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

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

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.