IN-PERSON MADRID FOCUS ON PEDAGOGY. SECTION A

Abstract

Design education has historically centered on the studio model—a collaborative, iterative environment where ideas develop through research, visual exploration, and critique. In recent years, virtual whiteboard platforms such as Miro and Mural have expanded the possibilities of this space. Initially used for digital mind mapping and group collaboration, these tools have evolved into dynamic environments that support continuous ideation, multimedia research, and flexible modes of working. Although the pandemic accelerated their adoption, their value extends well beyond remote instruction. This presentation examines how digital whiteboards have become integral to a contemporary, postdigital studio—one that blends physical and virtual modes of making. Within in-person classrooms, where space for ongoing pinups and long-term visual development is often limited, these platforms provide an expanded creative landscape that reflects professional workflows. Their persistent, non-destructive spaces enable students to track the evolution of their ideas, revisit earlier iterations, and engage more deeply in reflective, iterative design thinking. As programs returned to fully in-person formats, virtual boards remain central to how students collect research, map concepts, and collaborate across multiple visual surfaces. Their integration also aligns with industry shifts, where AI-driven visual communication tools and digital collaboration platforms are reshaping design practice. By reframing the studio as a postdigital environment, this session explores strategies for leveraging these technologies to enhance creative inquiry, support iterative learning, and prepare students for the evolving demands of contemporary design work. Through case studies and pedagogical insights, it demonstrates how hybrid tools can enrich both design process and educational practice.