Mixed Reality
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| COMP4036 | Computer Science | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- COMP4036
- School
- Computer Science
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Focuses on the possibilities and challenges of interaction beyond the desktop. Exploring the 'mixed reality continuum' - a spectrum of emerging computing applications that runs from virtual reality (in which a user is immersed into a computer-generated virtual world) at one extreme, to ubiquitous computing (in which digital materials appear embedded into the everyday physical world) at the other. In the middle of this continuum lie augmented reality, augmented virtuality and locative media in which the digital appears to be overlaid upon the physical world in different ways.
You will learn about the Human-Computer Interaction challenges that need to be considered when creating mixed reality applications along with strategies for tackling them, so as to create compelling and reliable user experiences. You will learn how to ideate, design and test an early-stage prototype user experience using off-the-shelf authoring tools. It is important to appreciate that this is an HCI-focused module that develops early-stage design thinking. It is not a development module that emphasises or requires programming, but it does require both creative and critical thinking.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and Level 4 students in the School of Computer Science. This module is not available to students not listed above without explicit approval from the module convenor(s). This module is part of the Human-Computer Interaction theme in the School of Computer Science.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Ideate, design low-fi prototype, test and reflect on a mixed reality experience. Document this in a 2500-word individual report and short video.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To develop an understanding of the nature and scope of the field of mixed reality and its relevance to a variety of market sectors for computing.To establish core design, data analysis and development skills required for the design and early prototyping of engaging and effective mixed reality applications.To appreciate the real-world interactional, social and ethical impacts upon user experience in the design and application of mixed reality applications.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Knowledge and understanding of the definition and techniques of mixed reality.
Intellectual Skills
- The ability to analyse which forms of mixed reality are appropriate to a given application and setting.
- To design and reflect on mixed reality experiences, to choose and integrate appropriate technologies, and to identify and resolve key challenges concerning human-computer interaction.
Professional Skills
- To design and prototype mixed reality systems, taking into account user, task and system requirements and constraints.
- To recognise the ethical issues involved in the deployment of such systems.
Transferable Skills
- To think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others.
- To understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions.
- To communicate effectively in writing.
Conveners
- Dr Gisela Reyes Cruz
- Dr Paul Tennent
- Prof Steven David Benford