Curious about studying Digital Design Futures MAat University of Leeds? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
Leeds, Main
Full Time
Sep 2026
1 Year
Through the Digital Design Futures course, you will acquire the necessary theoretical understanding and practical skills to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-changing field of digital design. This course will expose you to the theories of immersion while providing hands-on experience with the latest software and hardware in our dedicated studio, XLAB. By using design thinking and human-centered design principles, you will develop the ability to create systems and solutions that effectively cater to the needs of your target audiences. Furthermore, you will develop an entrepreneurial mindset that enables you to leverage the creative possibilities presented by emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and user experience (UX), as well as the vast opportunities provided by big data. You will explore how XR and AI can enhance creative processes and generate new possibilities. Through collaborations with industries and third-sector organizations across the UK, you will gain insights into the diverse applications of technology in sectors such as branding and marketing, retail and fashion, and health education. As the global demand for digital skills continues to rise, this course offers a unique opportunity to unleash your creative potential and align your skillset with the evolving needs of industry and society. Upon graduation, you will be ready and equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to forge a successful career in the exciting and innovative digital design sector. You will also be provided with: the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience by working directly with the latest software and hardware in our state-of-the-art studio XLAB. Through a series of creative projects, you will apply your skills in a practical setting. projects that adhere to industry standards. training workshops and support to strengthen your XR developments. Specialist facilitiesThe immersive technology lab (XLAB) is equipped with an impressive array of resources available for your project development. The lab provides standalone VR/MR headsets (e. g. , Varjo, HoloLens, Quest, and HTC VIVE) to enable you to create and test various XR prototypes. To further improve users’ immersion in VR spaces, the School of Design has recently invested in cutting-edge haptic devices (e. g. , haptic gloves and suits). You'll also benefit from integrating outputs from a treadmill, 3D body scanner, and motion capture systems to produce highly engaging experiences. These integrations allow you to expand and transform your ideas into workable solutions. Our advanced research facilities, such as an eye-tracking measurement system with mobile glasses, will help you understand how users interact with your design solutions. EEG (electroencephalography) equipment can help you study user interactions within the VR environment. Furthermore, the lighting and color lab is equipped with state-of-the-art tools for color measurement and communication, allowing exploration of color's role in the design and retail industries, as well as the impact of light on health and well-being. To further support your idea development, we offer a laser cutting and 3D printing workshop. In addition to these facilities, the School provides various forms of support to enhance your student experience and prepare you for the professional world. This includes access to dedicated software, comprehensive technical induction programs, free LinkedIn Learning tutorials, and the opportunity to engage with visiting speakers who are renowned figures from industry or other institutions worldwide.
Speculative design is a design practice whereby designers use critical thinking to rethink current systems, products and ways of living to produce alternative tangible futures which can then be interrogated by stakeholders. In this module through lectures and case studies, you will be introduced to this area of design practice and will use the acquired knowledge to produce a creative speculative project.
This module explores the implications of increased deployment of technologies such as VR, AR/MR, and AI in the field of design. We will critically examine the nature of design as a discipline to enable you to creatively address the impact of these emerging technologies. The module will investigate how VR, AR/MR, and AI can enhance our creative processes and uncover new opportunities for application. It will also delve into the significance of these technologies for addressing people's needs and how they can be leveraged to better meet those needs. Through the analysis of case studies and presentations by industry practitioners, you will gain insights into the diverse creative applications of VR, AR/MR, and AI in design.
This module will introduce you to design principles for user experience, user interface, and interaction design, covering technologies and platforms such as mobile apps, embedded computing, virtual and augmented reality. You will engage in lectures, tutorials and online learning material, as well as individual and collaborative practical sessions in the lab. Through experiential practice, you will combine knowledge on existing principles, practices, and underlying theories with first-hand experiences in a reflective manner. You will also conceptualise and prototype solutions, in a hands-on approach, to a variety of scenarios across different sectors, such as entertainment, healthcare, and science, while keep a recording of their rationale and creative process.
This module will review current thinking on design research and will introduce a range of research methods with practical application to digital design futures, which may be employed in the student's specialist project. Social and ethical issues will be discussed. Students will read widely on their topic and select the most relevant sources.
In this module, you will explore the potential of digital, interactive, and immersive techniques for branding and third sector organizations, and learn how to apply this knowledge in commercial or social contexts. The module offers you the opportunity to showcase your critical and creative expertise by delving into a specific issue or topic within this field of design. Through advanced study and the development of a self-selected creative project, you will demonstrate your mastery in addressing and tackling relevant challenges.
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