This unit provides an exploration of the principles and practices that underpin extended reality technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and related immersive media. It investigates the design and construction of computer generated three dimensional environments across applications such as games, film, simulation, and architectural visualisation, with particular attention to spatial layout, interaction models, and player experience. Emphasis is placed on mastering the creative and technical workflows behind crafting immersive virtual experiences, combining sensory feedback, engaging interactions, and environmental storytelling to form new and unique digital realities.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Analyse immersive virtual experiences to understand spatial layout, interaction models, and user experience across extended reality technologies;
2. Investigate the capabilities and constraints of VR, AR, and MR tools and workflows to inform effective immersive design;
3. Design an interactive 3D virtual environment that effectively communicates a simulation scenario or narrative;
4. Construct immersive XR experiences using creative and technical workflows that combine sensory feedback, engaging interactions, and environmental storytelling; and
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual environments through structured testing and critical reflection.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

11687 Virtual Environments

Assumed knowledge

None.