This paper investigates the disruptive power of extended reality (XR) technologies, synergistically combined with artificial intelligence (AI), on creative art and design education in South Africa. Informed by an integrative literature review and insights derived from research conducted for the EU-funded Metaverse Academy Project with students and industry representatives, this study demonstrates how these technologies are altering established paradigms within artistic practice and design methodologies.

This study investigates the integration of Embedded Tactile and Sensory Technologies as digital disruptions in South African design education, exploring how additive manufacturing and tactile interfaces can bridge theory with experiential learning. Grounded in Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), a Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology was employed to develop and test an educational intervention at a South African University of Technology. The research examined how the embedded technologies enhance student engagement, inclusivity, and creative problem-solving within a context of limited resources.