New and Immersive Media Design
Overview
New and Immersive Media Design (NIMD) refers to what many refer to as XR - virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, along with spacial computing and other emerging areas of digital media and our ability to design and develop in these areas.
NIMD is being explored by academic programs across FSU campus. There are applications in communications, biology, health and medicine, engineering and interior design, art, music, and dance, motion picture arts, history and classics, hospitality, emergency management, and just about every other area of study at FSU, not to mention game development. Representatives from these academic departments have formed the NIMD Special Interest Group (NIMD SIG) which meets regularly to share insights and compare notes.
The FSU Innovation Hub offers two foundational courses in VR development, and is working towards developing a minor. These courses are taught in the Gail Rubini New Media Design Lab which also serves as an open workspace for any student, faculty, or staff member interested in these areas.
This page provides information on all of the above and more.
Courses and Minor
Courses at the Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub offers two foundational courses in VR Development.
A minor in New and Immersive Media will be offered in Fall 2025
DIG3779 Intro to VR Development
3 credits
Fulfills Digital Literacy
In this course, students will use industry leading tools and hardware to develop immersive worlds and experiences for virtual reality. The course is designed to break down the barriers of 3D development for students of all majors and backgrounds with no previous experience required.
COM 3930 Special Topics Section 4
VR Development II
3 credits
Prereq: DIG3779 or by instructor approval
This course builds on foundational VR development skills and introduces extended reality (XR) concepts, incorporating both augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). Students will deepen their knowledge of immersive design while exploring more advanced tools and techniques.
Courses from other Academic Programs to be listed soon!
Special Interest Group
The new and Immersive Media Design Special Interest Group (NIMD SIG) is made up of faculty and staff from across campus who are engaged in VR development and related technologies. This SIG holds regular meetings at least twice a semester to share insights, compare notes, and serve as representatives and an advisory board to FSU leadership in these areas.
Membership
Andy Opel, School of Communication (chair)
Ansje Burdick, School of Dance
Austin Mast, Biology Department
Brendan Weaver, Art History Department
Chris Cameron, School of Dance
Darren Brooks, College of Business
Derek Kooi, FSU Information Technology Service
Fengfeng Ke, College of Education
Jackson Anderson, Innovation Hub
Keith Roberson, Art Department
Ken Baldauf, Innovation Hub
LB Bunch, College of Motion Picture Arts
Lucas von Hollen, School of Information
Malia Bruker, School of Communication
Matt Hunter, Libraries
Michael Carrasco, College of Fine Arts
Ron Honn, College of Motion Picture Arts
Sean McGinley, College of Hospitality
Tiffany Rhynard, School of Dance
Timothy Glenn, School of Dance
Travis Brown, College of Education
Will Hill, College of Motion Picture Arts
Contact
For more information about the New and Immersive Media Design program at FSU, contact:
Jackson Anderson, MS
Asst. Director, New and Immersive Media, Instructional Specialist
Jackson manages the Rubini New and Immersive Media Design Lab, teaches Immersive Media classes, and is developing an interdisciplinary program in New and Immersive Media Design.
jackson@innovation.fsu.edu
Jackson and the Rubini New Media Design Lab can be found at the FSU Innovation Hub.