In the evolving landscape of design and technology, the intersection between academia, industry, and creative innovation has never been more crucial. Kadine James, an executive experience director, producer, and founder of The Immersive Kind, offers compelling insights into this dynamic field. Through her role at Artificial Rome, she spearheads groundbreaking projects that blend cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling, crafting interactive experiences that redefine the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds.
Kadine’s extensive professional journey encompasses collaborations with prestigious global brands such as Diesel, Mercedes-Benz, and Unilever. Her work is notable for its multidisciplinary approach, integrating elements from virtual production, digital fashion, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D environments, and AAA gaming. This eclectic blend of expertise underscores the future-oriented vision that defines both her individual work and that of Artificial Rome.
Her contribution to design education is equally significant, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application. Kadine has lectured at prestigious institutions, including the Royal College of Art, Pratt School in New York, University College London (UCL), Condé Nast, and Marangoni School. Her educational philosophy centres on immersive and experiential learning, underscored by her pioneering efforts to establish digital skills academies in East London, introducing young people to careers in 3D modelling, rapid prototyping, Unity, and Unreal Engine in collaboration with Epic Games.
An innovative example of Kadine’s educational practice is her virtual reality (VR) classroom, a vast 60,000 square-foot digital venue built with Spatial and Real World Architects Studio. Here, students participate as digital avatars, interacting within an immersive learning environment. Additionally, Kadine leverages Synthesia AI technology, creating synthetic digital versions of herself capable of communicating in over 120 languages, enabling unique international and multilingual teaching experiences. This integration of generative AI and VR significantly expands traditional educational boundaries, encouraging students to experiment boldly and adapt flexibly to new technological challenges.
Kadine advocates strongly for future-focused skills among young designers. She emphasises the necessity of blending foundational creative abilities, such as drawing and storytelling, with hands-on experience using innovative digital tools, including Midjourney, Luma, photogrammetry, and 3D scanning. This fusion of traditional artistry and technological proficiency is crucial in cultivating versatile designers capable of crafting engaging, immersive experiences and products that meet the evolving demands of industries such as digital art, gaming, fashion, and virtual production.
In terms of portfolio development, Kadine highlights creativity, adaptability, and collaborative spirit as key attributes she seeks in emerging talent. At Artificial Rome, particular emphasis is placed on designers with strong traditional artistic skills paired with technical expertise in software such as Unreal Engine, coding proficiency, and 3D modelling capabilities. Essential qualities include excellent communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, teamwork, problem-solving aptitude, and adaptability to rapid industry changes.
Kadine’s recent professional highlights underscore her innovative approach to immersive design. Notably, she mentions a newly launched drivable online experience for Renault 5 and a generative AI installation featured at Berlin’s Humboldt Gallery. These projects demonstrate the potential for technology-driven design to transform cultural experiences and suggest the expanding role of immersive digital environments in everyday life.
Looking ahead, Kadine advocates for a closer alignment between academia and industry, encouraging more practical, collaborative projects that offer students tangible, real-world experiences. Her vision for the future of design education prioritises adaptability and responsiveness to technological advancements, underpinned by sustained experimentation and creativity.
For those interested in exploring Kadine’s work further, she invites students and professionals alike to connect through Artificial Rome, The Immersive Kind’s website, and social media channels, facilitating continuous dialogue and collaboration within the global design community.
As design education evolves to meet future challenges, Kadine James provides a compelling blueprint, highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary, immersive, and technologically savvy approach to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.
The New Art School 