Summer Springboard
Spatial Computing
ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SAN DIEGO
ITS PRESENCE AND APPLICATIONS EXPANDING IN RECENT YEARS TO THE HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT, AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES AMONG MANY OTHERS.
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Spatial Computing
- Explore the crossroads of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), and how they come together under the umbrella of Spatial Computing.
- Apply 3D modeling and animation.
- Bring immersive storytelling and world-building to creation.
- Learn about the applications and career opportunities within different and emerging industries utilizing Spatial Computing technology.
- Utilize professional development software to design and develop (in groups) a Spatial Computing experience using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
- Gain an introduction into User experience (UX) design.
Summer Springboard
Spatial Computing
About This Course
Spatial Computing is no longer science fiction – it’s quickly becoming part of our modern day reality, with diverse applications across an array of industries.
An umbrella term, Spatial Computing encapsulates Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and everything in between. Spatial Computing technology creates an immersive experience that can be used to explore an environment that helps to educate and entertain the end user. While its applications in the gaming industry may primarily come to mind when people think about Spatial Computing, its applications have been expanding in recent years to the healthcare, education, entertainment, and automotive industries – among many others – with more to come. As XR is continuing to become more present in our daily and professional lives, the job market is only increasing its demand for its varied development and design skills. There’s no better time to start preparing for this inflection point than with Summer Springboard’s Spatial Computing course on the campus of UCSD.
In our Spatial Computing course, class will be held in a state-of-the-art XR studio. In groups, students will work to design and develop their own Spatial Computing virtual space to explore professional Extended Reality pipelines and leave with a portfolio showcase experience. No prior knowledge in Spatial Computing or software development is required, and all course equipment is supplied. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a PC laptop. (Macs allowed but not all needed software is supported by Apple.)
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
In our Spatial Computing course, class will be held in a state-of-the-art Extended Reality studio. In groups, students will work to design and develop their own Spatial Computing virtual space to explore professional Extended Reality pipelines and leave with a portfolio showcase experience. No prior knowledge in Extended Reality or software development is required, and all course equipment is supplied. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a PC laptop. (Macs allowed but not all needed software is supported by Apple.)
Career Exploration
While its applications in the gaming industry may primarily come to mind when people think about XR, its applications have been expanding in recent years to the healthcare, education, entertainment, and automotive industries – among many others – with more to come. Students will have the opportunity to visit local companies and hear from professionals in the field of Spatial Computing to network and better understand its application across diverse industries.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“I had a great time! I was able to get a lot of freedom as a rising sophomore in high school. I was able to meet people from all over the world, network and cultivate long lasting friendships. Showed a lot of interesting things about myself and future career and college plans. Thanks SSB @ UCSD!”
– Remy K. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Spatial Computing
Meet Your Instructor
Trisha “9Key” Williams – Trisha has spent the last 20 years building 3D worlds in the video game and innovation industries. As a leader in creating immersive spaces, Trisha has collaborated with The USC Cinema World Building Media Lab, Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation, Sundance New Frontiers, and is currently working in affiliation with the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and UCSD Innovation. Formally trained as a technical artist with a Masters of Interactive Technology from The Guildhall at SMU, Trisha not only creates virtual spaces for Origami Air, but helps guide a new generation of world builders into the field by leading programming and development for UC San Diego’s MAVERiC Studio.
TRISHA "9KEY" WILLIAMS
“Overall this is one of the best camp experiences I have had! I’ve learned so much from this 2 week course (at UC San Diego) and made so many new connections with many different people!!”
– Naveen N. | Alumni Student
Meet Your Instructor
Joseph “TilT” Unger – Joseph Unger leads ecosystem development at Origami Air Co, an XR World Developer and Publisher that focuses on Pro-Social Production. He is an expert in XR World Building, Content, Community Development, and Live Operations of Virtual Worlds. Unger’s focus is on the future of active entertainment and creative work. With expertise in game design across all game types and platforms, Joseph has worked as a leading designer at studios such as Zynga, Sony, and 2K. He is passionate about using world-building as a practice to develop productions across Virtual, Augmented, and Practical reality.
JOSEPH "TILT" UNGER
Meet Your Instructor
Amy Winkler – Amy Winkler is an accomplished technical artist with over 17 years of experience in the game, film, and virtual reality industries. As a co-founder of Origami Air Co., she has advised on technical animation, engine implementation, and improved workflows for multiple studios. She has also played an integral role in managing workforce development, helping train and mentor the next generation of VR artists and world builders. Amy has collaborated with organizations, including Adult Swim, Good Kingdom Group, Pigeon Hole Productions, Forgotten Empires, Beach Day Studios, and the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and UCSD Innovation. With a Masters of Interactive Technology from The Guildhall at SMU, Amy has expertise in production management, design, and development.
AMY WINKLER
Summer Springboard
Spatial Computing
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 28 – July 10, 2026 |
| Session 3: July 26 – August 7, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: San Diego |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC San Diego |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.