Beyond Reality: Designing Immersive Experiences with Augmented and Extended Reality

Duration: 8–10 Weeks (or Self-Paced)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Format: Video Lessons, Interactive Tutorials, Hands-On Projects, Code Labs, Final Capstone
Tools & Platforms: Unity, Vuforia, ARCore, ARKit, WebXR, 8thWall, Blender, Spark AR

---

Course Objective

To equip learners with the technical and creative skills required to develop real-world AR and XR applications across mobile, web, and headset-based platforms. This course blends immersive design principles with practical coding, 3D modeling, and deployment strategies.

---

Module 1: Introduction to AR, VR, MR, and XR

Topics Covered:

• What is AR, VR, MR, and XR?

• Evolution of Immersive Technologies

• Key Differences and Overlaps

• Real-World Applications of XR in Education, Healthcare, Gaming, Retail, and Architecture

• Market Trends and Future Forecast

Learning Outcome:
Understand the immersive technology landscape and how AR/XR fits into the real and virtual worlds.

Activities:

• Identify and categorize 5 real-world XR applications

• Write a short comparison of AR and VR use cases

---

Module 2: Fundamentals of AR and XR Technology

Topics Covered:

• Components of AR Systems: Cameras, Sensors, Displays

• Marker-Based vs Markerless AR

• SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)

• Spatial Tracking and Scene Understanding

• Introduction to AR Glasses and HMDs (e.g., HoloLens, Magic Leap, Meta Quest)

Learning Outcome:
Gain foundational knowledge about how AR/XR systems operate and interact with physical environments.

Activities:

• Research how SLAM works in mobile AR

• Create a visual diagram of an AR hardware ecosystem

---

Module 3: Setting Up Your Development Environment

Topics Covered:

• Installing and Setting Up Unity for AR Development

• Overview of Unity’s XR Interaction Toolkit

• Introduction to ARCore (Android) and ARKit (iOS)

• Setting Up SDKs for Vuforia, WebAR, and Spark AR

• Device Emulation and Testing Strategies

Learning Outcome:
Install and configure industry-standard tools and platforms for XR development.

Activities:

• Set up Unity and deploy a “Hello AR” scene to a mobile device

• Configure both ARCore and ARKit environments for testing

---

Module 4: Building Augmented Reality Experiences with Unity

Topics Covered:

• AR Camera and Scene Setup

• Anchors and Planes

• Object Placement and Interaction

• Physics and Environmental Effects

• Audio in AR

Learning Outcome:
Design and develop interactive AR apps using Unity and integrated AR SDKs.

Activities:

• Build a furniture placement AR app using Unity and ARCore

• Add tap-to-place interaction with physics-based animations

---

Module 5: WebAR and Marker-Based Experiences

Topics Covered:

• What is WebAR? Benefits and Limitations

• Building WebAR Projects with 8thWall or A-Frame

• Working with Markers (QR codes, Images)

• Creating Marker-Based AR with Vuforia

• Hosting WebAR Projects for Mobile Browsers

Learning Outcome:
Create cross-platform AR experiences that run directly in web browsers without app installation.

Activities:

• Build a marker-based AR app using Vuforia and Unity

• Create and host a WebAR experience with image tracking

---

Module 6: 3D Modeling and Assets for XR

Topics Covered:

• Basics of 3D Geometry: Meshes, Vertices, Normals

• Tools: Blender, Mixamo, Sketchfab

• Optimization for Mobile and Web (Poly Count, File Size)

• Animating 3D Models

• Integrating 3D Assets into Unity

Learning Outcome:
Design and prepare efficient 3D assets for use in immersive environments.

Activities:

• Model or modify a simple object in Blender and import it into Unity

• Animate a character with Mixamo and use it in an AR project

---

Module 7: Interaction Design and UX in AR/XR

Topics Covered:

• Spatial Interaction Principles

• Gaze, Gesture, and Controller Inputs

• User Interface Design in 3D Space

• Safety, Comfort, and Accessibility

• Designing for Presence and Engagement

Learning Outcome:
Apply user-centric design strategies to build immersive and intuitive AR/XR applications.

Activities:

• Create a UI panel that responds to gaze or touch in Unity

• Analyze and critique an existing XR app’s user experience

---

Module 8: XR for Mobile, Headsets, and Wearables

Topics Covered:

• Developing AR Apps for Android and iOS

• Deploying to AR Glasses (e.g., HoloLens, Magic Leap)

• Introduction to VR Devices (Meta Quest, HTC Vive)

• Cross-Platform Deployment Tips

• Differences in UX Between Mobile and Headset AR

Learning Outcome:
Build XR applications that work across different device ecosystems.

Activities:

• Deploy an AR app to both Android and iOS platforms

• Explore Unity’s support for Meta Quest (optional advanced project)

---

Module 9: AR Filters and Social Media Effects

Topics Covered:

• Creating AR Face Filters with Spark AR (Meta)

• 2D/3D Face Tracking and Animation

• Effect Publishing for Instagram and Facebook

• Spark AR vs TikTok Effect House vs Snap Lens Studio

• Ethics and Influence of AR Filters in Social Media

Learning Outcome:
Design and publish interactive AR filters for social media platforms.

Activities:

• Create a face mask or facial animation using Spark AR

• Submit your filter for review and public use

---

Module 10: Capstone Project and Industry Insights

Capstone Project Options:

• Design a full AR storytelling app (e.g., tourism, education)

• Create a multi-interaction XR experience with object placement and animation

• Build a WebAR product demo with marker tracking and e-commerce overlay

Final Assessment:

• Capstone project submission with source code, walkthrough, and presentation

• Peer review and instructor feedback

Industry & Career Guidance:

• Careers: AR Developer, XR Designer, Unity Developer, Creative Technologist

• Platforms for Freelancing and Publishing Projects

• Certifications: Unity Certified Associate, Meta Spark Creator, Coursera XR Programs

• Portfolio Building Tips and GitHub Readiness

Certificate of Completion:
Awarded to learners who complete all modules and the final capstone.

---

Bonus Resources

• AR Design Patterns Guide

• Unity and Blender Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

• Project Templates for Rapid Prototyping

• List of Open AR Datasets and 3D Asset Libraries

• Access to XR Communities, Hackathons, and Developer Events

---

Teaching Methodology

• Modular, step-by-step lessons combining theory and practice

• Live screen recordings, visual breakdowns, and downloadable code

• Quizzes and reflective exercises at the end of each module

• Project-based learning for real-world experience

• Community group for collaboration and discussion

---

Target Audience

• Students and professionals in computer science, design, or game development

• Artists, architects, educators, and entrepreneurs exploring immersive tech

• Developers interested in Unity, mobile app development, or 3D interaction

• Innovators building XR solutions for marketing, learning, healthcare, and more