#Japan #Tokyo #Experience Design #Kuwasawa Institute #XD Program

A New Era of Design Learning at Kuwasawa Design Institute

Kuwasawa Design Institute in Shibuya, Tokyo, is excited to announce the launch of a new major in Experience Design (XD) starting April 2027. This innovative program aims to equip students with the skills needed to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of design influenced by advancements in generative AI and digital technology.

Program Overview

The XD major will cater to a diverse range of students, including those pursuing higher education after high school, individuals looking to pivot their careers post-university, and working professionals eager to enhance their skill set while balancing their jobs. It will be a two-year evening program, allowing for a flexible learning environment.

In the first year, students will focus on foundational design principles, emphasizing essential skills such as observation, ideation, and prototyping. In the second year, they will delve into two specialized areas among six options—product design, space design, fashion, branding, media, and service design—allowing them to customize their learning experience.

The launch of the XD major is a response to the increasing demand for designers who can think beyond traditional boundaries. Today's designers need to consider not only tangible products and graphics but also human behavior, emotional experiences, and societal relationships to create new value and experiences.

Educational Approach

The XD program is designed to elevate the traditional framework of design education at Kuwasawa, which has been cultivating talents since its establishment in 1954. By incorporating a contemporary focus on experience, students will learn to develop their design skills across multiple domains. The curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from product design, space, and communication to address complex social issues effectively.

A hallmark of the program will be its project-based learning methodology. Throughout their studies, students will engage in hands-on projects that require them to constantly observe, think critically, and prototype solutions. This iterative process will not only enhance their creativity but will also prepare them to tackle real-world challenges effectively.

Highlights of the XD Major

1. Learning the Basics of Design: The first year will focus on honing observation and conceptualization skills, providing a solid foundation applicable across various design disciplines.
2. Interdisciplinary Learning: In the second year, students will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise by selecting two areas from six disciplines, enabling a versatile approach to design.
3. Hands-On Experience: By engaging in iterative project cycles, students will learn to turn their ideas into tangible outcomes while discovering new values through the design process.

Preparing for the Future

By choosing two areas of specialization in their second year, students can explore unique combinations of expertise that allow them to work at the intersection of different disciplines. For instance, students could merge service design with life products to create innovative experiences that blend digital and physical realms.

The curriculum also encourages students to explore creative combinations, such as integrating fashion with media creation for new forms of self-expression and interaction.

Kuwasawa Design Institute’s XD major aims to nurture the next generation of designers capable of proposing novel experiences and values to society, cultivating a workforce ready to face modern design challenges.

Upcoming Information Session

To learn more about the XD major, an information session will be held on September 12, 2026. This will be an excellent opportunity for prospective students to gain insights into the program’s curriculum, educational philosophy, and admission process.

Event Details
Date: September 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Kuwasawa Design Institute, Shibuya, Tokyo

Kuwasawa's commitment to evolving design education aligns perfectly with the needs of a contemporary society. With the launch of the XD major, the institute looks forward to shaping innovative designers who can redefine the standards of the industry.