MESH Model: An Analysis of Roles, Responsibilities, and Dependencies in Student-Powered XR Production

Abstract

Immersive learning experiences are often discussed in the context of their interdisciplinary nature—from topics to learners, they cross boundaries between fields. Less research, however, is available on the interdisciplinary nature of their production. Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to streamline production pipelines and train the workforce of the future by engaging students as design partners. Students can serve as project managers, narrative writers, user experience designers, 3D modelers, audio designers, developers, and quality assurance testers. Our contribution to support future efforts is the MESH Model, a holistic shared mental model composed of a MESH Labs guild-to-project system and a MESH Weave of roles, responsibilities, and dependencies. The model is grounded in project-based learning and collaborative guidance from the literature and defined by practice. This extended abstract focuses on data gathered during a brainstorming activity where students worked within role groups, or guilds, to identify primary contributions and reliances in their respective project groups. Findings underscore the complex and interconnected nature of responsibilities and dependencies between roles. The MESH Model clarifies knowledge sharing to help support sustainable production and learning in the dynamic team environment inherent to higher education.