Virtual Reality

This course will explore and experiment with multiple types of virtual reality tools and techniques. Students will be exposed to the different forms that the medium can currently take, and experience content with a range of delivery mechanisms. The goal of the course will be to make a series of small, very simple test experiences that give the student the understanding of what is currently possible, as well as grasping best practices that are unique to the medium.

An introduction to the tools and methods used in immersive media and virtual reality. Explores principles of the creation of virtual spaces. Introduction to basic processes for creating synthetic objects using 3D software and placing them into a virtual space using game engine technology.

A continuation of VIRT 200 Immersive Media Design I. Continued study of principles and techniques of the creation of virtual spaces. Introduction to basic processes for utilizing sound. Introduction to the creation of basic interfaces.

Introduction to visual programming. Artists will develop fundamental object-oriented programming techniques and develop the ability to create interactive behavior using graphical nodes instead of typing code. Topics include interpolated animation, basic vector mathematics, and interface design.

Artists will be introduced to scripting in Python using an integrated development environment focusing on programming tools for an industry-standard animation software package. Students will continue to master creating interactive behavior using graphical nodes. Topics include procedural generation, advanced material creation and particle effects.

Exploration of the generation and refinement of solid concepts for virtual reality experiences. Ideas will be explored for potential use in areas of entertainment, education, training, film, tourism, healthcare, advertising, medical, forensics, visualization, and architecture.

Design user-friendly interfaces and user-experiences for Extended Reality (XR), for use in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). XR and spatial computing is changing the way we interact with technology and presents unique design challenges and opportunities. Learn to create interfaces that work well in 3D spaces, to guide users' attention and interactions. Develop awareness and proficiency in creating 3D interfaces, guiding user attention, and integrating sound, movement, and engagement for accessible and intuitive experiences.

Explore emerging trends and technologies in the field of extended reality (XR) in this Special Topics course offered by the Virtual Reality Development Department. The course content is determined each semester to align with current industry developments and enhance the existing curriculum. Open to all Ringling College students, this course aims to foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment. This course is repeatable under different topics.

A continuation of VIRT 201 Immersive Media Design II. Advanced study of principles and techniques of the creation of virtual spaces.

A continuation of VIRT 300 Immersive Media Design III. Advanced study of principles and techniques of the creation of virtual spaces. Creation of proof of concept assets for projects to be produced in senior year.

Artists will continue their study of programming with written code and graphical nodes to create complex interactive behavior in a real-time engine. Topics include C-family programming languages, basic shader creation, and simulation.

An introduction to solution-focused approaches to problem solving. Learn to utilize the high-level iterative design process common to all VR development.

Idea generation and refinement for the upcoming senior capstone project. This course will operate in collaboration with VIRT 340 Visual Development for VR.

Art direction and style exploration and refinement for the upcoming senior capstone project. Focus on usability and affordance through human-centered design. This course will operate in collaboration with VIRT 330 VR Thesis Preproduction.

The application of all of the production techniques learned in previous courses toward the execution of approved concepts from VIRT 330 VR Thesis Preproduction.

Continuation of VIRT 400 VR Capstone Project 1A. Advanced concepts in design and production of computer-generated assets for the immersive environments with a focus on 3D modeling, set dressing, material definition and textures, and lighting. Continued production of VR prototype demonstrating creativity, ability to work collaboratively, and knowledge of sophisticated production techniques for real-time graphics rendering. Note: failure to successfully complete VIRT 401 VR Capstone Project 1B will require student to repeat VIRT 400 and VIRT 401.

The continued application of all of the production techniques learned in previous courses toward the execution of projects begun in VIRT 400 VR Capstone Project IA and VIRT 401 VR Capstone Project 1B.