UWAS-C0056 - Designing and Creating Virtual Worlds, 27.10.2020-01.12.2020

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Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participants will learn to design and implement a world using virtual reality.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 27.10.2020 - 01.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Lily Diaz-Kommonen, Alejandro Pedregal Villodres, Sebastian Schlecht

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Lily Diaz-Kommonen, Alejandro Pedregal Villodres, Sebastian Schlecht

Contact information for the course (valid 22.09.2020-21.12.2112):

The contents of the course will be disseminated via online lecture/presentations. Students will have practical assignments to complete for each week. Though the course is to be held online, facilities at Aalto Studios are available for student's use. Note that it is required that students follow the guidelines given by the University with regards to safety during the pandemia.

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Participants learn the basics of designing and implementing a virtual world. The presentations in the course touch on a diversity topics related to the process of design: 1. Cultural history of virtual reality and anthropology of the human senses; 2. Information architecture, content domain development and making a production schedule 3. Scenario design, storyboarding; and user studies research 4. Interaction design, user interface and narrative; 5. Coding a VR application in Unity 3D; 6. Using sound for storytelling. We also touch, albeit not as deeply as might be the case in a longer course, on critical issues regarding the use of immersive technologies.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    As part of the activities of the class, students are guided through the task of designing and building a concept for a world. Participants are organised into groups and work together to carry on the exercise during the duration of the course.


Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    A minimum of 80% attendance is required. Assessment is based on participation 40% and final work submitted (60%).

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Students are evaluated on the results of the work submitted as well as on their attendance and participation in class. 

Workload

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course is divided into six (6) direct contact sessions of three (3) hours length. Each session includes forty-five (45) minutes of “Presentation” on a given topic; one-and-a half hour of "Hands on Work" and thirty minutes (30) of "Dialogues". It is expected that there would be an additional participation of seventy-two (72) hours of group work outside of class and a remainder of thirty-nine (39) hours devoted to readings.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

    1. Create a concept for a world that you would like to build. Due date: 03/11.

    2. Design an information architecture for your world, due date. Due date: 10/11.

    3. Design an interaction matrix for visitors to navigate your world. Due date: 17/11

    4. Create a storyboard that integrates all the elements of your world. Due date: 24/11

    5. Build an initial prototype of yout world. Due date: 01/12.


DETAILS

Study Material

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Reading materials from various authors such as Katherine Hayles (How We Became Posthuman) and Chris Salter (Entangled: technology and the transformation of performance) will be distributed throughout the course.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Additional materials will be given at the end of each session.


Prerequisites

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    None

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Due to the fact that the class will be given on line, students are asked to login and be ready at 15:10, if possible.

    A schedule of the class



Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof