What is VR?

VR is the use of technology to create simulated environment that users can explore and interact with. Unlike AR, it completely replaces our view of the world with one that is entirely digital.

Technologies that support VR

Virtual Reality is predominantly experienced through the use of head mounted displays (HMDs). The current high end HMDs include: The HTC Vive Cosmos, the Oculus Rift S and Playstation VR. Some HMDs are compatible with mobile phones that support VR, e.g. the Google Daydream View or Google Cardboard. Some HMDs come with wands. Wands give the user the ability to touch, point and interact with the virtual environment. To navigate the VR world, these wands have built-in accelerometers and are wireless.

The Google Cardboard Headset makes experiencing mobile VR affordable.

Various Applications of VR in Industry

Car industry: BMW and Jaguar Land Rover are examples of brands that already use VR to hold early design and engineering reviews to check the design of the vehicle before any money has been spent on the manufacturing of parts.

Healthcare: VR can be used as a treatment for mental health issues. VR is thought to be an effective form of exposure therapy for those experiencing PTSD or anxiety.

Retail: In 2016 eBay launched the world’s first VR department store to enhance the shopping experience.

Entertainment & Events: Since VR allows users to be transported virtually, it provides event organizers the opportunity to invite more people to in-person events. For example, Paul McCartney released a 360 degree concert recording through a virtual reality app linked to the inexpensive Google Cardboard headset.

Military/Defense: VR could help governments to capture landscapes digitally during times of crisis — as with war devastation or bombing aftermaths — and share those environments with remote personnel to better plan deployment and crisis management strategy.

Below is a helpful link describing UI design considerations when designing for mobile-based VR:

https://www.invisionapp.com/inside-design/vr-interface-design/