Inspiring Design

The next generation of mapping is here! In this episode, our Rashan Senanayake sits down with design visionary Amber Standley, Co-founder and CXO of Terria, to explore the cutting edge of spatial technology and its future impact on our world. From her roots in creative design to pioneering in augmented reality and digital twins, Amber shares how her journey has led to reshaping the way we visualise data. Learn how platforms like Terria are empowering everyday users, governments, and industries to create immersive, accessible, and intelligent geospatial experiences—no coding required, open sourced! Both Amber and Rashan detail and break down complex terms like reality mesh, BIM models, and automation in digital twins, and discuss how they're revolutionising urban planning, sustainability, property management, and even education. Exploring how digital twins are evolving from visualisation tools to real-time decision-making engines,  to the power of visual data in tackling climate change and community engagement for meaningful impact! Whether you're into tech, design, data, or urban innovation—this episode will change the way you see the world (literally).

We are in the era of a mixed reality – to be specific, many types of ‘realities’! Our host Rashan Senanayake speaks with Pradeep Khanna, a global thought leader and coach in immersive technologies, to explore the transformative world of Spatial Computing. Pradeep unpacks the fundamentals of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR), collectively shaping the future of immersive experiences. He explains how these technologies work, their capabilities, and what we can expect as they continue to evolve with the mix of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Highlighting the critical role of Spatial Computing in education, Pradeep discusses the skills students need to thrive in a tech-driven future and the adjustments policymakers must consider for a safe and successful use of this amazing technology. He dives into how educators can leverage design thinking to foster creative and critical thinking skills, enabling students to navigate and elevate human capability alongside this technology. Pradeep also shares strategies for schools to integrate Spatial Computing into learning and offers practical advice for students aiming to succeed in this rapidly advancing field. Join us for this creative and insightful conversation with Pradeep Khanna and discover the many realities that include the world of Spatial Computing technology. 

‘Computing’ as you have never seen before, Welcome to the Quantum Era! Stephanie Pons (Deloitte Australia and part of the Quantum Technologies team), alongside our host Rashan Senanayake, explore the cutting-edge world of Quantum Computing (QC). Stephanie breaks down what exactly entails QC and why it’s crucial for our future, and how it differs from the personal computing world that we know. She also sheds light on other quantum technologies, such as quantum sensing, and the critical role they will play in various industries. Stephanie discusses why it’s essential for schools to introduce quantum concepts, outlining the key skills needed for students to thrive in this field. She also shares strategies for educators to help students understand and engage with quantum technologies. Additionally, the episode dives into the role of design thinking in harnessing quantum's potential and offers insights into why students should get involved in this revolutionary area. Tune-in to learn about this disruptive technology, shaping the future ahead of us.

Each click costs us! In this international episode we explore the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and what that means for our future. Alongside our host Rashan Senanayake, expert speakers Yolande Strengers (Professor of Digital Technology and Society at Monash University's Emerging Technologies Research Lab) and Melissa Gregg (an author, ethnographer and consultant on sustainability strategy), examines the current relationship between AI and energy consumption, looking ahead to 2035-2040, and discussing practical strategies for reducing our digital footprint. But its not all doom and gloom, learn how the energy sector is adapting and discover emerging career pathways in sustainable tech, and get advice for educators and students navigating this evolving landscape. Tune in for insights on the power behind AI and how we can contribute to a more sustainable future – ignorance is no longer bliss!

Join us in this episode as we explore the future of architecture with Chris Paterson, Principal Architect at Populous Brisbane. Chris shares his story and explains Building 2.0, including its technologies, sustainability practices, and the concept of Smart Buildings. He discusses the future of construction, its impact on conventional architecture, and the integration of IoT, Mixed Reality, and Big Data. Chris highlights the importance of these advancements for schools, the skills required, and the role of design thinking in modern architecture. He also offers advice for future professionals and educators and provides resources for further learning. Whether you're a professional, educator, or student, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of architecture.

Are we living in a Black Mirror (Netflix) episode? Continuing our hunt for knowledge in understanding emerging technologies, this episode features Amy-Rose explains the fundamentals of blockchain technology, its importance for the future, and its impact on various industries. She highlights the need for blockchain education in schools, essential skills for students, and its effect on industry. Additionally, Amy unpacked the great convergence that is forecasted where various emerging technologies will be uniformly working together and what can be expected in the near future. Blockchain is close to working alongside AI and Quantum Computing, working towards personal computing. Finally, Amy explores the role of design thinking in blockchain and offers advice for students to succeed in this evolving field. This episode is not to be missed so tune in for an insightful discussion on blockchain technology and its implications for industry and education.

In this episode inspiring emerging technologies, join Brendan Newell, General Manager of Cyberpathways, and Adam Jacobs, Managing Director and CEO of EdTechGroup, as they explore the crucial topic of cybersecurity. Covering the basics, Brendan and Adam define cybersecurity and its global importance, with a focus on Australia's unique challenges. Alongside our host, Rashan Senanayake, they delve into the technology behind cybersecurity, discussing its evolution over the past decade and speculating on its future trajectory. Both Brendan and Adam emphasise the essential hard and soft skills needed to succeed in cybersecurity, highlighting the role of creative and critical thinking and amazing strategies and stories related to the Cyber world! Offering valuable advice, Brendan and Adam share insights for students, graduates, professionals, and businesses interested in cybersecurity. Tune in for an engaging discussion packed with industry insights and practical guidance on navigating the dynamic field of cybersecurity. Huge thanks to our sponsors: CyberPathways & EdTech Group, filmed at Brisbane Grammar School, STEAM Precinct.

Kicking off Season 5: Emerging Technologies, our Host Rashan Senanayake speaks with Associate Director Natalie Oostergo from the University of Southern Queensland exploring the impact of Gen-AI on Australian education. Natalie discusses the significance of Gen-AI for our future and its potential to revolutionise teaching and learning. She emphasises the importance of maintaining academic integrity in the face of technological advancements. Offering practical strategies and resources, Natalie highlights ways schools and universities can integrate Gen-AI responsibly into education. She also explores the role of design thinking in fostering critical skills for navigating Gen-AI. For students, Natalie provides advice on using Gen-AI ethically by emphasising the importance of digital literacy alongside ethical awareness. Tune into this episode with Natalie Oostergo at the University of Southern Queensland. Join us for an insightful discussion on Gen-AI and its implications for education.

In this episode, join Dr. Kylie Warren, a pioneering figure in Advanced Manufacturing (AM), for an in-depth discussion on the aspects that result in business innovation within an exciting industry. Explore the nuances between quality control, assurance, and management systems, and discover their diverse applications across stakeholders within AM. Kylie shares insights into the pivotal role of technology in driving advancements, showcasing cutting-edge tools and methodologies. Breaking stereotypes in a historically male-dominated field, Kylie highlights exciting career pathways for both genders in AM. She emphasises the crucial blend of hard and soft skills, including design thinking and STEAM education, essential for success in this evolving landscape. For students, graduates, and educators alike, Kylie offers invaluable advice drawn from her experience, guiding aspiring professionals and educational institutions toward preparing for the demands of this exciting industry. Tune in for a captivating conversation filled with industry insights, career guidance, and the evolving landscape of Advanced Manufacturing.

Dive into the realm of design and manufacturing workflows with Nathan Rice, the innovative force behind iFab. Discover how concepts evolve into steel masterpieces through meticulous design and advanced manufacturing, powered by the technologies incorporating Augmented Reality, CAD and automation in future. Nathan unveils the crucial details of the workflow in bringing a concept idea to life, through to construction! Along the way he humbly shares insights on the impact of technology on the industry, reflecting on the past and forecasting the future. Learn about the key skills driving success in this field—sketching, critical thinking, research, and communication—all grounded in design thinking's fusion of creativity and problem-solving. Tune into this video episode, offering a roadmap into the captivating world of design, manufacturing, and innovation workflows.