Spatial Computing

It's presence and applications expanding in recent years to the healthcare, education, entertainment, and automotive industries - among many others.

Program Highlights

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.

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.

Apply 3D modeling and animation.

Bring immersive storytelling and world-building to creation.

Gain an introduction into User experience (UX) design.

Residential Tuition :
$5,698

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298

Session 3:
July 27, 2025 August 8, 2025

UC San Diego
San Diego, CA

Testimonials

"The academic courses taught me an incredible amount and the hands on experiences we had were amazing and very informative. The social aspect of it was also very fun and i met lots of very friendly people. The activities offered through the program were also very fun"

Lauren L.
"Thank you so much SSB for making this summer camp one i will never forget. I loved the course and i learned so much. I loved the mentors and the expierenxe as a whole. thank you so much!"

Riyana P.
"I had an amazing time at Summer Springboard! The mentors and teachers here were top notch and made learning enjoyable and engaging."

James G.

Course Overview

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.)

Meet your instructor

Instruction for this course will be split/shared, depending on the day/topic, amongst:

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.

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.

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.

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.