This paper provides an overview of the research on Service
Design carried out in Italy (mainly in Milan) since the ‘90s.
The authors show how the initial steps in this emerging field
have definitely influenced the following evolution of studies
in Italy; three areas of research in particular are described:
investigations into the nature of services and of Service
Design as a field; investigations into Product Service Systems;
and investigations into social innovation and sustainability.
As final considerations, a map of Service Design research is
developed to suggest connections with the existing international
research into Service Design and to imagine future
developments.