Picking Your Career In XR: Designer Vs Developer Path

In a world increasingly shaped by augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), the demand for skills in AR and VR development and design is soaring. The career crossroads in the extended reality (XR) industry present aspiring professionals with a crucial decision: to delve into the intricacies of development or to embark on the journey of crafting immersive experiences as a designer.

The XR Designer: Architecting Virtual Spaces

If an XR app were a house, the XR Designer would be the architect, meticulously planning how users interact with the virtual environment. From door placements to intuitive navigation, the designer shapes the user experience from the ground up.

The XR Developer: Bringing Virtual Worlds to Life

Contrastingly, the XR Developer acts as the builder, translating the designer’s blueprint into a tangible virtual space. Choosing materials, navigating technical constraints, and assembling the virtual realm, developers breathe life into the envisioned XR experience.

The Interconnectedness of Design and Development

Much like constructing with Legos or assembling furniture, the relationship between design and development is symbiotic. Designers envision and plan, while developers bring those plans into existence, relying on each other for a harmonious outcome.

The XR Double Diamond Process

Adapting the renowned Double-Diamond Design Process to XR development, the journey involves discovery, definition, development, and delivery. From understanding user behavior to refining prototypes based on developer feedback, the process exemplifies the interplay between design and development.

Choosing Your XR Path: Self-Reflection Matters

Ask Yourself First

Before plunging into the XR realm, introspection is key. Ask yourself, do you relish solving complex problems, breaking down barriers, and building from scratch? Whether your joy lies in clean code or visualizing the end product, self-awareness is the compass at this career crossroads.

Both Design and Development Need Each Other

Just as constructing without blueprints is risky, so is the separation of design and development in XR. Designers focus on user-centric solutions, while developers ensure the technical feasibility, creating a tandem vital for success.

Skills and Competencies: Design vs. Development

Designers’ Skill Set

1. Understanding 3D environments
2. Creative problem-solving
3. Usability principles mastery
4. Information architecture expertise
5. Immersive experience design proficiency
6. User-centered design dedication
7. Strong presentation and communication skills

Developers’ Skill Set

1. Proficiency in XR coding languages (C/C++, C#)
2. 3D engine expertise (Unity, Unreal)
3. 3D pipeline processing
4. Complex issue debugging
5. Performance optimization
6. Hardware and software understanding
7. Reading and interpreting design documentation

Navigating the XR Job Market

XR Designer Roles:

• XR Designer
• XR Product Designer
• XR UI Designer
• XR UX Designer
• XR Narrative Designer
• Interaction Designer

XR Designer Salary Expectations:

Salaries range from $65,000 to $115,000, contingent on location, company, and experience.

XR Developer Roles:

• XR Software Engineer
• XR Developer
• XR Programmer

XR Developer Salary Expectations:

Base salaries start at $79,000 annually, potentially exceeding $150,000 based on location, experience, and company type.

Circuit Stream Courses: Bridging Design and Development

At Circuit Stream, we offer a 10-week program catering to both XR design and development paths. Led by Jerry Medeiros, a seasoned XR instructor, our courses blend over a decade of experience with real-market insights.

Interaction Design and Prototyping for XR

Perfect for those interested in UX practices for AR and VR, covering:

• Conceptual and technological differences in XR
• Strategic incorporation of XR into projects
• Storyboarding and digital prototyping

XR Development with Unity

Tailored for those eager to implement XR solutions using Unity and C#, covering:

• Technical feasibility analysis
• 3D engine usage
• Physics interactions implementation
• Application optimization and deployment

Conclusion: Your XR Journey Awaits

In the ever-evolving XR landscape, both design and development paths promise fulfilling opportunities. To choose wisely, consider your passion, problem-solving preferences, and align them with the responsibilities each path entails. At Circuit Stream, we pave the way for your XR mastery, whether you’re crafting experiences or bringing virtual worlds to life.