Hallik / SOMA – a jewellery artist whose work brings together form, material and conceptual thinking. Jewellery, as a small and personal object, opens up the question of how a product’s value can arise from its meaning, its wearer and the emotional connection between them.

Stella Soomlais – a leather designer and artist whose work combines material awareness, functionality and circular design principles. Stella’s approach considers the entire life cycle of a product – how it is used, cared for, repaired and valued for as long as possible.

Cärol Ott / carolxott – a fashion designer whose work is characterised by expressive forms, bold colours and a material-focused approach. Her garments are more than simply objects to be worn – they are products with a strong identity and character, bringing together material, form, craftsmanship and personal stories.

Through the perspectives of these three designers, we will explore what truly creates value in a product and how quality, durability, material awareness, functionality and emotional value can shape the future of product design.

You are welcome to listen, join the conversation and ask questions!

The event is FREE, but advance registration is required:
https://forms.gle/D3HJBF6P5tnUU3Xs8

The panel discussion starts at 18:00 at Rotermanni 14 (Tallinn Design House). Doors open at 17:30!