Designing Virtual Worlds
(2.177/16.677/CMS.342)
Fall 2025
Learning Objectives
With thanks to our curriculum partner Rea Lavi
To request a slot in the class, please complete our form here
In short, our four objectives are 1. make a thing; 2. make it in collaboration with others; 3. scale it to a wider audience; and 4. do all of this with expert mentors.
Details…
Learning Objective 1 – XR Design & Development: Collaboratively design, prototype, test, and present a functioning XR experience using state-of-the-art tools, incorporating appropriate scientific and artistic elements. Students will…
- demonstrate the ability to collaboratively design an XR prototype using current industry-standard tools.
- integrate scientific and artistic elements into the XR experience in a coherent manner.
- present their project clearly to peers and instructors, articulating design choices and development processes.
Learning Objective 2 – Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team by contributing domain-specific expertise (from engineering, technology, science, music, etc.) and engaging in structured team reflection and peer feedback. Students will…
- contribute discipline-specific insights that shape project outcomes.
- engage in structured reflection on team dynamics and collaboration effectiveness.
Learning Objective 3 – XR Product Strategy: Develop a product launch plan that includes audience identification, value proposition, technical infrastructure for distribution, and scalability strategy. Students will…
- identify a target audience and define a clear value proposition for their XR product.
- propose a viable technical infrastructure for deploying their product.
- outline a scalability plan considering technical and user growth factors.
Learning Objective 4 – Expert Engagement and Design Iteration: Synthesize and implement feedback from domain experts, mentors, and TAs to iteratively refine their designs, prototypes, product strategies, etc., demonstrating responsiveness to critique and feedback. Students will…
- demonstrate iteration and refinement in their project based on expert critique.
- reflect on the impact of feedback and justify which suggestions were implemented.