Virtual Reality (VR) has seen major advances in recent years. Headsets are engineered to couple with the visual brain and communicate along all channels of visual information. In this special subject, we will explore how VR “speaks” with the brain’s early visual processing and consider applications to perceptual learning, low-vision augmentation and other therapeutic uses.
We’ll convene a project-based studio, to foster collaboration among students of engineering, neuroscience, visual arts/design, and other fields. We'll combine analog light/perception studies (demos and illusions) with VR experiments and experiences to examine and evaluate VR as a tool for targeted stimulation of early perceptual processing. Key questions: can stimuli designed and delivered through headsets strengthen neural pathways for improved acuity, stereopsis, color and contrast sensitivity? Can VR be used as a teaching and learning tool, raising user awareness of perceptual processes? The semester will conclude with a project showcase.
Instructors: Seth Riskin, Pawan Sinha, and Ken Zolot
Offered spring 2024 as 9.s52 (for undergrads), and 9.s915 (for grad students)
6 units (3-1-2)
Two meetings per week: Tuesdays 7pm to 8pm (lab), and Wednesdays 2pm to 5pm (studio)
First session is on Wed Feb 7 at 2pm.
