In twenty-first-century higher education, cultivating cognitive, motor, and affective skills for Industry 5.0 is pivotal. The paper’s pedagogical approach targets a balanced development of these skills, emphasizing the importance of both learning methods and future-applicable content. The discussed approach achieves cognitive skills through the “what” and affective skills through the “how,” fostering socialization in an experiential learning environment. Socialization with a special emphasis on cognition, collaboration, communication, self-esteem, and self-confidence of students to operate in the industry is facilitated in the experiential learning environment fostered using psychological, somatic, and professional tools. The focus on self-learning, peer exchange, and diverse sensorial experiences aims to empower students for societal contributions. The study, involving 243 design students from foundation batch, employs an online questionnaire survey to examine pedagogical effectiveness and highlight learning independence from educators through best practices. While recognizing its success, limitations include potential challenges in scaling across institutions and logistical considerations. The conclusion underscores the approach’s success, aligning with Kolb’s experiential learning, Vygotsky’s social constructivism, and reflective writing. This synergy contributes to a dynamic, inclusive learning environment, fostering meaningful engagement and self-awareness among students. The findings emphasize the relevance and effectiveness of combining these theories for a holistic and transformative educational experience.