Faculty and students in Ohio University’s GRID Lab in the Scripps College of Communication create new worlds through video game design and virtual or augmented reality technologies.

With support from the university’s Innovation Strategy funding program, the GRID Lab has enhanced its equipment and facilities to offer motion capture capabilities and 360 degree video and sound production.

As of winter 2019, the GRID Lab employed more than 50 students on various projects, and close to 100 students were involved in research projects for their classes. Students learn skills such as sound recording and design, video editing and camera work.

Projects include 360 degree videos for a variety of health care organizations, to be used for immersive training and medical simulations.

The GRID Lab recently received funding from the U.S. Institute for Education Services to work with psychology researchers to create a video game that could help youth with ADHD improve study and organizational skills.

In addition, the GRID Lab has embarked on projects that promote entertainment and culture, such as immersive 360 degree videos of the Nelsonville Music Festival, the Columbus Zoo, and Ohio University’s Marching 110.

The GRID Lab also partners with Ohio University’s Center for Entrepreneurship to help students develop the skills required to launch their own businesses. Every 12 to 18 months, the GRID Lab spins out a new startup company, according to director John Bowditch.

Over the last two years, the partners have sponsored the Business of Games Summit, which spotlights the emerging video game design industry in Ohio. The events have attracted hundreds of attendees.

“Research Moment” is a video series produced by the Office of Research Communications and University Communications and Marketing.