How Virtual Reality Works from edX

Virtual reality is changing the way we interact with the world. But how does it work, what hardware is involved, and how is software written for it?

In this course, part of the Virtual Reality Professional Certificate program, we will explore the foundations of user-friendly virtual reality app development for consumers, as well as enterprise solutions. Both hardware and software aspects will be discussed. You will learn to evaluate devices necessary for virtual reality applications, what their differences are, how you write interactive applications for virtual reality, and we will discuss the most frequent problems you are going to need to solve to write virtual reality software.

In this course, you will explore the basics of virtual reality software through copying and modifying JavaScript to explore tradeoffs in VR application design. Extensive programming experience is not required.

By the end of this course, you will understand what is important for successful virtual reality software and learn how to write simple virtual reality programs themselves with WebVR.

This course is taught by an instructor with almost two decades of experience in virtual reality who leads the Immersive Visualization Laboratory at UC San Diego.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Types of virtual reality devices and their strengths and weaknesses
How virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs
What makes a virtual reality application successful

What to avoid when writing virtual reality software
Basic vr programming using webvr

Types of virtual reality devices and their strengths and weaknesses
How virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs
What makes a virtual reality application successful
What to avoid when writing virtual reality software
Basic vr programming using webvr

Syllabus

Week 1: VR definition and display systems

Week 2: 3D Tracking and Input Devices

Week 3: How to interact with the VR environment

Week 4: How to move around in VR

Week 5: 3D Menus and Text Input

Week 6: VR app design

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides experience developing WebVR applications, which is industry-standard for VR development

Taught by Jurgen P. Schulze, leader of the Immersive Visualization Laboratory at UC San Diego

Explores foundational concepts of VR development, making it suitable for beginners

Develops foundational skills for working with VR devices and their hardware

Examines interactive elements for VR environments, which is crucial for engaging user experiences

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How Virtual Reality Works with these activities:

Review JavaScript

Show steps

Review the fundamentals of JavaScript to prepare yourself for learning how to create interactive applications for VR.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Review the JavaScript basics
Practice writing simple JavaScript functions
Create a simple JavaScript program

VR Resources Compilation

Show steps

Compile a collection of useful VR resources, such as tutorials, tools, and industry articles, to enhance your learning and development.

Browse courses on virtual reality

Show steps

Gather and organize VR-related resources
Create a resource guide or website

VR Discussion Group

Show steps

Exchange ideas and knowledge with fellow students through discussion forums or study groups.

Browse courses on VR Development

Show steps

Join or create a VR discussion group
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

VR Design Challenges

Show steps

Challenge yourself with VR design exercises to enhance your understanding of VR software design principles.

Browse courses on VR Design

Show steps

Design a VR menu system
Design a VR game level
Design a VR training simulation

VR Development Tutorials

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of VR development by following online tutorials and experimenting with VR code.

Browse courses on VR Development

Show steps

Find online tutorials on VR development
Follow the tutorials and build VR projects

VR Prototyping Project

Show steps

Build a VR prototype to apply and reinforce your learning in a practical context.

Browse courses on VR Development

Show steps

Identify a problem or opportunity related to VR
Develop a prototype solution using VR technology

VR Community Involvement

Show steps

Engage with the VR community by volunteering your skills and knowledge to support VR-related events or initiatives.

Browse courses on virtual reality

Show steps

Find opportunities to volunteer in the VR community
Attend VR events and meetups
Contribute to open source VR projects

VR Hackathon or Workshop

Show steps

Attend a VR hackathon or workshop to collaborate with others, learn new skills, and apply your knowledge in a hands-on setting.

Browse courses on VR Development

Show steps

Find a relevant VR hackathon or workshop
Register and participate in the event

VR Project Showcase

Show steps

Create a portfolio of VR projects to demonstrate your skills and learning progress.

Browse courses on VR Development

Show steps

Plan and design your VR project
Develop and implement your VR project
Publish and showcase your project

Career center

Learners who complete How Virtual Reality Works will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Virtual Reality Developer

This course can help a Virtual Reality Developer better understand what kind of virtual reality devices are available and what the strengths and weaknesses are of each. Virtual reality applications are different from other interactive software programs, and this course explores those differences and how to build successful VR applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality Developer

Virtual Reality Engineer

This course can help a Virtual Reality Engineer better understand what kind of virtual reality devices are available and what the strengths and weaknesses are of each. Virtual reality applications are different from other interactive software programs, and this course explores those differences and how to build successful VR applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality Engineer

Game Developer

This course may be useful for a Game Developer interested in creating VR games, as it covers the basics of VR programming using WebVR and explores how virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

UX Designer

This course may be useful for a UX Designer interested in designing VR experiences, as it covers the basics of VR programming using WebVR and explores how virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Interaction Designer

This course may be useful for a Interaction Designer interested in designing VR interactions, as it covers the basics of VR programming using WebVR and explores how virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Technical Writer

This course may be useful for a Technical Writer tasked with writing documentation for VR applications, as it covers the basics of VR programming using WebVR and explores how virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Software Engineer

This course is an introduction to virtual reality software development, covering basics of VR programming using WebVR. It may be useful for Software Engineers looking to enter the field of virtual reality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Product Manager

This course may be useful for a Product Manager overseeing development of VR applications, as it covers the basics of VR hardware, software, and design principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Academic Researcher

This course may be useful for an Academic Researcher in the field of VR, as it covers the basics of VR hardware, software, and design principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher

Business Analyst

This course may be useful for a Business Analyst working with VR projects, as it covers the basics of VR hardware, software, and design principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

This course may be useful for a Quality Assurance Analyst testing VR applications, as it covers the basics of VR hardware, software, and design principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Project Manager

This course may be useful for a Project Manager overseeing development of VR applications, as it covers the basics of VR hardware, software, and design principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Scientist

This course may be useful for a Data Scientist interested in using VR for data visualization, as it covers the basics of VR programming using WebVR and explores how virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Sales Engineer

This course may be useful for a Sales Engineer selling VR products or services, as it covers the basics of VR hardware, software, and design principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Marketing Manager

This course may be useful for a Marketing Manager promoting VR products or services, as it covers the basics of VR hardware, software, and design principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager