Are we designing for the future, or are we stuck in the past? This question haunted me as I explored Dubai Design Week, where I discovered three revolutionary lenses reshaping how we approach multigenerational design: embodied learning through photogrammetry, immersive narrative environments, and cross-disciplinary education. But here's where it gets controversial: can these innovative methods truly challenge our traditional understanding of aging, participation, and the designer's role? Let's dive in.
My journey began with co-facilitating the Design for Longevity (D4L): Unclock workshop, a visit to the futuristic Museum of the Future, and an education forum at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). These experiences crystallized three key insights into service and experience design, all rooted in Dubai's unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Embodied Learning: Redefining Longevity Through Photogrammetry
In the workshop, Professor Sofie Hodara and I introduced the D4L Unclock Framework, paired with Scaniverse, a mobile photogrammetry app. This combination offered participants a fresh perspective on the Dubai Design Week campus. Photogrammetry, the art of creating 3D models from 2D photos, became more than just a tool—it was a way to engage with space, time, and aging. And this is the part most people miss: by physically moving through the campus to capture scans, participants embodied the principles of bodystorming, making the process as valuable as the final 3D models.
For instance, low-resolution 3D models of everyday objects—a bulletin board, a trash can, even an EV charging station—became catalysts for reflection on how longevity challenges manifest in our environments. The Longevity Hub by Joseph Coughlin and MIT AgeLab further enriched this framework, positioning Dubai as a case study within global aging trends.
Immersive Narratives: The Museum of the Future’s Curated Experience
The Museum of the Future, with its eye-shaped architecture and Arabic calligraphy, is a symbol of Dubai’s cultural and technological fusion. Its ‘box within a box’ spatial strategy creates distinct experiential worlds on each floor, while a wristband ticket system—reminiscent of theme parks—activates interactive stations that extend the narrative. But here’s the bold question: does this level of immersion risk overshadowing the deeper messages it aims to convey? Or does it successfully bridge the gap between imagination and reality?
One gallery, for example, uses ultrasound-based haptic feedback to simulate a light breeze on visitors’ fingertips, while another projects AI-generated visuals that respond to movement. Staff role-playing as spaceship crew members add a layer of emotional engagement, blurring the line between exhibit and experience. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder: are we designing for spectacle, or for meaningful connection?
Cultivating Pi-Shaped Designers: The Future of Cross-Disciplinary Practice
At DIDI, I discovered their multidisciplinary Bachelor of Design program, where students combine two concentrations from four domains: Product Design, Multimedia Design, Fashion Design, and Strategic Design Management. DIDI’s goal is to cultivate ‘Pi-shaped’ designers—individuals with depth in two disciplines and the ability to navigate boundaries. But is this enough in an era dominated by AI and computational design? Or are we merely scratching the surface of what’s needed?
In my perspective paper for Design Studies, I outline four dimensions of contemporary design: Immersive Experience, Evolving Computational Capability, Relational Tension, and Expanding Field. These dimensions position designers not just as creators, but as stewards of shared futures. Yet, I’m left wondering: how do we ensure these skills are accessible to all, not just the privileged few?
Learning from Dubai: A Call to Action
Dubai’s ambition and openness to experimentation provided a fertile ground for these ideas. But the real challenge lies in translating these insights into inclusive, multigenerational urban futures. D4L is not just about planning for an aging society—it’s about creating conditions where people of all ages feel connected, capable, and empowered.
So, here’s my question to you: What role do you think immersive technologies and cross-disciplinary education play in shaping our collective future? And are we doing enough to ensure these innovations benefit everyone, not just the elite? Let’s continue this conversation in the comments—I’m eager to hear your thoughts!
