Extended Reality, or XR, encompasses immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). By fusing digital and physical environments, XR is fueling new kinds of user experiences and its reality-bending applications are transforming industries such as entertainment, manufacturing, museums, mobility, health, retail, full-body simulations, transportation, sports, travel, real estate to name a few. As businesses steadily adopt XR technologies to disrupt and enhance production models and consumer experiences, the global market is expected to grow to $678.8 billion by 2030 [1]. VR headsets, NFTs, digital twins and the metaverse are just the beginning– there’s a world of new wearables, virtual experiences and practical implementations on the horizon (and yet to be discovered). 

The Academy’s intersectional area in Extended Reality teaches essential skills and knowledge to build next-generation XR experiences. Students are introduced to exponential technologies, societal phenomena, decentralized business and future concepts through foundational core classes and maker skills in augmented and virtual reality applications. Students deepen their understanding of areas of interest through electives such as user experience, game design, and integration of wearable devices and assistive technologies. All students in the XR area will learn about storytelling and collaboration in convergent spaces as well as creating play and productivity for the citizens of a multi-reality world. 

The Academy’s XR area moves beyond technical and production skills to develop leaders who will drive XR innovation across diverse industries.  Through the Academy’s signature learning framework, students will gain:

Conceptual understanding of XR’s opportunities in all verticals and horizontals of industry and innovation sectors

Fluency and skills in XR design principles and technologies paired with robust interdisciplinary education focused on critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and team-based learning

Leadership skills to guide visionary advances in the field that can drive impact and positive disruption. This includes business and engineering perspectives in light of ground shifts like the Web3 economy and the evolution of hardware and user behaviors.

An agile mindset informed by an integrated learning framework to analyze challenges and opportunities to drive human-centric innovation and sustainable solutions.

Industry relationships with key XR product companies and studios in the interactive entertainment space.

The Academy’s XR curriculum will prepare students to define and develop compelling XR technologies and experiences. A robust core foundation paired with bespoke learning experiences will help students chart new paths in diverse areas such as content and game design, assistive technology, product design, augmented manufacturing, hybrid learning, brand marketing, and adventure parks and rides. Professional roles that are suited to Academy graduates include XR product managers, strategists, brand architects, creative leaders, full stack developers, as well as entrepreneurs. Academy students are preparing for the jobs of tomorrow, today. 

ACAD-178 Digital Toolbox: Motion Graphics

ACAD-180 Digital Toolbox: Audio and Video

ACAD-207 Narrative Technology and the Human Experience

IDSN-539/ACAD-539 Extended Reality Development

IDSN-560 Distributed Narratives* 

     * pending curriculum changes

Carsten Becker

Davina Wolter

Davina Wolter, Assistant Dean, IDEA Initiatives; Associate Professor of Practice, Design

Workplace Conduct Training Through a Virtual Reality Lens

To the Moon and Back: AR Meets Space Exploration

Virtual Reality Design For All: How Playbook is Simplifying VR Creation

The Academy’s Extended Reality intersectional area teaches essential skills and knowledge to build next-generation XR experiences.

Extended Reality

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