Many experiences are not really about what they appear to be. A dinner isn’t just about food, and a conference isn’t just about content. Beneath the surface, experiences often serve deeper purposes such as connection, identity or belonging. Explore how to design for those hidden layers—without losing clarity or direction.

Learning outcomes:

Explore how uncovering deeper purpose changes your approach to experience design

“Transformative experience” is everywhere—but is it always true? Sometimes we may simply be rebranding entertainment as something deeper. Join an open conversation about the difference between meaningful change and memorable moments—and whether that distinction really matters.

Learning outcomes:

Examine the difference between entertainment and transformation and develop a clearer language for describing experience value

Experiences often prioritize emotional highs and memorable moments. But is that what truly matters? Explore the tension between designing for immediate impact and designing for long-term change—and how to balance both.

Learning outcomes:

Compare short-term impact and long-term change as measures of value in experience design

Transformation is often seen as the ultimate measure of success—but is change always required? Challenge assumptions about impact and explore alternative ways to define meaningful experiences.

Learning outcomes:

Reflect on what “success” means in experience design

Experience design often involves shaping perception. But where is the ethical line? Explore when narrative framing becomes deception—and who gets to decide.

Learning outcomes:

Explore ethical boundaries between storytelling, framing and deception in experience design

All experiences guide behavior—but when does guidance become manipulation? Explore the fine line between creating magic and exerting control.

Learning outcomes:

Examine how design choices influence autonomy, agency and trust

More detail doesn’t always lead to better experiences. Explore when design becomes too heavy-handed and how leaving space for imagination can create deeper impact. Reflect on where “more” starts to work against wonder—and how to recognize the right moment to stop.

Learning outcomes:

Share perspectives on when additional design reduces impact

Strangers can form surprisingly deep connections in a very short time. But it doesn’t always work—and when it fails, it can feel awkward or uncomfortable. Explore what creates fast intimacy, why it works and where the limits are.

Learning outcomes:

Explore the opportunities and risks of designing rapid intimacy between participants

Many experiences naturally favor extroversion and visible participation. But what about those who engage differently? Explore who experience design serves best—and who it may unintentionally exclude.

Learning outcomes:

Reflect on how different personality types experience events and participation

Transformation sounds appealing—but real change can disrupt teams, systems and expectations. Explore whether organizations truly want transformation and what the consequences may be if they achieve it.

Learning outcomes:

Examine the gap between the desire for transformation and its real-world consequences

Experiences often rely on perception rather than objective reality. But does authenticity still matter? Explore when “feeling real” is enough—and when it isn’t.

Learning outcomes:

Debate the role of authenticity versus perception in experience design