Wearables of the past and the future: an immersive and cross-cultural learning experience of undergraduate students in an international design collaboration

Abstract

Abstract Short term, collaborative, immersive and situated learning experiences through cross cultural design projects are key to elevating design students’ global perspectives and ability to perform in international contexts. In this article we examine students’ experiences during an international study tour that took Australian university undergraduates to collaborate with peer students in a design project at a university in Colombia. Our examination identifies three key dimensions contributing to the enhancement of students’ global perspectives: 1) intercultural engagement through peer-to-peer exchange, 2) cross cultural collaboration during remote and immersive design work, and 3) immersing in place-based experiences that enable cultural sensitivity. An analysis of students’ essays and design work demonstrates how these three dimensions were fundamental to broaden their worldviews and ability to perform globally. In the context of increasing participation of graduates from the Creative Industries in the global economy, this article contributes to the discourse about the value of short-term mobility programs in Design in Higher Education.