The novel master’s program in Design for Technological Environments – the first in Israel and one of very few worldwide – was conceived and developed at HIT, promoting a new role for designers in today’s complex, rapidly changing, and irreversibly technology-focused environment.Extending far beyond the traditional disciplines of design, this trailblazing approach regards design as the ultimate bridge between technology and users in our technology-intensive world.
Thus, with advanced technologies enabling the impossible, creative designers can develop new high-impact solutions for a plethora of challenges in every aspect of our lives – from healthcare and finance to art and culture, social and environmental issues, and much more.
The novel conception regards designers as agents of change and leaders of innovation, investing them with substantial power coupled with great responsibility – for the future of our society, our quality of life, and our environment.
Bolstered by HIT’s robust technological infrastructure, the unique program trains creative, ethically aware, and technology-savvy designers for roles of entrepreneurial and strategic leadership in all sectors of the modern marketplace.
The program’s students become acquainted with a vast range of advanced technologies, learning how to use them resourcefully and effectively.
These include AI, Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Life (IoL), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), laser, computer code, simulations, databases, robotics, 3D-printing, sensors, transmedia, and more.
This technological curriculum is complemented by both theoretical classes and skill-building workshops.
Special emphasis is placed on the study of complex systems and environments involving numerous variables and uncertainty.
Topics include complexity theory, entrepreneurship & innovation management, digital culture, visual culture, disruptive innovation, social & environmental ethics, the social, political, economic, cultural, environmental, and philosophical implications of new technologies, strategic design, design for services and healthcare systems, human-machine interfaces, and more.
In accordance with advanced modern PBL (project-based learning) and experiential learning methodologies, this vast knowhow is implemented in various hands-on projects addressing real-world challenges in complex areas such as medicine, urbanism, environment, culture and society. More often than not, these projects are conducted in close collaboration with actual clients -industrial corporations, nonprofits, medical centers, or public institutions.
Some examples of highly diverse final projects completed by our students: special glasses enabling dyslectics to read comfortably; a device for surgical skills training utilizing AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality) and new materials; an interactive exhibition on the history of the Jewish people; a data-based monitoring system for preschools; a culinary device using AI and 3D-printing to produce tasty personalized dumplings
The novel program is open to individuals with academic degrees in many different areas – from the traditional fields of design, through engineering, art, film and business administration, to the exact sciences, computer science, biology, neuroscience, and more.
Students are handpicked by the program’s leaders, based on their achievements alongside personal interviews. A sense of curiosity and a passion for technology and aesthetics are highly valued in the program.
The program’s first class graduated in August 2025.
Upon graduation, our alumni are ripe and ready to introduce innovation and lead strategic design processes in hi-tech companies, industrial corporations, public institutions, government, NGOs and other organizations.
Alternatively, they can choose to become independent entrepreneurs or researchers in academia.
The program’s multidisciplinary teaching staff includes designers from all traditional disciplines, technology experts, artists, theoreticians, scientists, researchers, architects, and others – providing students with a comprehensive, well-rounded understanding of their avant-garde profession.
Every project conducted by the program’s students involves a great deal of structured qualitative and/or quantitative research on relevant content worlds, to derive insights and implement them in the development process – ultimately leading to an impactful outcome.