The first-of-its-kind program in any IIT, the MDes in XR Design will address the growing need of the industry to create useful, engaging, and socially relevant experiences that extend the real world or live entirely in the virtual, in areas such as healthcare, entertainment, and education.
Working with a wide variety of futuristic technologies and their application for real-world use cases will be at the core of the program. Such technologies include AR/VR/MR (collectively called XR or immersive media), gaming engines, real-time animation and video, holography, IoT, etc. The program will offer courses in associated fields such as gaming, visual effects and animation.
What is XR?
XR (Extended Reality) is an umbrella term that encompasses various immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). XR is used to describe any technology that extends the boundaries of the physical world and enhances our perception of reality by adding digital elements to it.
Virtual Reality (VR) refers to a simulated environment that is created with the help of computer software and hardware, such as head-mounted displays (HMDs) and controllers. VR aims to immerse the user in a digital world, which can be a completely imaginary environment or a recreation of a real-world place.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that enhances the real-world environment by adding digital elements, such as images, sounds, and videos, to it. AR is typically used on smartphones or tablets, which can overlay digital content onto the real world through the device's camera.
Mixed Reality (MR) is a hybrid of VR and AR, where digital elements are anchored to the physical environment and interact with it in real time. MR is achieved through the use of advanced technologies, such as spatial computing and depth sensing, to enable users to interact with digital content in a more natural way.
What is XR Design?
XR design refers to the process of designing and creating immersive experiences that use XR technology. XR design encompasses a variety of disciplines, including 3D modelling, user interface design, game design, and interaction design. XR designers are responsible for creating immersive experiences that are visually appealing, intuitive, and engaging. They work closely with developers, artists, and other professionals to create XR experiences that meet the needs of users.
1. Education and training: XR can create realistic simulations for training and education, such as flight simulators, medical training simulations, and safety training. 2. Entertainment: XR provides new opportunities for immersive entertainment experiences, including interactive gaming, virtual concerts, and cinematic experiences. 3. Marketing and advertising: XR can create engaging and interactive advertising experiences that allow customers to experience products and services in a new way. 4. Real estate: XR can provide virtual tours of real estate properties, enabling potential buyers to experience and interact with a property before physically visiting it. 5. Healthcare: XR can be used to create immersive and interactive medical simulations for training healthcare professionals and to provide patients with new types of therapy. 6. Architecture and design: XR can provide architects and designers with new tools for visualizing and testing designs before they are built, allowing them to make more informed decisions. 7. Tourism and travel: XR can provide virtual tours of tourist destinations, allowing visitors to experience the destination before they arrive and to explore it in new and interactive ways.
Dreamscape is a location-based VR experience that combines immersive storytelling with physical sets and other sensory inputs. Visitors can step into a virtual world and move through a physical space–such as a futuristic city or jungles of the past–interacting with digital characters and objects in real-time. https://dreamscapeimmersive.com/
Tilt Brush is a VR painting and drawing tool that allows users to create art in a 3D space. Users can use a range of brushes, colors, and tools to paint and draw in a virtual environment, creating immersive and interactive works of art.
https://www.tiltbrush.com/
XR technologies can be used to create interactive storytelling experiences that allow visitors to explore exhibits and artifacts in a new and engaging way. For example, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. has created an AR exhibit called "Renwick Gallery WONDER 360" that allows visitors to explore the museum's collections and exhibits through an interactive 360-degree experience. https://americanart.si.edu/wonder360
Job opportunities1. XR Designer: This is a general title for a designer who specializes in creating XR experiences. XR designers work on the user interface and user experience design, 3D modelling, and animation for virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality applications. 2. Game Designer: Many game companies are investing in XR technologies and are looking for designers who can create immersive gaming experiences. Game designers with experience in XR can create new types of games and interactive experiences that can be played in virtual and mixed-reality environments. 3. 3D Modeler/Animator: XR experiences rely heavily on 3D models and animations to create immersive environments and interactions. 3D modellers and animators with experience in creating assets for XR applications are in high demand. 4. Technical Artist: Technical artists bridge the gap between artists and programmers. They help create visual effects and work on optimizing graphics for XR applications. Technical artists with experience in XR can help create highly optimized, visually stunning experiences. 5. Creative Director: Creative directors in the XR industry are responsible for overseeing the design and development of XR applications. They work with designers, programmers, and artists to ensure that the overall vision of the project is achieved.
Our MDes in XR Design degree is best suited for individuals who are creative, detail-oriented, technically adept, collaborative, and adaptable. If you believe you have these attributes, then our XR Design MDes degree is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this exciting and growing field.
XR Design involves working with technology, including virtual and mixed reality platforms, 3D modelling, and animation software. If you have a good grasp of technology and enjoy working with it, then our XR Design degree should be a good fit for you.
The XR industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies and tools are always being developed. You must be adaptable and able to quickly learn new skills and tools as they become available.
Tell us more about your interest in XR Design.
XR and related projects at IIT Jodhpur
Development of phygital spaces
Gaming
