In these cross-disciplinary studios we explore the different materials, advanced topics, and domains that Interaction Design might involve. To the different disciplines we bring a method of application and the material of time design and the memory and interactivity of technology. Courses in this studio can be fulfilled by a variety of options including cross-listed courses with other departments, Engage studios, or an emerging topic defined by a faculty member, sponsored studio or other elective submitted by the student and approved by the program chair.What is the Metaverse? It has been variously described as the future of virtual and augmented reality; the 3D internet; and an online universe in which we will spend ever increasing amounts of time working, collaborating & playing. One of the earliest examples of a metaverse was Second Life, a 3D social network that is still going strong after a decade. Facebook Horizon is a more recent attempt at building a VR social metaverse. Gaming is an area where metaverses have gained traction with examples like Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft. While major questions remain about exactly what form the Metaverse will take, what is certain is that it is coming and fast -- brought on by technical advancements and the way in which human behavior has undergone seismic shifts in the shadow of a global pandemic.
Design will play a critical role in figuring out every dimension of the Metaverse: design research to establish need and validate experiences; the architecture and design of the virtual spaces that manifest it; visual & interaction design for the core immersive experience as well as critical support services such as matchmaking & onboarding; the creative content that will drive consumer engagement; design of headsets and input devices that make it accessible; and finally the ethical foundations and behavior design that underpin these new online cultures. Achieving the full potential and positive outcome from a metaverse will require close collaboration between the different design disciplines.

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