Since the movie Matrix became a worldwide box office success in 1999, almost every person has an idea of how Virtual Reality works and what potential it could have in the future.
If we take a look at how our technology has changed in the past 20 years, we realize that the idea of the 1999 movie has no longer an utopian impression. As a matter of fact, we are closer to develop Virtual Realities than we were ever before.
Nowadays we even stand bevor the questions: “How would Companies profit from VR” and “Where is VR already needed or could be needed in the future”.
We will give you all the answers you need in the following text.
How does VR work?
If you want to experience VR as a user, you´re already able to access a broad spectrum of VR hardware.
Essentially you´ll need the following:
- A so-called Head Mounted Display (HDM)
- room sensors
- a high-performance pc
- the VR-Software
- and in some cases, a controller to interact with the VR
The HDM, also known as the VR-Glasses, is worn like a helmet. Inside are two displays located. These are used to “transfer” the virtual Reality to the user.
The speakers on the other hand are located on the outside of the glasses to supplement the right auditory information. The desired VR-Software needs to run on the Computer and can than be transmitted to the HDM. To detect your movements and transmit those to the HDM, the room-sensors detect the position of the HDM and therefore your position in the room.
VR Technology is supposed to make a computer-generated reality feel real to the user. The dimension to describe this reality-feeling is called “Immersion“. It kind of describes how the Users are experiencing the virtual environment.
The greater the immersion, the more users can experience virtual reality.
If you are more interested in Augmented Reality, take a look at our article “Augmented Reality – Use in corporate practice”
Using VR in Businesses
We will show you some of the ways VR is currently used by Companies
1. Virtual communication rooms
Trough VR it is possible to create a Virtual Meeting room with people all over the world regardless of the location or Time zone. Imagine a Meeting in a Virtual environment where you can see and interact with the VR projection of your colleagues.
This would not only prompt cross-location team building, it would also save travel expenses.
2. 360 Marketing
Through the VR-Hardware it is possible to experience 360° Videos. The difference between the VR-Video and a “regular” Video is that besides being able to choose your own viewpoint, it creates a feeling like you’re being a part of the video. The user is way more connected with the content as he would be if he watched the videos on a normal screen.
For this reason, the content of a 360-degree video has a much stronger effect on the user and creates a much stronger emotional bond between the user and the product or company than it would be through standard videos. This technology can be very interesting, especially for future Marketing strategies.
3. Production of prototypes
Especially in the Hardware development the manufacture of a prototype can be very expensive and time consuming. With VR you could test these products in a virtual environment before you even invest in them.
VR made it possible to portray the entire development of a product in a virtual reality. Because of that, a real prototype will no longer be needed.
4. Enhanced product experience
The use of VR increases the product experience at the POS. Through the simulation of three-dimensional spaces, the customer has the opportunity to experience a wide variety of products regardless of its location. This strengthens the bond between customer and the product and increases the probability of a successful deal.
Several car retailers have already installed so called „VR-Stations“ with which you´re able to look at some of the vehicle configurations before you buy them. Similarly, various travel agencies offer a peek at your travel destination before even going there.
5. Virtual training
Companies could optimize their employee training using Virtual Reality.
With VR you can create cost-effective and low-risk virtual environments in which employees can learn new tasks in a realistic surrounding.
Our conclusion
Considering the still relatively low distribution of VR devices per household, you should carefully deliberate investing in VR especially in the areas of marketing (point 2) and product experience (point 4). Given that the production of the VR content is currently still very pricey it is unlikely to be profitable for smaller companies.
On the other hand, investment in the communication (point 1), product development (point 3) and employee training (point 5) could be beneficial and can contribute to your success.
If you need any assistance with the digitalisation in your company, we are more than happy to help. As part of our „Career Solutions“, we deal with the daily challenges of companies in the fast-moving digital world.
Whether you´re looking for employees, want to strengthen your team or need a consulting partner – we have the right talents for you.
Image sources for this article:
157560962 © db – stock.adobe.com
241984523 © Damir – stock.adobe.com
177924145 © dusanpetkovic1 – stock.adobe.com
129322873 © WavebreakMediaMicro – stock.adobe.com
135940112 © romaset – stock.adobe.com
