Designing place: Reimagining a peripheral town’s narrative through experience design

This paper introduces the concept of <i>designing place</i> as a specific type of experience design by exploring its application in revitalizing a peripheral town facing economic, social, political, and demographic challenges. We illustrate how reimagining the narrative of a peripheral town can enhance the quality of life for residents, make it attractive to newcomers, and contribute to enduring urban and regional development. We argue that <i>designing place</i> extends beyond traditional urban planning and infrastructure development to incorporate a holistic approach to experience that integrates cognitive, emotional, behavioral, sensorial, and social factors. <i>Designing place</i> aims to create a sense of belonging and well-being, and thus contributes to the broader discourse on the role of design in fostering impactful transformations in a rapidly changing world. We contribute to the design literature by delineating the dimensions of <i>designing place</i> and offer practical implications for policymakers and community leaders seeking to reimagine peripheral towns.<br/><br/>