Austin Yarger - Michigan Game DevTeaching Faculty, Computer Science and Engineering - Game Development / XR / Animation
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Austin Yarger
Austin YargerTeaching Faculty, Computer Science and Engineering - Game Development / XR / AnimationComputer Science and Engineering
3611 Beyster Bldg.2260 Hayward St.Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2122

EECS 440 : Extended Reality and Society

EECS 494 is the University of Michigan’s premiere game-development course.

Learn more at eecs440.com.

From pediatric medical care, advanced manufacturing, and commerce to film analysis, first-responder training, and unconscious bias training, the fledgling, immersive field of extended reality may take us far beyond the realm of traditional video games and entertainment, and into the realm of diverse social impact.

“EECS 440 : Extended Reality for Social Impact” is a programming-intensive senior capstone / MDE course that empowers students with the knowledge and experience to…

  • Implement medium-sized virtual and augmented reality experiences using industry-standard techniques and technologies.
  • Game Engines (Unreal Engine / Unity), Design Patterns, Basic Graphics Programming, etc.
  • Design socially-conscious, empowering user experiences that engage diverse audiences.
  • Contribute to cultural discourse on the hopes, concerns, and implications of an XR-oriented future.
  • Privacy / security concerns, XR film review (The Matrix, Black Mirror, etc)
  • Carry out user testing and employ feedback after analysis.
  • Requirements + Customer Analysis, Iterative Design Process, Weekly Testing, Analytics, etc.
  • Work efficiently in teams of 2-4 using agile production methods and software.
  • Project Management Software (Jira), Version Control (Git), Burndown Charting and Resource Allocation, Sprints, etc.

Students will conclude the course with at least three significant, socially-focused XR projects in their public portfolios. Note : This is not a crypto or metaverse course, though both will be discussed during a lecture on ethics and the technology hype cycle.