The Society for Experiential Graphic Design's eighth-annual digital experiential design gathering, Xlab, will be held in Brooklyn for the first time-at the BRIC arts and media center. This year's theme, 'The Future of Storytelling for Place,' will focus on the design practitioners, visionaries, methodologies and technologies bringing immersive and interactive storytelling to life.
"It's no longer just about using tech for the sake of tech; it's how we use technology to capture insights and better understand one another," explained Justin Molloy, SEGD's director of education. "Looking toward the future and gaining an understanding of how we connect with each other on a human level can shape a vision for storytelling that allows for us to connect with others and create meaningful places using digital tools that were not previously available."
The two-day event will feature optional tours throughout New York City on Thursday, November 1, allowing participants to visit local experiential design studios and projects, followed by an evening mixer hosted by SEGD's New York Chapter.
On Friday, November 2, the group will assemble for sessions and dialogues that dive deeply into what will shape the experiential spaces of tomorrow. The closing keynote of the 2018 SEGD Xlab event will be the recipient of the 2018 SEGD Global Design Awards' Best of Show Award: Refik Anadol for 'Archive Dreaming.'
"You'll hear from thought leaders who service the institutional and museum world, and firms that are pushing the boundaries of consumer-facing storytelling at this year's Xlab event," commented Clive Roux, SEGD's CEO. "The 2018 lineup will give the audience a clear picture of what the cutting edge of experiential graphic design looks like."