Playtesting “The Woods,” a mixed-reality, two-player cooperative game created by Kyoung and Scott Swearingen.
Demonstrating a new touch interface for a game.
Students sharing a new VR experience they created.
Students learning video production setups.
User testing session led by Shasha Yu.
User testing an immersive learning VR application.
Group user testing VR application.
Analog Game Playtesting.
Are you ready to take your passion for creativity and technology to the next level?
Imagine a journey where every idea you conceive, every innovation you dream of, comes to life in the most immersive and exhilarating ways imaginable. At The Ohio State University’s Department of Design, we're not just offering a degree; we're offering a ticket to the forefront of design and technology. In our new Experiential Media Design program, you'll be the mastermind behind experiences that transcend boundaries, using the latest in emerging and immersive technologies. From virtual reality to augmented reality, from interactive installations to dynamic storytelling, you'll be at the helm of it all. Join us in shaping the future of media, where every pixel, every sound, every interaction and immersion, is an opportunity to inspire, to engage, and to leave a lasting impact.
With expert guidance from our renowned faculty and access to cutting-edge resources, you'll be empowered to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Join us at Ohio State’s Design Department, where every idea has the potential to shape what’s next.
Are you ready to design the future?
Join us, and let's create experiences that redefine the way we see the world!
Curriculum and Course Sequence
Autumn
DESIGN 2110: Design Fundamentals I
DESIGN 2310: Visual Principles and Techniques I
DESIGN 2700: Introduction to Design Practice
OR
DESIGN 2750: Design History
Spring
DESIGN 2130: Design Fundamentals II
DESIGN 2330: Visual Principles and Techniques II
DESIGN 2700: Introduction to Design Practice
OR
DESIGN 2750: Design History
This Design Foundations sequence begins with a competitive selection process to become a design foundations student and concludes with a portfolio-based major admissions review process. All required 2100 and 2300 series courses in the Design Foundations Program must be taken in an exact sequence, as they are offered only once per academic year and each course is a required prerequisite for the following courses.
Autumn
DESIGN 3106: Introduction to Experiential Media, 3cr
DESIGN 3200: Design Research 1, 3cr
DESIGN 3104: Introduction to Game Design, 3cr
ACCAD 5002: Computer Animation I, 3cr
Spring
DESIGN 3156: Experimental Storytelling, 3cr
ACCAD 5102: Prog. Concepts for Artists & Designers, 3cr
DESIGN 3556: UI/UX Design, 3 hrs
Autumn
DESIGN 4104: Intermediate Game Design, 3cr
DESIGN 4806: Contemporary Issues in XMD 1, 3cr
DESIGN 4106: Immersive Media Design 1, 3cr
Spring
ACCAD 5301 Devising Experiential Media, 3cr
DESIGN 4650: Collaborative Studio, 3cr
DESIGN 4156: Immersive Media Design 2, 3cr
Autumn
DESIGN 5106: XMD Capstone Studio 1, 3cr
DESIGN 5206: Design Research Methods for XMD, 3cr
DESIGN 5806: Contemporary Issues in XMD 2, 3cr
Spring
DESIGN 4750 Professional Practices, 3cr
DESIGN 5156: XMD Capstone Studio 2, 3cr
*Denotes there may be a required prerequisite or permission of instructor.
ACCAD 5001: Animation Techniques and Practices
ACCAD 5003: 3D Computer Animation: Form, Light, Motion II*
ACCAD 5200: Motion Capture Production
ART 2555: Introduction to Digital Photography and Contemporary Issues
ART 3009: Film/Video I
ART 3014: Visual Studies: Color
ART 4009: Film/Video II: Experimental Strategies*
ART 4115: Photography Studio Lighting*
ART 4201: New Media Robotics
COMM 3404: Media Law and Ethics
COMM 3413: Media Entertainment: Theory and Research*
COMM 3513: Video Games & Society
CSE 3541: Computer Game and Animation Techniques*
DESIGN 3503: Typographic Design*
DESIGN 4154: Intermediate Game Design II*
DESIGN 4153: Intermediate Visual Communication Design II*
DESIGN 4200: Design Research II
DESIGN 5505: Information Design
DESIGN 5650: Advanced Collaborative Studio*
ENGLISH 2367.08: U.S. Experience: Writing About Video Games*
ENGLISH 2463: Intro to Video Games Analysis*
HISTART 2901: Introduction to World Cinema
HISTART 3901: World Cinema Today*
HISTART 5643: New Media Art and Theory
HISTART 5645: Video Art
HISTART 5905: Avant‐Garde Cinema*
MUSIC 2254: Video Game Music
MUSIC 3330: Music Production and Reception*
MUSIC 5638: Audio Recording*
PHILOS 2455: Philosophy and Video Games
PSYCH 3310: Sensation and Perception*
THEATRE 2000: Studio Production Practicum
THEATRE 2211: Introduction to Production Design
THEATRE 3000: Production Run Crew Practicum
THEATRE 3241: Introduction to Sound Techniques*
THEATRE 3411: Introduction to Scene Design*
THEATRE 3611: Introduction to Lighting Design*
THEATRE 5310: Fundamentals of Media Design
THEATRE 5331: Screenwriting
Career Prospects in Experiential Media Design
As an experience designer, you would be responsible for conceptualizing and designing immersive experiences across various platforms such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), interactive installations, and more. You'll need a strong understanding of user experience (UX) design principles, storytelling, and technical skills in relevant software and technologies.
Creative technologists bridge the gap between creative vision and technical implementation. They use coding, prototyping, and emerging technologies to bring experiential designs to life. This role requires a blend of artistic creativity and technical proficiency.
Content producers in experiential media design focus on creating multimedia content for immersive experiences. This could include 3D modeling and animation, video production, sound design, and interactive storytelling. Strong creative skills and proficiency in relevant software tools are essential for this role.
Career Prospects in Experiential Media Design
As an experience designer, you would be responsible for conceptualizing and designing immersive experiences across various platforms such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), interactive installations, and more. You'll need a strong understanding of user experience (UX) design principles, storytelling, and technical skills in relevant software and technologies.
Creative technologists bridge the gap between creative vision and technical implementation. They use coding, prototyping, and emerging technologies to bring experiential designs to life. This role requires a blend of artistic creativity and technical proficiency.
Content producers in experiential media design focus on creating multimedia content for immersive experiences. This could include 3D modeling and animation, video production, sound design, and interactive storytelling. Strong creative skills and proficiency in relevant software tools are essential for this role.
UX/UI designers specializing in immersive experiences focus on creating intuitive and engaging user interfaces for VR, AR, and other immersive platforms. They design interactions, navigation systems, and visual elements that enhance the user experience within immersive environments.
Interactive installation designers create immersive and participatory artworks that engage audiences in physical spaces. They combine elements of design, technology, and interactivity to create memorable experiences. This career path often requires a strong design vision, technical skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Projection mapping involves projecting images onto real-world surfaces to create immersive visual experiences. Specialists in this field design and execute projection mapping projects for events, exhibitions, and architectural installations. This role requires expertise in 3D mapping techniques, content creation, and technical setup.
UX/UI designers specializing in immersive experiences focus on creating intuitive and engaging user interfaces for VR, AR, and other immersive platforms. They design interactions, navigation systems, and visual elements that enhance the user experience within immersive environments.
Interactive installation designers create immersive and participatory artworks that engage audiences in physical spaces. They combine elements of design, technology, and interactivity to create memorable experiences. This career path often requires a strong design vision, technical skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Projection mapping involves projecting images onto real-world surfaces to create immersive visual experiences. Specialists in this field design and execute projection mapping projects for events, exhibitions, and architectural installations. This role requires expertise in 3D mapping techniques, content creation, and technical setup.
With the growing popularity of VR and AR technologies, there's a high demand for developers who can create immersive experiences. As a VR/AR developer, you would specialize in coding and programming for these platforms, working closely with designers to implement interactive elements and optimize performance.
As the field of experiential media design continues to evolve, there is a need for researchers and innovators who push the boundaries of what's possible. This could involve conducting research on emerging technologies, experimenting with new interaction paradigms, or exploring novel ways to create immersive experiences.
With the growing popularity of VR and AR technologies, there's a high demand for developers who can create immersive experiences. As a VR/AR developer, you would specialize in coding and programming for these platforms, working closely with designers to implement interactive elements and optimize performance.
As the field of experiential media design continues to evolve, there is a need for researchers and innovators who push the boundaries of what's possible. This could involve conducting research on emerging technologies, experimenting with new interaction paradigms, or exploring novel ways to create immersive experiences.
Notable Companies Hiring
Experiential Media Designers
Here are some notable companies who specialize in experiential media design, creating immersive and engaging experiences for entertainment, marketing, education, and more.
- Magic Leap: Magic Leap is a technology company known for its augmented reality platform. They work on creating immersive AR experiences that blend digital content with the real world.
- The VOID: The VOID is a company that specializes in creating hyper-reality experiences. They combine physical sets with virtual reality technology to create fully immersive experiences for entertainment venues and theme parks.
- Meow Wolf: Meow Wolf is an arts and entertainment group known for its immersive and interactive art installations. They create surreal and fantastical environments that encourage exploration and discovery.
- Framestore: Framestore is a creative studio that works on visual effects, animation, and immersive experiences. They have worked on projects ranging from blockbuster films to interactive installations and virtual reality experiences.
- Walt Disney Imagineering: Walt Disney Imagineering is the design and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. They are responsible for creating immersive theme park attractions and experiences that transport guests to fantastical worlds.
- Obscura Digital: Obscura Digital is a creative studio specializing in large-scale immersive installations, projection mapping, and interactive experiences. They have worked on projects for events, museums, and public spaces around the world.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment: Sony Interactive Entertainment is a division of Sony Corporation that develops and publishes video games and interactive entertainment content. They have also ventured into virtual reality with products like PlayStation VR.
- Intel Studios: Intel Studios is a division of Intel Corporation focused on immersive media production. They specialize in volumetric video capture and virtual production techniques for creating interactive and immersive experiences.
Professional Organizations
The following organizations play an important role in the development of Experiential Media Design and provide valuable resources to their student and professional members: