The age of mainstream VR is coming faster than you expect. NASCAR drivers and soccer teams are using VR to practice and learn from their mistakes. Ford is using VR to develop 3D models, bypassing their traditional design phase. Companies like Flipspaces are creating immersive 3D visualizations of their interiors which they share with their users.
Big tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, and META are investing billions into VR development. That should tell you something big is on the horizon. Tech experts believe the VR revolution could be bigger than the rise of the mobile phone. The company that develops the first VR product that sees mass adoption is guaranteed to win big.
The potential payout from developing the first successful VR product is one reason why so many companies are getting into VR development. They see the result and are ready to spend billions to make that dream a reality.
That said, there are things to consider before going in head-first. Virtual reality is a vastly different field, the depths of which we’re only tapping into now. Hence, there are some essential points to consider or questions to ask yourself before starting a VR project. This article will cover that as well as a few FAQs to check out as well.
Before we begin though, let’s ask the most important question
What is Virtual Reality?
As the name says, Virtual Reality is a digital world created on the computer. Organizations can tweak and alter reality here to make it similar to ours or change it to whatever they want. It is essentially a digital playground where the developers can explore limitless possibilities.
Early on, virtual reality was a work of fiction. It was an idea for people to think about and imagine. The rise of technology though has made it less fictitious and more of a possibility. The release of devices like the META Quest, Oculus Pro, and now the Apple Vision Pro gives us an idea of what is possible through virtual reality.
Now, virtual reality is the next frontier everyone is looking to get into. The virtual world has the potential to offer us so much more. New ways to interact with each other, new forms of entertainment, excitement, and more are all possible through VR.
According to big names like JOOR, the future is one where fashion shows use VR to increase their viewer base and appeal to a global audience. Alan Forensics, Inc. wants to use VR to pinpoint weaknesses in cybersecurity and take steps to mitigate them. LUCID is using VR to train surgeons in procedures like heart transplants, open-heart surgery, etc.
What to consider when starting a virtual reality project
Define the project’s core
Purpose and value:
The foundation of any successful VR project is having a clear purpose. The end product is meant to address a supposed problem the user is having. What problem did the user face before? Does the solution address the problem? Is the solution an educational experience or a training simulation?
Defining the project’s purpose ensures focus and guides the whole project down that path. Understanding the project’s goal also helps you determine the target audience, define the user experience, and measure the project’s success.
Target audience:
It is always good practice to understand the target audience. That way, you can create a VR experience that resonates with them. Before starting a project, consider the audience, their interest, technical skills, and comfort with using VR technology. Is the product for adults or children? Gamers or normal people? Are they tech-savvy or using VR for the first time?
Identifying and defining the target audience helps especially with the design process. A clear target audience is essential for various aspects of the development. These aspects include choosing the right VR platform, creating an intuitive user interface, customizing the content’s difficulty, and complexity, and more.
Building the foundation
Choosing the right VR platform and hardware
The diverse VR landscape gives developers an array of options. Each one comes with its inherent advantages and limitations. Choosing the right platform depends on a few factors.
Performance
Powerful headsets like the HTC Vive Pro, Oculus Rift S, and Vision Pro provide better graphics and processing power. They are ideal for rendering powerful and detailed VR experiences. Mobile VR headsets like Samsung Gear VR or Google Cardboard are less powerful. However, they are affordable and are therefore accessible to a broader audience.
Compatibility
Consider ensuring compatibility with popular VR platforms like Oculus SDK and SteamVR to maximize the project’s reach.
Cost
It is crucial to balance the performance needs with the working budget.
Design for immersion and comfort
A successful VR experience focuses on user comfort to mitigate the negative side effects caused by prolonged VR usage. To help with that, consider the following when starting a project
User movement
Typically, users traverse the virtual world through movement that simulates a person walking. However, in a large world, movement can become tedious. Consider the size of your world and adjust user movement accordingly.
FOV or Field of View
How much information does the simulated environment display? Here, you can take a look at games and see how they provide the player with just enough information it does not overwhelm.
Virtual environment scale
Consider the size of the environment the user inhabits. Remember, a large environment means a greater strain on the device. You must strive for a way to make the virtual world look big without it eating up too many resources.
Sensory design
What does the user see and hear in the virtual world? Take special care with the visuals so it doesn’t overwhelm the user’s eyes or damage them from prolonged use.
Crafting a seamless experience
User interface and interaction
A well-designed user interface is essential for guiding users through the VR experience. You must design intuitive and easy-to-use controls compatible with the VR hardware you choose. Factors like gestures, visual clarity, and feedback are always important to keep in mind when crafting the interface.
Content length and replayability
The novelty of VR does sound like a captivating hook. However, it is important to consider the project’s ideal content length. A short and focused experience can have a greater impact on the user. Conversely, a long experience should provide replayability and maintain user engagement throughout the time.
Testing and iteration
There must be a rigorous testing period at the end of every development stage. Testing helps identify and address any issues that affect the user experience. Testing includes things like
Performance: This test ensures smooth frame rates and responsiveness to user input.
Usability: This test gathers feedback from different users to assess the intuitiveness and user-friendliness of the VR experience.
Accessibility: Also, consider making the project accessible to users with disabilities
Iterative design: Never stop refining the VR experience based on user feedback and testing results.
Conclusion
Virtual reality is evolving every day and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. What started as a gimmick is now a reality and its applications are near-limitless. Now is the ideal time for anyone to start developing their VR project. The article here helps you list out the details and finer points to consider before getting started.
Once you have the necessary points in place, you can either start development on your own or work with a VR development company. Many in the industry specialize in developing these solutions. Rest assured, they are more than equipped to turn your ideas into a reality.
