The transition of artificial intelligence from an abstract computation to an essential infrastructure in recent times was bound to significantly alter the discipline and practice of design. In the present climate, design can no longer limit itself to conventional problem-solving and must consider its ever-evolving role in society with vigilance and foresight. It needs to interrogate established systems, anticipate the unintended outcomes of AI’s acceptance into the design landscape and frame the ethical boundaries within which AI must operate in the larger context of design futures.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly central to companies, transforming roles and business models. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, AI and information-processing technologies will impact 86 per cent of companies by 2030, emerging as a major driver of change. At the same time, international organisations report a widening gap between the speed of AI adoption and the current educational offer—highlighting the need for professionals able to connect technology, design, innovation and social impact.

To meet this demand, the leading international design school, Domus Academy, is launching the Master’s in Design x AI and the Master’s in Design Futures programmes, grounded in the school’s distinctive Learning by Designing methodology. This approach blends academic insight with company workshops, interactive classes and hands‑on projects guided by industry experts, preparing students to navigate AI with both strategic and creative vision.

True to the principles of the Radical Design Movement from which it originated, Domus Academy has always approached emerging technologies from a cultural and critical standpoint, going beyond the volatility of fast‑changing trends. This vision informs the new Master’s in Design x AI, a programme that focuses on the design of AI‑powered products and services with particular attention to ethics and social responsibility. Students learn to create personalised and meaningful interactions between humans and machines, exploring new modes of connection beyond traditional interfaces. This prepares them for future‑oriented professional careers paths including those of Interaction Designers, AI Researchers, Design Strategists and AI Product Experts.

Moreover, the Master’s in Design Futures foregrounds speculative, critical, collaborative and experimental design methodologies as instruments for interrogating the many possibilities of tomorrow. The programme introduces future‑oriented approaches such as Speculative Design, Design Fiction, Critical Design and Experiential Futures, guiding students to imagine and communicate scenarios that do not yet exist. It invites students to actively participate in worlding: questioning the present, envisioning alternatives and inspiring radical change.

By welcoming diverse perspectives and fostering critical inquiry, the programme enables students to become drivers of the contemporary design revolution, preparing them for career paths such as Futures Researchers, Strategic Designers, Innovation Leads and Service Designers.

“With the launch of the Master’s programmes in Design Futures and Design x AI, Domus Academy reaffirms its commitment to being a benchmark in design education,” said Silvio Cioni, director of education at Domus Academy. “We are not only teaching students how to navigate today’s challenges; we are equipping them with the conceptual and practical tools to imagine and design the futures we deserve. These programmes reflect our philosophy, which sees design as a driving force for ethical and sustainable innovation.”

Both Master’s programmes are officially recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and award 60 ECTS credits, with the first intake scheduled for Autumn 2026. Candidates also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships available across all Master’s programmes, including the new Design Futures and Design x AI courses. To be considered, applicants must submit their applications and projects by March 13, 2026.

About Domus Academy

Domus Academy's offerings includes Bachelor of Arts Programmes, two-year Master of Arts Programmes and Academic Master’s Programmes, all recognised by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR). The offering is further enriched by Dual Awards Master’s Programmes, allowing students to obtain an additional qualification recognised by the British academic system upon completion of their studies.

The courses cover the fields of fashion, design and business, equipping students to pursue successful careers in the creative industries through an innovative and career-oriented approach.

Over the years, Domus Academy has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Compasso d'Oro Award for the quality of research and academic approach and the Special Badge of Excellence in Learning Experience from The Business of Fashion. In 2025, Domus Academy was ranked by CEOWORLD Magazine among the 30 best fashion schools worldwide. It is also included in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, Art & Design field, UI GreenMetric World University Rankings and THE Impact Rankings.