This unit explores the field of Virtual and Augmented Reality and the advanced concepts and technologies for interfacing humans to complex machines. Human Computer Interaction technology is a research area concerned with the design, implementation and evaluation of interactive systems that make simpler and more intuitive the interaction between user and computer. Virtual reality practices aim to develop computer systems that give humans the ability to perceive and interact in realistic multisensory motor ways, with 3D digital data or virtual worlds that are more or less realistic depending on the applications. While Augmented Reality (video mapping) technology allows the real-time fusion of computer-generated digital content with the real world. Supplementing reality with augmented systems provides users the opportunity to develop greater understanding or knowledge of the real world that is not directly accessible and may aid those users during the execution of their tasks. Students will therefore engage in research, discussions and reviews aimed at exploring, investigating and understanding this emerging technology, both as a field of study and as practiced in industry.

With the majority of contemporary blockbuster film and games relying heavily on realistic and believable computer generated imagery (CGI), for digital artists, the importance of skills and knowledge in the use of contemporary digital sculpting and texturing pipelines cannot be understated.  Digital Sculpting and 3D Workflows is a comprehensive, specialist course that aims to further develop professional 3D sculpting and design skills for digital artists through production-focused learning environments. Through a series of workshops, students are introduced to skills and practices involved in creating 3D sculpts for film, television, games, and 3D printing. This course combines software learning and research skills in relation to 3D design to produce practical outcomes for specific digital forms.

Design science & Information Systems is a design methodology that focuses on the needs of end users, limitations of end users, preferences of end users, and business objectives. This course is concerned with the development of interactive systems with a strong focus on creative design and usability principles. Students learn what characteristics of a user interface can make it easy or difficult for people to use, and how to design user interfaces that take into account human capabilities and constraints. The emphasis is on design and creative design in the preproduction stages. Students engage in research, discussions and reviews aimed at exploring, investigating and understanding of this emerging technology.

Through a major community-based project this course explores at an advanced level the intersections between design, contemporary media and information technology practices. Through this course students will engage with internal/external clients and develop a concept brief relating to a major interactive media-based project, gaining key employment skills and experiences . The course explores design research and practice within social and economic contexts; including the ethical, cultural, and environmental impacts of design decisions, intellectual property considerations, and aspects of appropriate professional conduct. The course will focus on tools and skill sets that are particularly important for succeeding in a design project, including planning, teamwork, project management, and design reporting. Visual communication continues to be a vibrant and rapidly growing field of design. New design opportunities and career pathways continue to emerge and an understanding of future industry directions – and to actively engage and adapt to these – is essential in forging a long-term career. This course provides students with the opportunity to explore emerging areas of digital interactive communication through practice-based research, creative focus and through providing a dynamic community of learning.