STUDENTS' PROJECTS AT DUBAI INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND INNOVATION (DIDI)
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) offers the region’s first multidisciplinary Bachelor of Design, blending Product, Multimedia, Fashion, and Strategic Design. Rooted in conceptualization, communication, crafting, and care, DIDI fosters creative problem-solving through a unique curriculum co-developed with MIT and Parsons. Here are some of my students' work from DIDI:
THE EVOLUTION OF CREATIVITY: FROM HAND-DRAWN FRAMES TO AI-GENERATED IMAGINATION
Artificial Intelligence has deeply woven itself into the fabric of our lives, and nowhere is its impact more profound than in the realm of creativity. Generative AI is redefining artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. I have witnessed this transformation firsthand—my students once meticulously crafted cell animations in the past, then embraced with 2D and 3D tools, and now, they seamlessly integrate AI into their creative workflows with other digital tools.
We stand at the edge of an uncharted creative frontier. As technology accelerates, the fusion of human imagination with AI-driven tools is reshaping the way we conceive and manifest ideas. But where are we heading? If today's artists and designers collaborate with AI, tomorrow's creators may not even need tools—our thoughts, interfaced with quantum computing, could generate entire worlds effortlessly and I am sure in realtime too.
For now, I invite you to witness the incredible work of my students—visionaries who are shaping the future of creativity. Watch as they blend artistic intuition with emerging AI technologies. The future of visual storytelling is unfolding before our eyes.
We stand at the edge of an uncharted creative frontier. As technology accelerates, the fusion of human imagination with AI-driven tools is reshaping the way we conceive and manifest ideas. But where are we heading? If today's artists and designers collaborate with AI, tomorrow's creators may not even need tools—our thoughts, interfaced with quantum computing, could generate entire worlds effortlessly and I am sure in realtime too.
For now, I invite you to witness the incredible work of my students—visionaries who are shaping the future of creativity. Watch as they blend artistic intuition with emerging AI technologies. The future of visual storytelling is unfolding before our eyes.
DYNAMIC IDENTITY: A MOTION-BASED EXPLORATION OF THE SELF
In an era where digital presence shapes personal and collective narratives, Dynamic Identity challenges students to transcend static representation and embody their evolving self through motion. This project builds upon their initial explorations in Digital Identity Collage, transforming visual identity into an animated, time-based experience. By integrating motion, transitions, sound, and storytelling, students craft a living, expressive reflection of who they are.
Through this process, they engage with fundamental principles of animation—timing, rhythm, and composition—while also interrogating the philosophical dimensions of identity. How does movement alter perception? How do sound and transitions create emotional resonance? This project is not merely about technical proficiency but about capturing the ephemeral nature of identity itself, using digital tools to visualize its fluid, evolving essence.
In an era where digital presence shapes personal and collective narratives, Dynamic Identity challenges students to transcend static representation and embody their evolving self through motion. This project builds upon their initial explorations in Digital Identity Collage, transforming visual identity into an animated, time-based experience. By integrating motion, transitions, sound, and storytelling, students craft a living, expressive reflection of who they are.
Through this process, they engage with fundamental principles of animation—timing, rhythm, and composition—while also interrogating the philosophical dimensions of identity. How does movement alter perception? How do sound and transitions create emotional resonance? This project is not merely about technical proficiency but about capturing the ephemeral nature of identity itself, using digital tools to visualize its fluid, evolving essence.
The animations and dynamic visuals showcased here are the result of my students' explorations in 2D and 3D software, driven by deep intellectual thinking, analysis, and synthesis. Through rigorous design processes—conceptualization, ideation, and development—they have transformed abstract ideas into compelling, visually dynamic narratives, reflecting the intersection of creativity and critical design inquiry.
My students in Information Design used ChromaDepth technology, which optically transforms the colors to create a hologram. Animations based on ChromaDepth appear as completely normal but they jump into holographic reality when viewed with particular glasses.
ChromaDepth Animations.

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In this course, students dive into the world of digital storytelling, mastering digital asset creation, narrative structure, and VFX techniques. From crafting visual narratives to experimenting with motion, timing, and compositing, they explore the art of engaging audiences emotionally while honing production skills for broadcast animation..

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