From Theatre to XR: Shaping Immersive Storytelling Design Education trough Artistic and Analogue Insigths

In an increasingly technology-driven world, this study examines how communication design students can critically and creatively master advanced digital tools to craft immersive storytelling experiences, drawing upon an "analog" mindset. While immersive experiences are often associated with XR technologies, true immersion transcends the medium: it involves fostering a profound sense of engagement, presence, and embodiment that shifts the user’s perspective. In this context, theater, with its empathetic and deconstructive nature, provides valuable insights by fostering emotionally rich, analog experiences that deepen students' understanding of immersive storytelling.This study presents an educational experiment conducted within a communication design seminar, where students participated in a blended theatrical storytelling exercise. By fully immersing themselves in this experience, they unlocked their imagination and developed a deeper understanding of how emotional and sensory involvement can elevate storytelling design, regardless of the use of advanced technologies. Acting as audience members allowed future communication designers to grasp the engaging potential of these encounters, enriching their ability to create compelling, emotionally resonant narratives. The methodology, while not without challenges, was highly appreciated, demonstrating the powerful synergy between advanced digital design and performative arts. This approach introduces a new paradigm in experience design, offering future creators innovative pathways to redefine storytelling boundaries and craft meaningful, human-centered interactions.