Blueprints for Digital: Applying Architectural Principles to Higher Ed Tech

Superkilen Park by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Topotek 1 and Superflex, Copenhagen, Denmark

Designing Digital Futures

When we talk about digital transformation, inspiration often comes from the latest technologies or disruptive trends. But at King’s Digital Innovation for Student Success (DISS) team, we’ve found that some of the most profound lessons come from an unexpected place: architecture. The philosophies of visionary architects like Bjarke Ingels and Richard Rogers have shaped how we think about building digital environments—not just as spaces to be used, but as dynamic systems that must evolve, adapt, and deeply resonate with the needs of our community.

Bjarke Ingels’ concept of "pragmatic utopianism" has been particularly influential in our approach. Ingels’ work demonstrates how grand ideas can be made practical by involving the community in their realisation. His 8 House project in Copenhagen, for instance, shows the power of co-creation, where the input of future users shapes the design in ways that are meaningful and lasting. At DISS, we’ve adopted this philosophy of community-driven design, where students, staff, and stakeholders play an active role in shaping the digital services they rely on. We’ve learned that, like architecture, digital systems are stronger and more adaptable when they reflect the lived experiences of the people they serve.

“Rogers’ work, from the Centre Pompidou to the Lloyd’s Building, shows us that architecture doesn’t have to be fixed or rigid. Instead, it can be open, modular, and ready to evolve with changing needs.”

From Richard Rogers, we’ve drawn the principles of transparency and flexibility. Rogers’ work, from the Centre Pompidou to the Lloyd’s Building, shows us that architecture doesn’t have to be fixed or rigid. Instead, it can be open, modular, and ready to evolve with changing needs. In the digital world, this translates to systems that are not only functional today but built to adapt as user expectations shift. Flexibility, we’ve discovered, isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity if we’re going to remain relevant in an increasingly complex landscape.

The Shift Toward Mass Participation

One of the central shifts we’ve embraced at DISS is moving away from the old model where design decisions were made by a few, often isolated, individuals. Traditionally, designers worked in the background, often far removed from the people who would eventually use their systems. This led to solutions that were disconnected, or worse, counterproductive. We’ve flipped this model. Today, it’s about mass participation—inviting the community into the process, not just to provide feedback, but to actively shape the solutions we build. It’s about listening to the people who use our systems and letting their insights drive innovation.

“However, mass participation isn’t without its challenges. If not carefully managed, it can lead to what many fear most: design by committee. ”

However, mass participation isn’t without its challenges. If not carefully managed, it can lead to what many fear most: design by committee. Too many voices without a clear direction can create confusion and dilute the impact of a project. This is where the lessons from Ingels and Rogers become crucial.

A well-defined vision is essential. It serves as a guiding force that ensures, even as we invite diverse opinions, we stay focused on what we aim to achieve. At DISS, we make it a point to set out clear objectives from the start of every initiative. This vision acts as a North Star, guiding contributions toward a common goal. Without it, participation can easily become fragmented, pulling the project in too many directions.

Structured Participation

Leadership plays a pivotal role in balancing mass participation with decisiveness. Effective leaders must synthesize diverse inputs and make informed choices that maintain the integrity of the project. This doesn’t mean disregarding contributions—it means shaping them into a coherent whole. Our leaders at DISS play a crucial role in steering the process, ensuring that participation remains productive and aligned with our core mission.

“This doesn’t mean disregarding contributions—it means shaping them into a coherent whole.”

Another lesson we’ve learned is the importance of structured participation. Instead of inviting broad feedback all at once, we target input on specific aspects of a project at different stages. This method allows us to gather actionable insights without overwhelming the design process. Structured participation ensures that each phase of development benefits from focused, relevant contributions, while still maintaining the broader goal in sight.

Balancing Inclusivity with Expertise

Inclusivity is at the heart of our approach, but we’ve also come to understand the importance of expertise. While broad input is invaluable, it must be paired with the guidance of subject matter experts to ensure that the final product is both innovative and technically sound. At DISS, we’ve developed panels of experts who bring deep insights into the technical, strategic, and operational aspects of our projects. These experts work alongside user representatives—students, staff, and stakeholders—creating a bridge between technical feasibility and the needs of the community.

Our commitment to co-creation with students goes beyond merely soliciting feedback. We hire current and former students into our team, giving them roles where they can influence the design process directly. Their insights, grounded in everyday experience with our systems, are invaluable. By embedding students within the team, we ensure that the solutions we develop are not just user-friendly, but also deeply informed by the lived realities of those who rely on them most.

Navigating the Challenges of Participation

The road to mass participation in design thinking is complex, but the rewards are worth it. By drawing on the philosophies of architects like Bjarke Ingels and Richard Rogers, we’ve learned how to balance broad inclusivity with decisive leadership, structured feedback, and expert guidance. These lessons have helped us build digital systems that are not only functional and innovative, but deeply resonant with the needs and aspirations of our community.

At DISS, we’re not just building tools—we’re creating an ecosystem that reflects the values and needs of the people we serve. By keeping participation at the heart of our process, we ensure that our digital environments are inclusive, adaptable, and ready for the future.