The Skills of Tomorrow

Are we designing for a world we can’t even imagine?

Let’s face it — we’re all trying to figure out what skills will matter most in the future.

50%

Employees will need reskilling by 2025
due to technology

World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs (2023)

>40%

Of current jobs will be lost to automation by 2030

QS World Future Skills Index (2025)

85%

Of C-suite executives think data literacy will be as essential as computer skills in the future

Coursera Job Skills Report (2025)

But here’s the kicker - these reports were all launched before the rise of DeepSeek, and the new wave of AI agents.

Imagine 2040

AI agents are not just tools—they're collaborators.

AI is Ubiqutious

Designing buildings, diagnosing diseases, negotiating contracts.

Reshaped Industries

Climate change and biotech breakthroughs have redefined what it means to be human.

The World is Phygital

The lines between physical and digital worlds have blurred, and the pace of change is dizzying.

In this world, what skills will matter?

Take the plunge and let’s figure it out together!

Contribute to the project

Feature in our case studies

Head, Heart, Hand, Whole Framework

A way to design learning experiences that engage every dimension of human potential.

Head
The Thinking Dimension

Mental skills for processing information, problem-solving, and decision-making. The what and how of learning.

  • Critical thinking

  • Problem-solving

  • Creativity

Heart
The Feeling Dimension

Emotional and social skills for connection, resilience, and motivation. The why of learning.

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Empathy

  • Resilience

Hand
The Doing Dimension

Practical skills for action, creation, and collaboration. The doing of learning.

  • Physical Skills

  • Communication

  • Collaboration

Whole
The Being Dimension

Reflective skills for meaning-making, growth, and integration. The who of learning.

  • Reflection

  • Ethics

  • Meaning-Making

How Can We Use This Framework?

For Learning Designers

  • Map Skills → Identify which elements (Head, Heart, Hand, Whole) shape a skill.
    (e.g., Coding = Head-heavy, Teamwork = Heart-focused).

  • Adapt Across Contexts → A skill like communication looks different in corporate training vs. K-12 education—design accordingly.

  • Avoid one-dimensional experiences → If something is too Head-heavy, add Heart (engagement) or Hand (practice) to create balanced learning.

For Organizations

  • Audit Your Learning Programs → Identify gaps and imbalances in your work. E.g. Are your learners gaining knowledge but struggling with application or confidence? Add Hand or Heart elements.

  • Reskill with Impact → Build programs that develop skills, resilience, and adaptability—not just knowledge. E.g., Don’t just train employees on new tools—help them navigate change, collaborate, and apply learnings.

Join the Experiment!

Contribute to the project

Feature in our case studies

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