David N Wilson

David N Wilson is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Purchase College, State University of New York, within the School of Art+Design. He is a transdisciplinary designer, educator, and researcher whose work bridges design, technology, and culture, with a focus on Public Interactives—digitally mediated communications in public, virtual, and hybrid spaces.

• Education:
  • MFA, The University of Texas at Dallas
  • MA, The New School for Public Engagement
  • BA, San Francisco State University

Wilson’s research explores the cultural impact of emergent digital technologies, particularly in public spaces. His interests include interaction design, human-computer interaction, AI’s role in creativity, and active learning pedagogy. He has helped establish design research labs at Purchase College, UT Dallas, and The New School, and previously served as a research fellow at both UT Dallas and The New School.

His recent publications and exhibitions focus on pervasive digital displays, digital archiving of interactive art, and AI’s influence on artistic expression. Wilson actively mentors students in field research, leading site visits to public interactives in New York City, such as Connected Worlds at the New York Hall of Science and REACH:NYC at the 34th Street subway station.

His blog critically examines the philosophical and pedagogical implications of AI on creativity, drawing on theorists like Marx, Dreyfus, and Harney & Moten. He emphasizes the need for embodied cognition, critical awareness of mimicry, and pedagogical models like Montessori to preserve human agency in creative education.

• Scientific Awards:
  • No awards listed in the provided text.

Wilson advises several students whose creative work has been highlighted, including August Ricciardi and Jazmine Medina. He has conducted research in collaboration with Microsoft New York through The New School’s TransDisciplinary Laboratory. His professional website, davidnwilson.net, showcases his ongoing projects and writings.

He leads research teams studying public interactives across New York City and is planning future site visits to locations such as Meow Wolf NYC, Cooper Hewitt, and Google Research NYC. His work contributes significantly to understanding how digital technologies shape public culture and creative learning.