Course Description
This course examines the conceptual, technological, and experiential dimensions of designing immersive environments within creative and cultural contexts, including museums, exhibitions, performance spaces, heritage sites, entertainment venues, and digital cultural platforms. It integrates theories from experience design, human perception, narrative studies, spatial design, and interactive media to explore how immersive technologies and multisensory environments can enhance meaning-making, engagement, and emotional impact.
Students investigate the use of virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, projection mapping, spatial audio, interactive installations, and location-based media as tools for cultural storytelling and audience participation. Emphasis is placed on user-centered experiential design, dramaturgy of space, accessibility, and ethical considerations related to representation, authenticity, and data use. Through applied design studios and critical analysis, students develop immersive experience concepts responsive to cultural, educational, and artistic objectives.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Knowledge
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of immersive experience theory and experiential design frameworks
- Explain perceptual, cognitive, and emotional processes involved in immersive environments
- Analyze the role of immersive technologies in contemporary cultural production and audience engagement
Skills
- Design immersive experiences integrating narrative, spatial interaction, and digital technologies
- Develop experience maps, interaction flows, and spatial storytelling concepts
- Prototype immersive environments using XR and interactive media tools
- Evaluate user engagement, accessibility, and experiential quality
Competencies
- Integrate immersive design strategically within cultural and creative projects
- Balance technological innovation with narrative coherence and cultural sensitivity
- Apply human-centered principles to immersive environment design
- Critically assess ethical, social, and sustainability implications of immersive experiences
Key Topics Covered
- Experience design theory and immersive storytelling
- Human perception and multisensory engagement
- Spatial narrative and dramaturgy of environments
- Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality systems
- Interactive installations and projection-based media
- Location-based and site-specific experiences
- Accessibility and inclusive immersive design
- Evaluation of audience engagement and experience quality
- Ethical considerations in immersive cultural experiences
- Sustainability in immersive production practices