Connect with Caitlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinkrause/

See Cailin's work: https://www.caitlinkrause.com/

Are our digital spaces draining our energy, or are they designed for joy and connection?

In this episode of Accessible Disruption, hosts Anthony Vade and Tahira Endean sit down with Caitlin Krause, a Stanford lecturer, founder, and author of Mindful by Design, Designing Wonder, and Digital Wellbeing.

Caitlin challenges the idea that digital and extended reality (XR) worlds are just tools for escapism, arguing instead that they should be an intentional "layer" over our physical, somatic reality. Drawing from her roots as a middle school teacher to her current work designing immersive experiences, Caitlin shares her optimistic "Middle Path" approach to technology. She envisions a future where digital media serves to mediate human-to-human relationships with grace and compassion, rather than isolating us behind screens.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The True Essence of Design: Discover why design isn't just about planning, but about pairing intention with active creativity to empower human freedom and dignity.
• Digital Layering vs. Escapism: Learn why the future of spatial computing isn't about leaving our bodies behind, but adding a "phygital" layer that respects our embodied presence and somatic cues.
• Attention as Currency: Understand why where we place our focus is a literal "payment," and how to find digital "third spaces" that prioritize community and belonging over algorithm-driven doom-scrolling.
• Designing for the Whole Human: Hear Tahira and Caitlin discuss the importance of accommodating participants' multi-layered physical, emotional, and mental needs without forcing them to "walk the plank" into uncomfortable vulnerability.
• Data Rights and Open Source: Explore how spaces like the Engage platform and MIT's Project Nanda are pushing for better data privacy, user-owned 3D assets, and interoperable systems in virtual worlds.

Whether you are an event designer, a corporate leader navigating hybrid workspaces, or simply someone looking for a healthier relationship with your devices, this episode will inspire you to approach technology with intention, curiosity, and active self-compassion.