When it comes to VR, AR, MR, 360 and 3D experiences, knowing there exact definitions can be tricky. Recently, we made a video focusing only on one term, virtual reality, or VR.
To define and understand virtual reality, we need to first understand four variables:
Space type
The content in your virtual reality experience is space type. This can be real world content, synthetic content, or a mix of both. In the above video, we have two different types of spaces, a synthetic rendered space created by Haworth, and then our collaborate room in our headquarters.
Media type
Media type is exactly how it sounds, what type of media (photo, video, etc.) are you showcasing for your VR experience? A critical point to consider is that in order to fully create a true VR experience, you need to exhibit enhanced user control, or, how does someone control the space that they are viewing?
Publishing platform
You can do this by rendering out single scenes in a rendering software, or you can take a 360 camera, and then you take those photos and embed them into a website like Yulio or RoundMe.
User control
Once you determine your space and media type and the publishing platform, you are ready then ready to showcase this to an end user for them to control their VR experience. You can hand them a VR headset where they can walk through a space via hotspots to look at how a space will look fully furnished products, or you can take them on a tour guide and show them around your facility.
Virtual Reality is rapidly evolving technology, and we may even see its definition change over time, but for now, know that to have a complete VR experience, consider your space type, media type, publishing platform and user control. With these four aspects in place, you will be able to create complete VR experiences for your end users to enjoy.
