The Experientialists

Taking my Swiftie 10-year-old daughter and her dutiful-but-Taylor-Swift-hating 13-year-old brother to the Eras Tour in Amsterdam was like watching an opera performed by cats—it shouldn't work, but somehow it does. The crowd, a mix of Dutch folks and fans from around the world, uniting in a synchronized frenzy, made clear my son and I were missing out on some profound empathetic vibe that these devotees clearly got. So, what is it about Taylor Swift that captivates 10-year-old girls (and, I mean "10" both in age and at heart... same open definition with "girls")? Is it her ability to weave tales of teenage love, heartbreak, and self-discovery with a dash of nostalgia? Or is there more to it? Is it, maybe, the empowering liberation of the archetypal girl next door, who – in a silent pact with her fans – is unabashedly revealing her ferocious independence and rebellious spirit in pop songs too subtle for me and my son to catch... a "good girl" agent provocateur wielding glitter-bombs and a bedazzled guitar? While it remains a challenge for me (and my son) to relate to teen angst pop accompanied by 50 costume changes and a 30-foot inflatable snake, I can't help but marvel at Swift's authenticity and charisma, which captivates and unites such diverse audiences. Her songs, with their “tolerable” dark sides, offer a wide spectrum of emotions and motivations that are clearly liberating and empowering her listeners. It's like she’s handing out permission slips for emotional complexity, and who doesn’t want to sign up for that field trip? Witnessing tens of thousands of people from different backgrounds and native languages sing "Love Story" in unison reminded me of the important role music has always played in social change. It is a contemporary example: If Taylor Swift can bridge cultural divides with her blend of vulnerability and strength, then social change, at the right and precise moment, can just be a catchy chorus and a sparkly outfit away. More practically, professionally that is, so far as it informs experiential design, it made me wonder how much shared experience depends on empathy for its potency. Perhaps Swift's magic lies in her ability to create a communal space where everyone's inner drama queen can thrive, and maybe—just maybe—that's what too many boys (my son and I, included) are missing: Swifties’ pent-up expression of the joy of shared, unbridled, and emotionally complex humanity. If that is true, whether I (or my son, who might now have serious spinal damage from holding her up) enjoy a song doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, I'm grateful someone can make my daughter feel this way and share it safely with such a large and supportive community of good souls.

Step into the world of "Da Vinci: Genius," an experience that catapults you into Leonardo’s life, an interactive odyssey through his most eccentric passions and visionary ideas. Wander through his mind as he dissects bodies and designs war machines. Witness Judas’s betrayal in high-definition glory, and dance with Vitruvian Man to trance-inducing beats. Ever wondered what the Mona Lisa’s really thinking? Just ask—AI Mona Lisa is here, and she’s not holding back. This isn’t some four-wall projection-mapped PowerPoint. Da Vinci’s intricate sketches leap off the page as animated sequences, and visitors can explore his groundbreaking inventions through beautifully interactive—and, at times, gamified—displays. Appreciators of this artistry will see that true genius lies in making the complex look simple, offering pure entertainment while embedding rich, thoughtful content. Leigh Sachwitz and her amazing team at flora&faunavisions nailed it with a precision that makes you think they had a direct line to da Vinci himself. Aside from its sheer beauty, "Da Vinci: Genius" executes creativity and technical mastery so naturally and effortlessly, it feels like a living, breathing masterpiece. It delivers depth and substance without the slightest hint of strain, making it as informative as it is unforgettable! We were sad it had to end. The exhibition is currently running in Amsterdam and will show later this year in South Florida.

The recent WXO - World Experience Organization Summit in NYC brought together industry leaders to share transformative insights on creating exceptional experiences. Thanks to James Wallman, Olivia Squire, Fabiën Vlems and the rest of the WXO Team for putting on such a great event! Here's my recap on the talks I attended (FOMO on the rest!) and how their insights can be applied to enhance our approach to experience design. So great to see WXO friends Lizzy Martin, Heather Gallagher M.Sc., Megan Janel Zimmer, CED, Julian Rad, Jamie Ruddy, Bear Kirkpatrick and connect with new people Giulia Ferrari, Robert Dunsmore, Paul Mendoza, Lou Pizante, Charlotte Dewar, Morgan Goodlander, Donnacadh O'Briain, Kevin Dulle, Katherine Templar Lewis, Jennifer Crook, Lindsey Davis, Lydia Ghobrial, Adam Mortimer, Naomi Clare Crellin, Tobias Geisler, Adi Livneh, Ashley Jex Wagner 🔜 WXO Summit, Laura E. Beavin-Yates, Ph.D. Katrina Lat, Perla Parri, Matthew McNerney, Mishawn Nolan, Laura Hess, John Hays, Heather Doggett, Kristin Malek, Nasya Kamrat and many more apologies if I've missed you off it's not intentional! Missed the summit? Here's a recap of the enlightening talks and how their insights can enhance our design strategies. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below! #WXO2024 #Pitchpowerhours #BrandExperience

If there’s one place that can make your kids look up from their iPads, it’s the magical wonderland of Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugual. Built by the Lello brothers in 1906, this bookstore is so stunning that the creaking floor seems to whisper literary secrets, and I’m fairly sure even the ghosts of past librarians stop by just to gawk. Between its legendary staircase and a ceiling that looks like it was crafted by elves on a sugar high, this place might just be the holy grail of getting kids to read.

For those with the stamina of a coked-up cheetah and the ambition of a caffeinated two-year-old, July offers a challenge: survive all these events without a nap. As we plunge into July, cities are ditching fireworks for drones, while ensuring our pets no longer cower under the bed. Joey Chestnut’s absence from Nathan’s contest leaves a gaping void in competitive gluttony. Meanwhile, Las Vegas’ Sphere marks its anniversary with a techie light show that’ll outshine your neighbor’s July 4th sparklers. Feeling a little summer boredom? Not to worry, XP Land’s got your back!

The WXO - World Experience Organization’s roundup of July events includes Europe’s sports orgy of the Euros, Wimbledon, and Olympics — now with 100% more breakdancing. Manchester’s MARSHMALLOW LASER FEAST turns art into an interactive playground. In Adelaide, EDEN BY flora&faunavisions gives you the power to create a garden so vibrant and wild, you’ll feel like you’re tripping on photosynthesis, while Melbourne’s naked fashion show is all about embracing your inner nudist. Meanwhile, DreamWorks Animation Land in Florida invites kids to get drenched while riding trollercoasters – it’s like Disneyland but swampier.

Want to flex those creative muscles and do some good in the world without having to choose between them? Our dear friend Bear Kirkpatrick has the perfect internship where you can make masterpieces and save endangered species all in one day. That’s right! Turn your doodles into do-gooding; it’s like making a difference with glitter.

Prepare to have your senses overloaded as flora&faunavisions brings EDEN to Illuminate Adelaide. This is no ordinary garden stroll... it's an LED-fueled trip through digital flora that’ll make your grandma’s begonias look like under-watered weeds. Ready yourself for a garden where flowers bloom in pixels and the air hums with electric vibes, all in a mind-bending blend of art and tech that pulses and reacts to your presence like it’s alive. It’s the perfect outing for those who want a little futurism in their foliage and to leave their Instagram followers in a furious, full-on FOMO frenzy.

Looking for something to tickle your brain cells? Jump into the latest The Experientialists’ issue where you’ll meander through misty swamps, get your mind blown by pitch-black auditory illusions, venture forth on Pink Floyd-inspired cosmic trips, and witness blockchain data pirouetting like it's on Broadway. Trust us, it is way more fun than that upcoming Zoom meeting! https://lnkd.in/gz8FUqya

Issue No. 22 of The Experientialist is here, and we’re exploring everything from VR cat preserves to AI-hosted bingo raves. It is a metaphorical invitation to a glamorous gala, albeit one where a sultry Design makes eyes at a befuddled Tech, and opportunistic Commerce is hawking tickets to the VIP after party, all while Culture—with a haughty sniff from the corner—mutters something about the decline of taste. So don't miss out, because this is the issue that makes your wildest dreams look like a documentary! https://lnkd.in/gBzrgw2H