Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Experiential Media Design

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! 

What is the Experiential Media Design Major?

The Experiential Media Design program at The Ohio State University is a cutting-edge major that prepares students to design immersive experiences across platforms like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and interactive installations. Students learn to combine design thinking, storytelling, and technical expertise to create engaging media environments that captivate and inform. The curriculum includes courses in animation, motion capture, programming for artists, and media ethics, offering a rich blend of creative and technical training. Students begin with a shared design foundations year and then join a specialized cohort focused on experiential media. Final projects showcase their ability to conceptualize and produce innovative experiences that push the boundaries of design and technology. Graduates are equipped to thrive in industries such as gaming, immersive media production, exhibitions, and interactive entertainment.

Curriculum and Course Sequence

A Collaborative First-Year Experience

All Design students begin in the 18-credit hour collaborative Design Foundations program. This is a shared first-year experience where all design students build core creative, technical, and collaborative skills before applying to their chosen major.
 

Explore Design Foundations!

Students gathered around a table collaborating on a design project.

Second Year and Beyond...

Second Year

Autumn

  • DESIGN 3106: Introduction to Experiential Media
  • DESIGN 3200: Design Research 1
  • DESIGN 3104: Introduction to Game Design
  • ACCAD 5002: Computer Animation I

Spring

  • DESIGN 3156: Experimental Storytelling
  • ACCAD 5102: Programming Concepts for Artists & Designers
  • DESIGN 3556: UI/UX Design

Third Year 

Autumn

  • DESIGN 4104: Intermediate Game Design
  • DESIGN 4806: Contemporary Issues in XMD 1
  • DESIGN 4106: Immersive Media Design 1

Spring

  • ACCAD 5301: Devising Experiential Media
  • DESIGN 4650: Collaborative Studio
  • DESIGN 4156: Immersive Media Design 2

Fourth Year

Autumn

  • DESIGN 5106: XMD Capstone Studio 1
  • DESIGN 5206: Design Research Methods for XMD
  • DESIGN 5806: Contemporary Issues in XMD 2

Spring

  • DESIGN 4750: Professional Practices
  • DESIGN 5156: XMD Capstone Studio 2

*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

"Experiential media design weaves technology, space, and story into multisensory experiences that spark wonder and human connection."

Maria Palazzi, Experiential Media Design Coordinator

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.

  • Roto is a premier experience design and production firm serving the museum, aquarium, zoo, and attraction markets.
  • 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 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 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 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 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.
  • MSG Entertainment is a world leader in live entertainment that produces, presents, or hosts a variety of entertainment and sports events for millions of fans each year.
  • 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.
  • Cosm Studios fosters the art of fulldome filmmaking and the immersive creator ecosystem. They are an interdisciplinary community of talented artists, filmmakers, technologists, and experience designers pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling and design.

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: