Experiential Media Design
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.
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!
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.
"Experiential media design weaves technology, space, and story into multisensory experiences that spark wonder and human connection."
Maria Palazzi, Experiential Media Design Coordinator
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.
Second Year and Beyond...
Second Year
Autumn
- DESIGN 3106: Introduction to Experiential Media
- DESIGN 3156: Experimental Storytelling
- DESIGN 3200: Design Research 1
- DESIGN 3104: Introduction to Game Design
Spring
- ACCAD 5002: Computer Animation I
- ACCAD 5102: Programming Concepts for Artists & Designers
- DESIGN 3556: UI/UX Design
Third Year
Autumn
- ACCAD 5301: Devising Experiential Media
- DESIGN 4806: Contemporary Issues in XMD 1
- DESIGN 4106: Immersive Media Design 1
Spring
- DESIGN 4104: Intermediate Game Design
- 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
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.
- 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:
- Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD)
- ACM SIGGRAPH
- International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
- AIGA Professional Association for Design
- Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)
- Interaction Design Association (IXDA)
Looking to hire a Design student?
Employers seeking to hire for internships and/or full-time opportunities are encouraged to work with the Center for Career and Professional Success to post openings via Handshake.