Globally, virtual reality and augmented reality are predicted to grow into a $120 billion industry by 2020. In recent years, India is witnessing increasing adoption of these devices. This market is projected to register a CAGR of 55.3 per cent during 2016 to 2021.

Rising adoption of based products such as heads-up display, head-mounted display, etc, among various end users including defense, automotive, consumer electronics is anticipated to drive the growth in the country. In addition, a rising number of consumer electronics applications such as gaming and entertainment will also be seeing a lot of action. This kind of development is expected to drive demand for people with the creativity and skills to take advantage of the opportunities it can offer.

Students who have the passion and interest can have varied options from technology to designing. Thus, this industry need 3D artists to make the art and programmers add interactivity and functionality. Creating high quality experiences require understanding of the human perception that does not exist. There will be three kinds of classification like artists, programmers and designers. They should be the ability to showcase artistic works, collaborative personality and willingness to work with other artists, artistic talent and computer skills creativity.

Some 3D artists working in graphic or media art, such as video or movie production, may find positions without formal education, but most companies now require a certificate, associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field.

Applicable coursework that can prepare a student for a career as a 3D artist include computer design, technical drawing and animation. Programmers like 3D software and the programming languages necessary to build virtual reality environments, video and animation skills, quality control analysis, systems analysis, determining how a system should work using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Bachelor’s in computer science or software engineering is required to become expertise in this field. These programmes have significant math requirements that include a sequence in calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.

A sequence in physics is also required. Visual communication such as contrast, scale, colour, pacing, and typography, proficiency in audio design, Adobe InDesign, illustrator, and a Bachelor’s degree in graphic designing is a must. Instructional skills, ability to work collaboratively, knowledge of subject area, organisational and project management skills, familiarity with web design, online learning management systems and the ability to create online curriculum.

The most relevant degrees are in education, instructional design or instructional technology. These programmes in education often include courses in teaching and psychology, whereas instructional design or technology programmes offer courses in curriculum design, web design and multimedia technology In India this sector is still at nascent stage.

There aren’t any specific courses offered by any of the universities so far in Indian-sub continent which specifically cater to career building in VR/AR industry. But few online courses are available like Coursera, Udemy, etc, which one can opt for.

If we see the individual field like graphic designing course, students can opt from institutes like National Institute of design, IDC, IIT Bombay, Pearl Academy, (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur), NIFT, Delhi, etc.

(The writer is co-founder and director, Kompanions)