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L116 : From VR Thesis Projects to Crafting Real-World AR at Niantic - Ian Curtis' Winding Path to XR
The interview features Ian Curtis, a development support engineer at Niantic who has an architectural background. He discusses his journey from studying architecture to working in AR/VR, key projects he has worked on, and advice for others looking to get into the XR industry.
Some highlights:
- Ian studied architecture in university but got interested in AR/VR through experimenting with early Oculus headsets. He started incorporating VR into his architectural presentations.
- For his thesis project, he created a full VR walkthrough as well as an AR app for a proposed virtual reality research center in Tokyo. This helped showcase his interest in XR.
- After working briefly at an architecture firm, Ian was laid off during COVID. He decided to pivot fully to AR/VR, taking an XR bootcamp and applying widely before getting hired at 8th Wall/Niantic.
- At Niantic, Ian helps external developers build AR experiences using their tools. He focuses on the creative design aspects rather than heavy coding.
- Advice for getting into XR - build up a strong portfolio showcasing a range of skills, don't be intimidated by code, apply widely, and rock the interview by storytelling around your projects.
The key is that Ian's architectural background transfers well to AR/VR creative roles. He took opportunities to build up relevant skills and pivot his career. His passion for designing experiences shines through.
Links
* https://iancurtisdesign.myportfolio.c...
* https://cofolios.com/
00:06 - Introduction
00:39 - Ian's career highlights
01:00 - Ian's passion for creating AR experiences
01:39 - Ian's dream project
02:23 - Ian's background and path to XR
03:15 - Pivotal moment trying VR in architecture school
04:02 - Incorporating VR into architecture thesis project
05:41 - First XR job after architecture school
06:18 - Getting laid off due to COVID
07:09 - Pivoting to focus on XR
08:02 - Joining 8th Wall and getting acquired by Niantic
09:07 - Key learnings from XR bootcamp
11:42 - Focusing on XR design and experience building
13:11 - Current role as developer support engineer at Niantic
17:00 - Typical day and projects
21:27 - Thoughts on how VPS will affect architecture
24:57 - Portfolio tips for getting an XR job
31:32 - Interview process and focus on portfolio
41:00 - Advice for getting an XR job
45:00 - Career growth and goals
54:11 - Educational course on XR for architects
58:35 - Rapid fire questions
augmented reality, virtual reality, AR, VR, XR, architecture, Niantic, career journey, career change, portfolio, projects, creative design, user experiences, UX, interview, advice, development, coding, opportunities, passion, skills, storytelling
View all episodes
By Mayur M MistryThe interview features Ian Curtis, a development support engineer at Niantic who has an architectural background. He discusses his journey from studying architecture to working in AR/VR, key projects he has worked on, and advice for others looking to get into the XR industry.
Some highlights:
- Ian studied architecture in university but got interested in AR/VR through experimenting with early Oculus headsets. He started incorporating VR into his architectural presentations.
- For his thesis project, he created a full VR walkthrough as well as an AR app for a proposed virtual reality research center in Tokyo. This helped showcase his interest in XR.
- After working briefly at an architecture firm, Ian was laid off during COVID. He decided to pivot fully to AR/VR, taking an XR bootcamp and applying widely before getting hired at 8th Wall/Niantic.
- At Niantic, Ian helps external developers build AR experiences using their tools. He focuses on the creative design aspects rather than heavy coding.
- Advice for getting into XR - build up a strong portfolio showcasing a range of skills, don't be intimidated by code, apply widely, and rock the interview by storytelling around your projects.
The key is that Ian's architectural background transfers well to AR/VR creative roles. He took opportunities to build up relevant skills and pivot his career. His passion for designing experiences shines through.
Links
* https://iancurtisdesign.myportfolio.c...
* https://cofolios.com/
00:06 - Introduction
00:39 - Ian's career highlights
01:00 - Ian's passion for creating AR experiences
01:39 - Ian's dream project
02:23 - Ian's background and path to XR
03:15 - Pivotal moment trying VR in architecture school
04:02 - Incorporating VR into architecture thesis project
05:41 - First XR job after architecture school
06:18 - Getting laid off due to COVID
07:09 - Pivoting to focus on XR
08:02 - Joining 8th Wall and getting acquired by Niantic
09:07 - Key learnings from XR bootcamp
11:42 - Focusing on XR design and experience building
13:11 - Current role as developer support engineer at Niantic
17:00 - Typical day and projects
21:27 - Thoughts on how VPS will affect architecture
24:57 - Portfolio tips for getting an XR job
31:32 - Interview process and focus on portfolio
41:00 - Advice for getting an XR job
45:00 - Career growth and goals
54:11 - Educational course on XR for architects
58:35 - Rapid fire questions
augmented reality, virtual reality, AR, VR, XR, architecture, Niantic, career journey, career change, portfolio, projects, creative design, user experiences, UX, interview, advice, development, coding, opportunities, passion, skills, storytelling