AET Courses

AET 324D: PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION

An introduction to the Principles of Animation and how they apply in 2D and 3D systems. Throughout the course, students apply the principles of animation through assignments and projects using both 2D and 3D animation software.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and apply the 12 principles of animation
• Use 2D and 3D animation software packages to execute animated sequences
• Animate a 2D and 3D Walk Cycle
• Critique personal and peer work

AET 333: MOBILE GAME DESIGN

This class serves as an overview of mobile game design, how it differs from console or PC game design, and how to develop games for mobile and touchscreen devices. Students will work hands-on, both by themselves and in groups, to create mobile experiences that work well within the limitations and specialties of the mobile platform, and will learn how to ethically publish and monetize these experiences.

Learning Outcomes:

• The core fundamentals of Mobile Game Design
• How to export, play, and debug games on Android and iOS devices
• How to write input systems for Touch Screen
• How to ensure compatibility across a wide range of mobile devices
• How to package and export games to mobile app stores
• How to implement Mobile-centric technical features, like haptics, gyroscope, and AR
• Ethical monetization strategies for mobile games
• How mobile game culture affects game production and success

AET 334C: LEVEL DESIGN

Explore the principles of player-centric design, balancing challenge with reward, and creating intuitive navigation. Through hands-on projects in both 2D and 3D spaces, students will iterate and refine their designs based on feedback and playtesting. By course end, participants will have a portfolio-ready levels, showcasing their understanding and application of effective level design techniques.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop comprehensive documentation that details the layout, objectives, and mechanics of their designed levels, ensuring clarity and coherence
• Demonstrate the skills required to visually represent and draft level designs, encompassing both 2D and 3D spaces, highlighting key gameplay areas and pathways
• Design levels that prioritize player engagement and retention by strategically utilizing pacing, challenge, and reward mechanisms
• Apply design principles that promote intuitive player navigation, fostering immersion and intuitive gameplay experiences
• Iterate and refine designs based on playtesting feedback, ensuring the delivery of captivating and balanced gameplay experiences

AET 334E: VIDEO GAME ART PIPELINE

An introduction to creating and working with game ready assets in 2D and 3D. Students create projects and learn how to work with the modern game engines Unity and Unreal. Students are introduced to key features of interactive entertainment production such as Graphics, Physics, Scripting, Audio, Animation, UI, Navigation, and Content Management.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the differences between major game engines
• Create and manipulate custom or pre-made content in two video game engines
• Integrate basic forms of interactivity in a game including player movement and collision events
• Edit code written in C#

AET 334F: VIDEO GAME SCRIPTING I

An introduction to game scripting using Unity and C#. This course will cover a variety of scripting techniques for game systems including combat, multiplayer, saving and loading, menus, and managers. Students will also be introduced to coding best practices such as commenting, encapsulation, and object-oriented programming.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore how scripting applies in the context of an industry-standard game engine
• Understand the role a Game Scripter plays on a team and within a company
• Solve problems using code
• Create functional systems including: combat, save points, persistent game data, quests, and multiplayer
• Integrate their scripts within the game engine to create a fully playable experience including art, sound, animation, vfx, and UI

AET 334K: VIDEO GAME PROTOTYPING

An introduction to rapid prototyping techniques for game development. This course will consist of rapid creation and iteration of ideas and content related to game mechanics. Projects will typically be 1-3 weeks and emphasize the need for practical and functional art, audio, and code to convey the concept or topic.

Learning Outcomes:

• Collaboratively and efficiently generate ideas for game mechanics
• Document game concepts in game design documents
• Create quick, functional prototypes of game mechanics, including functional art, sound, and code
• Test design assumptions through intentional playtesting

AET 334M: VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS DESIGN

An introduction to game systems in a myriad of structures used commonly today. Create and apply play systems which establish the framework for user experience (UX) and content design.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore gameplay systems and how they interact with the user and each other
• What are game systems, what is a system designer, etc
• Explore and create projects applying core concepts related to Combat, Movement, Puzzles, and Decision Trees
• Investigate and develop a variety of secondary systems, inventory systems, crafting and loot tables
• Handle the progression of gameplay in games today, including the meta structures of economies, social spaces, and gameplay content updates
• Apply an understanding of gameplay balancing and fine tuning in order to polish projects

AET 334P: USER INTERFACES

In this course students will explore the foundational skills required to produce clear and usable User Interface for digital projects. Beginning with a deep dive into fundamental principles of design and commonly used UI elements, students will research notable examples of UI design in order to create and implement their own UI designs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore fundamental principles of UI including visual hierarchy, typography, color theory, layout/composition, and establishing a design language
• Research common UI components for games and digital projects
• Enact a user centered design process through thorough playtesting and user research
• Connect user goals to UI design
• Implement functional UI designs in common game engines
• Enhance designs through use of UI animation and effects

AET 334R: TECHNICAL ART I

An introductory project-based course exploring various tools and pipelines within Unreal, including Blueprints, Sequencer, Materials, Niagara Particle systems, Fracture, Modeling Mode and Dynamic Mesh, and Editor Utilities.

Learning Outcomes:

• Control materials and Niagara systems with Blueprints
• Work with sequencer to manage events and animations
• Create common particle scenarios with Niagara
• Use dynamic and cached Fracture functionality
• Model directly within Unreal
• Build tools with UI directly within Unreal

AET 342C: 3D MODELING AND TEXTURING

This course focuses on a variety of industry-standard modeling tools and workflows, including Maya, Fusion 360, and Zbrush.

Learning Outcomes:

• Create models with tools such as ZModeler and Dynamesh
• Implement Subtools and Zspheres into a Zbrush workflow
• Optimize mesh geometry with retopology, dynamic subdivision, and live boolean workflows
• Create anatomically accurate organic models using Zbrush

AET 342D: 3D MATERIALS AND LIGHTING

Materials and Lighting focuses on creating realistic materials for existing 3D assets.

Learning Outcomes:

• Build and modify existing polygonal and UV data in Maya to support VFX in Unreal
• Be able to light a scene in Unreal
• Build materials with basic functionality in Unreal
• Modify material parameters and UVs via Blueprints in Unreal

AET 346C: VIDEO GAME MODDING

An introduction to the processes for modding a game and the inner workings on professionally released titles. This will include working on one solo project in Fortnite, Roblox or similar, as well as other games selected by the students. The resulting projects will be potential elements for student portfolios.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore internal game tools, and how studios use them to improve workflow
• Identify scripting/markup languages and how they are used in games
• Break down content packaging in games
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of documentation and how to write it
• Collaborate as a team to create a cohesive mod that changes a release title

AET 346F: VIDEO GAME DESIGN CHALLENGES

Apply interactive design process to real-world game development challenges. This course is run as if we are a fictional game studio. Throughout the semester you will be given challenges that arise in actual game studios and you will learn to adapt to them gracefully and efficiently.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize when changes beyond the team’s control necessitate a change in the production plan
• Define a path to pivot the project into one that can still succeed given the new parameters
• Construct a plan to execute within the allotted time and budget

AET 353: 2D ANIMATION FOR GAMES

Learn the tools and comprehensive knowledge to create beautiful, functional, and dynamic art for video games. Explore a brief history of 2D animation in film and interactive media and discuss the differences between the two. Design, create, and animate visually stunning scenes, which will include everything from characters, background elements, particle effects, and even UI.

Learning Outcomes:

• Craft imaginative concept art and documentation, encapsulating the vision for a game's universe
• Translate ideas into storyboard thumbnails of animated sequences that show a clear visual narrative
• Illustrate multi-dimensional parallaxing backgrounds, enhancing the sense of space and movement within their 2D game world
• Design and animate unique characters, enemies, pick-ups, UI, and more

AET 353: GAMES FOR GOOD

Games for Good, an advanced team-based game design course, allows students to harness their skills to create experiences that improve lives. The class will dive into the realm of transformational game development, where creations can enhance health, advance scientific research, support therapy, bolster mental health, and revolutionize education. We will explore critical topics like defining your game's purpose, understanding your audience, envisioning player transformation, and overcoming unique challenges. Collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts to use your game design skills to make a meaningful impact. This isn't just about creating games; it's about using your creativity to build a better future.

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyze the principles of transformational game design and identify the key components of a successful game for good
• Design and develop a game for good that is both engaging and impactful, considering the needs of your target audience and the unique challenges of transformational game development
• Collaborate effectively as a team and with researchers and subject matter experts to ensure that your game for good is accurate, informative, and beneficial
• Evaluate the impact of your game for good on players and other stakeholders and make recommendations for improvement

AET 324: THEMED ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN

This course will delve into themed and immersive entertainment and other experiences, providing students an opportunity to see the creative possibilities through different forms of expression. Students will explore Experiential Design, from large scale highly themed experiences, such as a museum visit or theme park trip, to everyday interactions, such as stop at a coffee shop or gym.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insights into creative development process for themed and immersive experiences
• Partner and collaborate effectively with team members
• Demonstrate a strong ability to present and communicate concepts and oneself visually, verbally, and in written form
• Develop and present work as both an individual and as part of a team
• Develop critical thinking and evaluation skills to provide respectful feedback to peers
• Demonstrate college-level writing, submission and presentation skills across a variety of examples
• Integrate feedback into work for revision

AET 330T: STORYBOARDING

Storyboarding is a critical part of the pre-production process in film, animation, and game design. This course covers techniques and principles for creating effective storyboards that communicate story structure, character movement, and cinematography concepts.

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply industry standard storyboard techniques
• Understand cinematic storytelling principles
• Communicate story structure and character movement through storyboards
• Explore the role of storyboarding in the creative process

AET 330T: IMMERSIVE ART INSTALLATIONS

This course explores the creation of large-scale experiential art installations through research, field trips to art venues, and hands-on project development. Students will visit local art spaces to gain insight into the design, installation, and maintenance of immersive artworks. Working in teams, students will design, prototype, and then build a fully realized immersive installation. Emphasis is placed on collaborative experimentation, concept development, and addressing the technical and creative challenges of bringing immersive environments to life.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe how professional installation artwork is sourced, designed, installed, and maintained
• Explore and discuss existing artwork and artists within a professional context
• Design immersive installations with appropriate scope, budget, and material constraints, incorporating technologies like the LIM Lab motion capture system and Arduino
• Accept and integrate feedback from peers and instructors
• Collaborate with team members to produce large-scale immersive installations

AET 330T: INTERACTIVE INSTALLATIONS

In this course students explore the skillsets and collaborative processes involved in creating interactive installations. From concept development to execution, students will learn about interactive technology, physical computing, and user engagement to create immersive and participatory experiences.

Learning Outcomes:

• Partner and collaborate effectively with teams on interactive projects
• Understand interactive technology and physical computing for installations
• Design and execute interactive installations
• Engage users in immersive and participatory experiences

AET 344D: 3D PREVISUALIZATION FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

This course is a lecture/lab course designed to introduce students to the principles and practices of 3D previsualization within live entertainment. Focusing on software like Maya and Unreal Engine, students will learn to create detailed previsualizations for concerts, theater, and other live events.

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply common drafting practices utilized for live entertainment
• Develop detailed 3D previsualizations for live events
• Understand the workflow and collaboration necessary in live entertainment production
• Utilize industry-standard software for 3D modeling and previsualization

AET 348: CONCERT AND EVENT LIGHTING

This is a lecture and hands-on lab course designed to introduce students to the art and technology of lighting for concerts and events. Students will learn about lighting design, equipment, and programming, with opportunities to create their own lighting designs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Create original work using industry-standard lighting equipment
• Understand the technical aspects of lighting design and implementation
• Develop skills in lighting programming and control systems
• Explore creative lighting design concepts for live performances

AET 348K: 3D PROJECTION MAPPING

This course is a lecture/lab course designed to introduce students to 3D projection mapping techniques and technologies. Students will learn to create immersive visual environments by projecting video onto three-dimensional surfaces, combining art and technology to transform physical spaces.

Learning Outcomes:

• Create and implement original design ideas
• Understand the technology behind 3D projection mapping
• Develop skills in video editing and projection software
• Explore the creative potential of projection mapping in live entertainment

AET 350C: ADVANCED CREATIVE CODING

Throughout the semester, students will engage in building algorithmic projects that encompass diverse media forms, allowing for hands-on experience. Alongside project work, the course will focus on studying the underlying computational techniques essential for achieving these creative goals. This immersive experience will empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate technology with creativity, opening doors to new and innovative ways of expression in the digital age.

Learning Outcomes:

• Enhance problem-solving abilities by tackling challenges in coding, algorithm design, and media integration, developing the ability to analyze and overcome technical hurdles
• Acquire hands-on skills in using programming languages, frameworks, and tools required to create complex media projects across multimedia and web platforms
• Gain experience with HTML, CSS, JSON, and JavaScript focusing on the p5.js JavaScript library as well as other JavaScript libraries
• Synthesize different media forms by integrating audio, video, music, and web technologies to produce cohesive and innovative projects
• Apply foundational elements of programming, including the use data styles, event and timebased techniques, libraries, advanced functions, and object oriented programming
• Cultivate a continuous learning mindset that prepares students to adapt to ever-changing technological landscapes, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the intersection between technology and creative media
• Gain additional exposure to historical and modern computer art
• Enhance the ability to communicate complex technical concepts and creative ideas effectively, both in written form and through presentations to various audiences

AET 351E: DO IT YOURSELF SYNTHESIZER LAB

Design your own digital sound devices! In this hands-on lab, students will learn the basics of electronic audio synthesis, digital signal processing, and sound design. By the end of the course, students will have built their own software synthesizers and effects processors.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate the principles of electronic audio synthesis
• Apply digital signal processing techniques in sound design
• Build software synthesizers and effects processors from scratch
• Explore creative possibilities in digital sound device design

AET 353: REALTIME VIDEO PROGRAMMING

In this course is a deep dive into Touchdesigner, the industry-leading programming environment used internationally by immersive artists and a/v programmers. In this project-focused course, students will learn advanced skills needed to create interactive 3D environments, audio reactive visuals, motion tracking systems, and creative hardware integrations.

Learning Outcomes:

• Program advanced interactive systems in Touchdesigner
• Learn to program interactive 2D and 3D visuals
• Create audio-reactive visual systems
• Implement motion tracking to create interactive 3D environments
• Create multiple projects using advanced Touchdesigner knowledge gained in the class

AET 321C: AUDIO PROCESSING

An exploration of concepts, crafts, and techniques in audio processing for music production. This course covers the fundamentals of sound manipulation, effects processing, and mixing, providing a solid foundation for creating professional audio works.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore the primary theoretical and practical aspects of audio processing
• Utilize various tools and techniques for sound manipulation and effects processing
• Develop skills in mixing and mastering audio
• Create professional quality audio productions

AET 323G: GENERATIVE AUDIO PROGRAMMING

An introduction to procedural audio using SuperCollider. This course teaches the fundamentals of coding for generative music, sound art, and interactive audio applications, focusing on algorithmic composition and sound synthesis.

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn best coding practices using SuperCollider
• Create generative music and sound art pieces
• Develop interactive audio applications
• Explore the creative potential of algorithmic composition and sound synthesis

AET 323E: INTRO TO GAME AUDIO

This course will explore the sound design, foley and interactive layers of today’s video game soundtracks. Students will first gain familiarity with the Reaper DAW, where they will create engaging audio environments and arresting sound effects that today’s game studios demand. They will then learn to fully integrate their audio builds into game build environments, using WWise, the industry standard Middleware in today’s AAA studios.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain an overview of the Game Audio industry, with a view to the importance of social networking therein
• Gain familiarity with the standard software platforms including the Reaper DAW and WWISE middleware
• Demonstrate competence in creating general immersive sound environments, specific sound effects and recording foley for video games
• Demonstrate competence in researching and presenting materials to class

AET 339: PRINCIPLES OF SOUND DESIGN

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of sound design. Emphasizing both theoretical concepts and practical applications, students will explore the creation, manipulation, and implementation of sound in various media. Topics include acoustics, signal processing, sound synthesis, and the role of sound in storytelling and multimedia. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills to design and execute soundscapes for film, games, and other digital media.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the fundamental principles of sound and acoustics
• Gain proficiency in various sound design techniques and tools
• Develop skills in sound editing, mixing, and synthesis
• Apply sound design principles to create effective soundscapes in multimedia projects
• Analyze and critique sound design in various media contexts
   

AET 339: SOUND DESIGN

This course will examine the techniques and tools used in the creation of sound for film, television, and video games. Students will learn about the history of sound design, the role of the sound designer, and the process of creating a soundtrack from concept to final mix.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore the concepts involved in the many dimensions of sound design
• Apply tools and techniques for creating soundtracks for various media
• Develop critical listening skills and a deeper understanding of the role of sound in storytelling
• Create a comprehensive sound design project from concept to final mix
   

AET 339: DIY SYNTHESIZERS

Design your own digital sound devices! In this course, student will be creating complex microcontroller-based synthesizers for use in music production, live performance, sound design, and immersive installations. This project-focused course will cover concepts including programming with Arduino, audio electronics, sound synthesis methods and history, creative interface design, and creating sensor-based sound devices.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the principles of electronic audio and sound synthesis
• Programming micro-controllers for sound synthesis and sound processing
• Using sensors for interfacing with micro-controllers
• Create multiple standalone digital synth projects/devices
• Analyzing the cultural and historical significance of sound synthesis technology

AET 339: ADVANCED GAME AUDIO

This course delves into the advanced techniques and technologies used to create immersive, dynamic audio experiences in video games. Students will explore the principles of interactive sound design, spatial audio, adaptive music, and audio integration within game engines. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard Wwise Middleware, empowering students to design and implement complex audio systems that respond to player actions and environmental changes. Key topics include sound propagation, real-time audio processing, and the creative use of audio to enhance narrative and gameplay. By the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of projects that demonstrate their ability to craft cutting-edge soundscapes for games.

Learning Outcomes:

• Master advanced techniques for interactive sound design and adaptive music in games
• Implement real-time audio effects and spatial audio to enhance immersion
• Integrate complex audio systems within popular game engines like Unity and Unreal
• Analyze the role of sound in creating emotional and narrative depth in games
• Troubleshoot and optimize audio performance in game environments

AET 339: AI IN MUSIC AND SOUND

This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the world of music and sound design. Students will learn how AI technologies are transforming music creation, sound synthesis, and audio processing. The course covers foundational concepts in AI, including machine learning, neural networks, and generative models, with a focus on their application in music composition, production, and sound engineering. Through hands-on projects, students will experiment with AI tools to generate music, analyze audio data, and develop intelligent systems that enhance creativity and sound design. By the end of the course, participants will gain a deep understanding of how AI is reshaping the future of music and sound, along with practical skills to innovate in this evolving field.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand key AI concepts and their application in music and sound design
• Explore generative music techniques using AI-driven algorithms
• Analyze and manipulate audio data with machine learning models
• Develop creative AI systems for music composition and sound synthesis
• Evaluate ethical considerations of AI in the music industry

AET 330T: FUTURE TECH LAB

In this industry partnership course, students collaborate with professionals at Dell to produce projects that examine the future of technology. Projects may include research, design, and technical prototypes.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify different types of AI models and recognize how they are created and where they are used most effectively
• Explore and appraise AI tools for artists
• Assess the validity of ethical arguments for/against using AI
• Critique the pros and cons of using AI as a creative professional
• Develop a creative project in collaboration with AI
• Design a project that incorporates AI in solving a user problem
• Develop a commitment to fully engage in a user-centered design process
• Develop an attitude where they work effectively with others to achieve common goals through collaboration and support for teammates
• Produce professional documentation covering the development process and project outcomes

AET 330T: TYPOGRAPHY AND GAMES

Project-based examination of typography in games and the ways type can inform both game visuals and mechanics. Explore type design approaches and game design through workshops, critiques, and lectures.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore a basic understanding of type anatomy
• Develop custom typefaces for use in game(s)
• Exercise functional typographic hierarchy
• Design a game that makes use of type and/or language
• Design and implement functional UI elements in a gaming engine
   

AET 339: HUMOR IN STORYTELLING

This course is designed to engage students creatively in the process of integrating humor into storytelling. Through analysis of various mediums and hands-on projects, students will explore the mechanisms of humor, its cultural implications, and its impact on narrative and audience.

Learning Outcomes:

• Generate ideas and content in order to solve creative problems with humor
• Understand the cultural implications of humor in storytelling
• Analyze the mechanisms of humor and its impact on narrative and audience
• Create engaging stories that effectively integrate humor

AET 339: DRAWING FOR DESIGNERS

The course is designed for students who wish to develop a strong foundation for art and design by learning how to effectively draw and communicate ideas in visual form. Drawing first by hand is common practice at many top design agencies, animation studios and other design businesses. This class will focus primarily on traditional drawing techniques with some experimental exercises combining traditional and digital techniques. Students will be working with traditional materials only before the Midterm. After the midterm students are welcome to incorporate digital tools or switch to digital completely. The format of our meetings will vary between in-class activities, presentations by students and by visiting guests.

Learning Outcomes:

• Effectively communicate visually with drawing
• Explore a variety of drawing techniques, including different methods of mark making, value, sighting, and shading, composition, gesture drawing, drawing the head and face fundamentals, figure drawing, drawing in perspective and more
• Present your work and constructively critique others 4. Apply compositional principles in designs and drawings improve their drawing skills

AET 339: DESIGNING FOR CLIENTS

Create real content for a real client! This experience is meant to build on your acquired knowledge and skills to facilitate the creation of a collaborative visual project for the large-scale LED Media Wall within the Gensler Austin lobby. Students will work in small teams on a project that uses the skills they have acquired in previous years, working closely with Gensler’s Digital Experience Design studio, to create compelling visual content suitable for their lobby. The final works will be displayed on a regular cadence on their Media Wall for the duration of 1-3 months and seen by some of the largest companies/clients Gensler works with. The content must be suitable for Gensler’s office environment.

About Gensler Austin

Gensler is the global architecture, design and planning firm behind a number of high-profile local projects shaping the future of the city, such as the Austin FC Major League Soccer Stadium, Domain Northside, and planned super-high rise 6 X Guadalupe — which will be the city’s tallest tower, Moody Arena, Block 164 at the Innovation District and Whole Foods headquarters expansion. Since opening in 2007, Gensler Austin has grown from a staff of six to more than 115. Their portfolio of work spans every major industry and includes office buildings, hotels, mixed-use developments, master planning, workplace interiors and Digital Experience Design. Founded in 1965, Gensler has more than 6,000 professionals across 48 locations worldwide who leverage the power of design to make the places where people live, work and play more impactful, inspiring and resilient.

Learning Outcomes:

• Grow experience and knowledge in the creation of original works
• Develop and adapt a design process suited to a development of digital large-screen content for the built environment
• Learn about creating digital experiences for the built environment, branded environments, and site-specific digital artwork
• Demonstrate effective collaboration and effective communication with team members and clients
• Identify skills and resources you need and augment course instruction with additional research to accomplish specific project goals
• Present your completed projects in a professional manner
• Communicate project milestone updates 
• Respond to and integrate feedback from the client, peers and the instructor
• Become familiar with concepts and terminology specific to digital experiences in the built environment (content loop, dwell time, viewing angles, site-specific, branded environments, pixel pitch, elevation drawing, etc.)

AET 353: ART MAKING IN VR

This course is an exploration of the intersection between technology and creativity. Through hands-on experiences with VR tools such as Gravity Sketch and Unity, students will sculpt 3D models and build immersive environments. By combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge of spatial computing and immersive storytelling, students will emerge equipped to create captivating VR artworks, applications, or games.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand spatial computing principles and their application in designing immersive user experiences
• Develop proficiency in 3D modeling/sculpting within VR environments using Gravity Sketch or Tilt Brush
• Utilize 3D scanning techniques to integrate real-world objects or human forms into VR environments
• Employ Unity or Unreal Engine to construct environments, developing skills in virtual world creation and app development
• Document and present their creative process, while exploring pathways for display and distribution

What is the Honors Program?

The purpose of the honors program is for exceptionally motivated students to learn to do academic research, and to create a thesis project in the form of a research paper. This can be a case study, a scientific paper, or a more traditional research paper on the student’s chosen research question.

Why participate?

The honors program will help students prepare to apply for graduate school by creating an academic writing sample and developing strong faculty relationships. In addition, it will make students attractive to employers as the thesis project can function to demonstrate initiative in cultivating a deep knowledge of the industry the student is pursuing.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Honors program, students must have:

• Completion of 60 semester hours of credit
• Average GPA 3.50 or higher
• Completion of AET 310 with A- or better
• Completion of AET 304 with A- or better

Program Timeline

Junior Year Fall

Eligible students apply to enter the Honors program via this link. Once eligibility is confirmed, students will be automatically enrolled in AET 170 Research Methods Proseminar.

Junior Year Spring

Honors students take AET 170 Research Methods Proseminar. This course will focus on research methods in academia for Arts and Entertainment Technologies, professional writing style guides, and how to prepare for the Honors Thesis. Upon completing this course, students will be prepared to complete an Honors Thesis in their senior year. 

Students must also reach out to find a full faculty member in the AET department that agrees to mentor them on their thesis (regular meetings, paper review, final grade) in order to enroll in AET 378H Thesis Writing. The faculty member must contact the Honors Coordinator in order for the student to be automatically enrolled in the course.

Senior Year Fall

In AET 378H Thesis Writing, students will meet regularly with their individual faculty advisors demonstrating writing progress throughout the semester. Papers can be formatted in IEEE, MLA, or APA style, 4000-6000 words. Students who achieve a grade of A on their thesis paper will graduate with honors.

Example Topics

• Ways 2D and 3D animation can be combined into a pipeline to enhance a narrative
• How to best “gamify” learning in a virtual world
• An analysis of the design of accessible and disability-inclusive games
• The utilization of technology in treatment for adolescent mental health
• How animations reflect and impact politics in society
• The strengths and limitations of generative music compared to compositional music in open-world type video games
• Comparative Case Studies on AI as Art Tools and as Art Generators
• Ballet Performance in Virtual Reality

For general questions on the Honors program, reach out to Professor Jessie Contour jessiecontour@utexas.edu.

For questions on eligibility, reach out to AET Academic Advisor aet_advising@austin.utexas.edu.

For questions on registration, reach out to Olivia Wildman olivia.wildman@austin.utexas.edu.

AET 324J: VISUAL STORYTELLING

Visual Storytelling is an innovative course that delves into the evolution of design processes and products from the past to the future. Through a wide-ranging exploration of art history, student-selected contemporary design work (including interactive products such as video games), and emerging AI technologies, students gain a deeper understanding of visual narratives at the intersection of creativity and technology.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and interpret design principles and storytelling techniques through historical context and contemporary examples
• Analyze and evaluate current design trends and their relevance in the context of evolving visual narratives and entertainment technologies
• Ethically assess and integrate AI tools into the creative process for visual storytelling projects
• Conceptualize and draft visionary storytelling design projects that skillfully blend elements from the past and present, culminating in a focus on the future

AET 339: COLOR LITERACY

The Color Literacy course approaches color education as a multidisciplinary system of connections between science, art and design, industry, technology, and culture. Fluency with the language of color sharpens visual intelligence and enhances communication skills.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify fundamental roles color plays in our lives, and its connections to history, social, and cultural relations
• Analyze the interconnections between light, objects, observers, and contexts
• Expand color vocabulary to include the three dimensions of color and explain different industries’ color specification systems

• Apply knowledge of colors through experiments and projects while developing problem-solving and investigative skills, building bridges between science, art, and design

   

AET 330T: EXPLORING USER INTERACTION

We will use the web as a new medium and landscape to explore and create web-based interactions that generate emergent properties. This course introduces JavaScript with the p5.js library and Arduino to communicate between digital and physical spaces. Students will complete hands-on practice, supplemented by reading assignments to stimulate critical thinking about the relationship between users and their environment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyze and critique the relationship between users and their digital or physical environments
• Evaluate and test designs with user feedback and usability tests
• Use the fundamentals of design to create compelling visualizations
• Become proficient in creative coding in relation to web-based interactions

AET 330T: STORYBOARDING

Storyboarding is a critical part of the pre-production process in animation, video games, visual effects and motion graphics. In this course students will learn storyboard terminology, concepts, and techniques for effective visual communication and storytelling. This is a project based course where students will conceptualize and illustrate storyboards for a variety of mediums.

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply industry standard storyboard techniques to time based visual mediums
• Develop and illustrate narratives and concepts through sequential images
• Create storyboards based on treatments and written scripts

AET 337D: NARRATIVE DESIGN

In interactive and immersive media, users experience the narrative through their senses: visuals, sounds, tech, mechanics, dynamics, and feel. In today's AET fields it is important for all disciplines to know how to seamlessly integrate narrative this way, into all aspects of a project, and collaborate to translate those narrative elements into a single cohesive vision. Students will model the techniques used by professional narrative designers who work with cross-disciplinary creative teams in the development of experiences through narrative integration.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize the craft and discipline of narrative design and how different areas of AET work with narrative
• Distinguish the relationships between experience (immersive/interactive) design structure and narrative structure
• Construct through the collaboration with others (teamwork) numerous narratives within a single shared vision of a fictional world (world building) to be used as the basis for content development
• Develop design documents and guidelines for an immersive experience that communicates the defined narrative through user perception
• Evaluate how narrative design relates to industry practice

AET 337N: INTRODUCTION TO NARRATIVE

Introduction to Narrative offers a brief overview of the history of the “how and why” of storytelling with several opportunities to apply and expand storytelling skills. Emphasis is on cultivating a storytelling sensibility, writing process, and increasing engagement through strong communication. We examine language and constructing strong voices as a means to hook the audience. In addition, non-writing storytelling considerations like music, visuals, and spatial elements are discussed. Timeless, proven techniques for creating meaningful stories are paired with an exploration of how new technology impacts storytelling. Exact content varies based on availability of Industry guests and student interests, but students are encouraged to write for their preferred formats whenever possible to better understand and enhance their own storytelling fluency. This course carries a writing flag.

Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire and articulate an understanding of the origins and importance of storytelling basics, so as to cultivate greater storytelling sensibilities
• Identify and analyze a 3-Act structure and the 7 story steps
• Identify and analyze the Hero's Journey plot footprint so as to create an original Hero's Journey, including a full arc and archetypes with depth
• Critique each other's work for revision
• Synthesize feedback and create at least two original works, including a branching narrative, as well as several informal writing assignments intended to cultivate a deeper writing practice

AET 333: MANAGING CREATIVE PROJECTS

An in-depth exploration of effectively planning, managing, and overseeing the development of Team Based AET related projects and productions, from initial estimation to day-to-day execution. This course delves into the essential techniques for estimating, structuring, staffing, budgeting, organizing, and executing a robust plan tailored for diverse projects focused on user centered interactive and immersive experiences.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate Proficiency in Applying Project Management Principles including estimation, structuring, staffing, budgeting, organization, and execution, specifically tailored for Team Based Interactive and Immersive projects and productions
• Evaluate and Select Appropriate Development Methodologies, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology to inform their decision-making process, identifying the most appropriate approach for different project types
• Create Flexible Project Plans for Dynamic Environments by designing flexible and adaptable plans capable of accommodating the varying nature of projects focused on interactive and immersive experiences, demonstrating the ability to anticipate and respond to changes effectively throughout the project lifecycle
• Organize Self and Team Effectively across diverse productions and roles to coordinate tasks, manage resources, and foster collaboration to ensure project success in various contexts