Program Overview

Introduction to Designing in Virtual Reality

About this class

"Introduction to Designing in VR" is a 8-week intensive journey into virtual spatial creativity. Participants will explore essential principles of immersive design through hands-on sessions with cutting-edge tools like Tilt Brush, Open Brush, and Gravity Sketch.

From freeform sketching in space to building complex environments, students will gain technical skills, conceptual insight, and collaborative experience. The course emphasizes learning-by-doing, peer critique, and creative risk-taking — equipping participants with the confidence to design in, and for, virtual space.

Class Outline

• Class 1 – Entering Virtual Space: Orientation + Fundamentals of VR Design
  • What is spatial computing?
  • Overview of immersive design principles
  • VR setup: Hands-on intro to headsets and software
• Class 2 – Painting in 3D – Tilt Brush/Open Brush:
  • Exploring intuitive 3D sketching
  • Tool deep dive: importing, exporting, brushwork
  • Create your first immersive artwork
• Class 3 – From Sketch to Structure – Modeling with Gravity Sketch:
  • Introduction to the interface and core tools
  • Building objects in space
  • Real-time design collaboration
• Class 4: Collaborative Worldbuilding:
  • Group-based design exercise
  • Constructing shared environments
  • Team feedback & reflection
• Class 5 – Concept to Creation + Spatial Mastery – Project Development + Advanced Spatial Thinking:
  • Kickoff of individual projects
  • One-on-one mentorship and conceptual refinement
  • Deep dive into perspective in immersive space:
    • Understanding spatial scale and depth in VR
    • Navigating vanishing points, focal layers, and camera positioning
    • How viewer movement affects design perception
• Class 6 Tricks, Tools & Peer Feedback:
  • Hidden tools and time-saving tricks in Gravity Sketch & Open Brush
  • Integrating reference geometry and design anchors
  • Progress presentations and peer critique
  • Preparing scenes for storytelling and interaction
• Class 7 – Presenting the Virtual – Final Refinements:
  • Polish your work
  • Practice presenting in immersive space
  • Storytelling in VR
• Class 8: Final Presentations:
  • Showcase of individual projects
  • Group critique and reflection
  • Looking ahead: XR in your creative practice

Class Schedule

• Session 1: Saturday, Oct 25, 2025
• Session 2: Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025
• Session 3: Saturdays, Nov 1, 2025
• Session 4: Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025
• Session 5: Saturday, Nov 8, 2025
• Session 6: Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025
• Session 7: Saturday, Nov 15, 2025
• Session 8: Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025

FAQ

• Do I need prior experience in VR design?
  • No prior VR experience is required, though a background in design is preferred.
• What equipment is recommended?
  • An Oculus Quest 2 or newer model is ideal. VCUarts Qatar provides VR headsets, but owning your own is recommended.
• Will I receive a certificate?
  • Yes! Participants who complete the course will earn a certificate from the VCUarts Qatar Continuing Education Program.

Materials Needed

• Please note: VCUQatar reserves the right to cancel classes for which not enough participants are registered. Already paid fees will be refunded.
• Please do not purchase materials until VCUQatar has sent final course confirmation.
• Items to buy for this class:
  • Oculus VR headset (provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their own).

Schedule Details

• Start: Oct 25, 2025
• End: Nov 18, 2025
• Lessons: 8
• Days: Saturdays and Tuesdays
• Time: 4:30pm – 8:30pm
• Location: VCUarts Qatar campus
• Cost: QAR 2,200

Instructors

Alaa Albarazy

Alaa Albarazy is a creative technologist with expertise in architecture, urban design, and cutting-edge technologies. As CEO of The-A Studios, Alaa combines research and innovation to deliver groundbreaking designs. His multidisciplinary approach makes him a pioneer in the VR design space, inspiring students to embrace this emerging medium.