Nineteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

As the digital product design landscape continues to evolve, the integration of diverse disciplines becomes essential in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. This paper explores the concept of transdisciplinary learning in product design education, with a focus on how blending technology, design, and creativity can foster innovation. By examining the teaching methodologies employed at FIT’s Creative Technology & Design program, this study highlights cutting-edge courses such as kinetic typography, AI-assisted design, and design systems for UX/UI, which are shaping the next generation of designers. The session will showcase pedagogical strategies that encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and adaptability, essential for navigating an increasingly complex design ecosystem. A central feature is a case study of student projects that exemplify the power of transdisciplinary approaches, demonstrating how students synthesize knowledge from multiple fields to create innovative and impactful designs. This study aims to inspire educators to rethink traditional boundaries in design education and embrace a holistic, future-forward curriculum that prepares students not only to meet current industry demands but to anticipate and shape the future of product design which will meet the demand of an increasingly complex world in the digital age. Concrete examples of student projects illustrate how transdisciplinary learning prepares students for the complexities of the contemporary society. These case studies focus on how students integrate AI, UX/UI design, and experiential design to create innovative solutions for real-world problems.