Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to describe the relevant role of users/learners as designers/creators of meaningful and effective learning places and spaces in both digital and virtual worlds.Design/methodology/approach -The paper is based on research and observation of changing trends in users' behavior in physical and digital collaborative workplaces and spaces all over the world.Findings -In this third millennium, the new spirit of knowmadic workers and learners is breaking down old design concepts and rules. The progressively more subtle frontier between virtual and physical learning environments and working environments is changing the use by, and the behavior of, learners in these places and spaces. In this context, the transversal-thinking, designer-guided paradigm is rendered effectively useless. The era of user-led design has started. User-oriented design is an old trend; it has changed over time. In societies and economies based on learning, reflection and constant collaboration, the individualistic design guru has no place.Originality/value -This paper discusses the evolving strategic role of users/learners as designers and co-creators of their own places. Traditional design criteria and theories are outdated. The role of the designer as master/creator is not compatible with the collegiate and collaborative, reflective spirit of knowmadic learners. A consequence is a requirement for new strategies and a redefinition of the designer's role in the creation of space. The axis of design control has shifted.

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Society is demanding from higher education institutions a new generation of proficient learning workers. This claim requires a paradigm shift: every aspect of our life is changing rapidly; higher education should also develop its own transformation. Introducing progressive and radical innovations requires strategic planning, Design Thinking methodology is the best candidate for this process as it offers a holistic approach and problem solving strategies. Communities are key players. Their involvement and active participation are important in this long term transformation; they should start learning and figuring out how to build a new higher education ecosystem. A Design Thinking planning tool is proposed for building a student-led participatory research-based learning experience. It is also conceived as a communication platform and community organizer to be used by students, teachers, student advisers, and administrators. It is a participatory system in which Design Thinking is a tool for all the community, not a domain-specific methodology used by elite professionals.