A few weeks ago, I found myself immersed in the future—well, almost. At a spatial design event showcasing Apple’s Vision Pro, I had the chance to see how extended reality (XR) is breaking free from science fiction and lurching into the real world.
It wasn’t just about the slick headgear or brain-bending visuals (though those were seriously impressive). What struck me was how these tools are starting to solve real, tangible problems—things that matter to organisations and people alike. From healthcare training to emergency response planning, XR isn’t just adding layers to reality; it’s transforming how we experience and interact with it.
But here’s the rub: adopting these technologies isn’t as simple as slapping on a headset and calling it innovation. It demands a mindset shift—a way of thinking that reimagines how we design, create, and connect. And that’s where things get interesting.
Spatial design is generally talked about in terms of futuristic apps and virtual worlds, but what stood out to me at the event was its grounded practicality. XR isn’t just about gaming or gimmicks; it’s about creating entirely new ways of working.
Take healthcare. One of the demos I saw showed how medical professionals could use 3D models to simulate surgeries or create lifelike training environments. These are game-changing, especially in high-stakes fields where hands-on practice is crucial but often limited.
The Vision Pro also demonstrated its potential for tasks that require constant movement. Imagine a surgeon, a field technician, or even an educator accessing live, hands-free data without breaking their flow. Seamless interaction is a tantalising taste of the future of productivity.
Whilst these are pretty compelling examples, they’re only the start. The real potential of spatial design lies in how it invites us to think differently about experiences themselves.
One of the biggest takeaways from the event for me was how we need to reframe our thinking as designers. Moving from 2D screens to fully immersive environments is as much a technical leap as a creative one.
Right now, many designs in XR mimic traditional screen interactions. A click here, a swipe there—just in 3D. That familiarity is an important part of transitioning us into a new environment. But what if we flipped the script? What if we started with the experience itself, building environments that feel intuitive and natural, rather than simply adapting old methods to new technology?
For example, one Vision Pro demo allowed users to create customised virtual workspaces that adapted to their physical surroundings. Think about that: no more static screens, no more fixed setups—just fluid, responsive environments that meet you where you are.
This shift—from static interfaces to something totally dynamic —requires a new way of thinking. It’s about designing for movement, for presence, for immersion. It’s about seeing interaction as something lived, not just performed.
That I love about events like this is how they challenge the way we think about the future. They’re not just showcases; they’re opportunities to connect the dots and ask the big questions.
And then there’s the question of readiness. Tools like the Vision Pro are exciting, no doubt, but they demand more than enthusiasm to succeed. They require thoughtful, strategic thinking—an ability to translate the abstract into something actionable.
For me, that’s the most interesting part. It’s not just about adopting something new; it’s about navigating the complexity that comes with it. That’s where the real work begins.
The event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we stay open to new ideas. For me, UX design has zoomed out – shifting from screens to a broader focus on the world around us.
XR may still feel niche in some ways, but its potential to reshape industries is undeniable. The transition to spatial design won’t happen overnight. But as I walked away from the demos, I couldn’t help but feel that it’s closer than we think.