From Theatre to XR: Shaping Immersive Storytelling Design Education through Artistic and Analogue Insights

Abstract In an increasingly technology‐driven world, this study examined how communication design students can critically and creatively master advanced digital tools to craft immersive storytelling experiences, drawing upon an ‘analogue’ mindset. While immersive experiences are often associated with XR technologies, true immersion transcends the medium: it involves fostering a profound sense of engagement, presence and embodiment that shifts the user's perspective. In this context, theatre, with its empathetic and deconstructive nature, provides valuable insights by fostering emotionally rich, analogue experiences that deepen students' understanding of immersive storytelling. This study presented an educational experiment conducted within a communication design seminar, where students participated in a blended theatrical storytelling exercise. By fully immersing themselves in this experience, they unlocked their imagination and developed a deeper understanding of how emotional and sensory involvement can elevate storytelling design, regardless of the use of advanced technologies. Acting as audience members allowed future communication designers to grasp the engaging potential of these encounters, enriching their ability to create compelling, emotionally resonant narratives. The methodology, while not without challenges, was highly appreciated, demonstrating the powerful synergy between advanced digital design and performative arts. This approach introduced a new paradigm in experience design, offering future creators innovative pathways to redefine storytelling boundaries and craft meaningful, human‐centred interactions.