We will examine the distinction between invention and design in the evolution of XR. While invention focuses on technical feasibility and exploratory innovation, design addresses human needs through purposeful problem-solving. Despite technological advancements in platforms like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Metaverse, they have not achieved consumer acceptance, demonstrating that technical capability alone is insufficient for widespread adoption. For XR to become a transformative medium, creators must implement humane-centered methodologies that strike a balance between technological innovation and human agency. This requires a multidisciplinary approach that balances desirability, feasibility, and viability to develop immersive experiences that provide meaningful value and resonate with people beyond mere technical novelty. This talk is based on the new book Mediating Presence by Peter Zakrzewski and David Tamés (Focal Press, 2025).