Outline

Overview

This unit of study gives students the opportunity to design an interactive system using the emerging technology of virtual reality (VR). The unit focuses on the new kinds of interaction and compelling experiences that are made possible by VR rather than asset creation (modelling, animation, texturing, etc.) or game development. Specifically, students will be encouraged to push the boundaries on the ways people can interact in embodied interactive systems. The unit will introduce students to interaction design theory and principles for immersive environments, such as VR. Students will also learn how to create VR user experience prototypes using software tools, such as Autodesk 3ds Max and Unity.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	DECO2200
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Callum Parker, callum.parker@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Carlos Tirado Cortes, carlos.tiradocortes@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Howe Zhu, howe.zhu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Assessment 1b: Physical Virtual Reality Prototype – Presentation Individual presentation	5%	Week 04 Due date: 19 Mar 2025 at 11:00	Presentation (3-minutes) held in-class
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 1a: Physical Virtual Reality Prototype Individual	20%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Mar 2025 at 23:59	Low-fidelity VR prototype
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2b: Concept Report – Group Presentation Group presentation	5%	Week 08 Due date: 16 Apr 2025 at 11:00	Presentation (10-minutes) held in-class
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 2a: Concept Report Group	30%	Week 08 Due date: 15 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Design Report (15 pages)
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 3b: Interactive VR Prototype and User Testing–Group Presentation Group presentation	5%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2025 at 11:00	Presentation (10-minutes) held in-class
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 3a: Interactive Virtual Reality Prototype and User Testing Group	35%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2025 at 23:59	Unity prototype and documentation
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Attendance (tutorials) Tutorials: Attendance is mandatory. Attendance Threshold: The requirement will stay at 90%.	0%	Weekly	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1a: Physical Virtual Reality Prototype
The aim of this assessment is to explore and communicate a VR interaction concept using low-fidelity physical prototyping techniques (LO4, LO5). Students will use materials such as paper to create a 360-degree prototype that demonstrates key interactions and spatial design elements. The submission includes a digital version of the prototype with multiple perspectives.

Assessment 2a: Concept Report
This assessment focuses on collaboratively synthesising individual ideas into a cohesive VR concept (LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5). Groups will conduct background research, define user needs, communicate their concept through a prototype, conduct user testing, and analyse the data they collected. The deliverable includes a detailed design report outlining the concept, spaces, user interactions, and research findings.

Assessment 3a: Interactive VR Prototype & User Testing
Students will develop a functional VR prototype in Unity, demonstrating selected key interactions (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5). The prototype must be interactive, immersive, and tested with participants. Deliverables include the Unity project and a report documenting user testing insights, iteration plans, and reflections.

Each assessment is accompanied by a presentation component (5%), where students will articulate their design process (LO2), receive peer feedback, and demonstrate their prototypes.

Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to VR and a brief history	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction activity + 3D sketching and storyboarding	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Low-fidelity prototyping in VR	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	360 Sketching and viewing immersively	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Interface design for VR and design principles	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Creating a low-fidelity prototype	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessment 2 Info and low-fidelity prototyping continued	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Assessment 1 presentations and forming groups for Assessment 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Cybersickness	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Creating dioramas and taking 360 photos	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Immersion and presence	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Measuring immersion and presence: Using the Presence Questionnaire and other data collection methods (Test fair)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Creating higher-fidelity VR prototypes and novel interactions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to Unity development	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Assessment 3 Info and VR hardware	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Assessment 2 Presentations Importing assets and optimisation Building a Unity app for VR	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Designing virtual worlds and storytelling	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Interactions and creating 3D menus and interfaces	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	VR as a design tool? Rapidly prototyping using VR simulations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Making your virtual world come alive with animations and sounds	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	HealthTech in XR	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Assessment help	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Future directions of XR	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Test Fair	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	The metaverse and beyond	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Assessment 3 Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend 90% of tutorials, as per the school resolutions, unless they have approved special consideration (SC).

The Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean Education or Unit Coordinator may determine that a student fails because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas for more information.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. assess and critique the user experience of an immersive application
LO2. reflectively document and present process and designed solutions
LO3. develop and test immersive software applications and systems that are correct, robust and well-documented
LO4. conceptualise and prototype immersive experiences
LO5. identify appropriate design principles for designing immersive experiences

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessment items have seen major restructuring to streamline the unit and also ensure it is more aligned with the contemporary VR design process. The requirements for software development in the later assignment have also been reduced, addressing the steep learning curve Unity presents.

Additional information

Sydney Design Lab

Additional costs

Although tutorials are based in computer labs we recommend that students use their own MacOS, Linux or Windows laptop for class as it will make working on the later assignment easier. However this is not strictly required.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DECO3009: Designing for Virtual Reality

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links