What is virtual reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment that can be explored and interacted with.

Special goggles, also called VR headsets, are placed over the eyes and fully immerse you in the virtual environment, creating a realistic experience in the simulation.

The environment can be interacted with using either hand controllers, gloves with sensors or the VR headset itself.

VR can teleport you anywhere, helping you learn about different places and ideas by experiencing them as if you were actually there.

Virtual reality usually has these 4 characteristics:

• Believable: You feel like you’re in the virtual world through what you see and hear.
• Fully immersive: As you move your head around with the VR headset on, what you see changes as well, just as it would in real life.
• Computer-generated: VR worlds are usually created with complex 3D computer graphics that change in real time as we move.
• Interactive: You can interact with different objects in the scene, whether it’s pressing a button or opening a door.

Augmented reality (AR) is different from VR as it enhances your real world view with digital overlays, whereas VR is a fully immersive experience in which you can’t see the real world. Augmented reality can also be utilised through a phone camera, rather than a specific headset.

Understanding virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) works by immersing you in a computer-generated world through the use of specialized software and hardware. The software creates the 3D virtual environments, while the hardware, such as a VR headset, allows you to interact with these environments. When you wear a VR headset, you’re looking at a screen inside the device that displays the virtual world. As you move your head, sensors in the headset track your movements, updating the view in real-time, just like in real life. This makes the virtual world seem to respond to your movements, creating the illusion that you’re inside the environment.

In addition to visuals, the VR headset also produces sound, further enhancing the sense of presence in the virtual world. By combining realistic visuals and sound, VR tricks your brain into feeling like you’re physically present in the virtual space. This effect can be surprisingly strong, even after just a few minutes of use. For example, you might become so immersed that you forget you’re standing in your living room, leading to funny or awkward situations—like walking into furniture—because your mind starts to blur the line between the real world and the virtual one.

History of VR

The first technical developments for virtual reality were in the 1830s. However, in 1935, VR became more commonplace, appearing in Pygmalion’s Spectacles, a science fiction story in which the main character wears a pair of goggles that transport him to a fictional world.

Since then, there have been many improvements to VR technology, leading to the launch of the Oculus Rift in 2012, which kickstarted VR as we know it today. Modern headsets, like the Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR, have continued to push the boundaries of what VR can achieve. These devices offer more advanced tracking, higher resolution displays, and wireless capabilities, allowing users to experience more immersive, realistic virtual environments. Additionally, new controllers with haptic feedback provide a sense of touch and interaction within the virtual world, making VR more engaging than ever before.

• Learn more about the History of VR

Virtual reality use cases

Virtual reality has evolved to offer much more than just immersive experiences in gaming and entertainment. It’s now a versatile tool across various industries, from education to healthcare, revolutionizing the way we learn, work, and interact. Below are some key use cases that highlight the impact and potential of VR technology in different fields, including its roots in gaming and entertainment.

Entertainment

A great example of VR use in entertainment is watching 360-degree movies, where the entire environment surrounds you as you watch. This creates an immersive experience, making you feel as if you’re part of the scene rather than just a spectator.

Platforms like YouTube offer a variety of 360-degree videos, allowing you to explore remote caves, ride a roller coaster, or take in the breathtaking views of Victoria Falls, all from the comfort of your home. While you can view these videos on your computer by scrolling around with your mouse, the experience becomes even more engaging when using a VR headset, where you can simply move your head to look around and fully immerse yourself in the 360-degree environment.

Gaming

A very common use case for VR is gaming, where the immersive nature of virtual reality transports players into entirely new worlds. In VR, you can engage in a wide range of activities, from playing table tennis or climbing mountains to battling zombies. The ability to look around, move, and interact with the game environment in a fully immersive way makes VR gaming incredibly popular.

Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx showcases how VR enhances gameplay, combining realistic visuals, motion tracking, and 3D sound to create experiences that feel more lifelike than traditional games. Whether you’re defending yourself from zombies or mastering a virtual sport, VR gaming takes immersion to a whole new level.

Learning and Education

VR offers immersive learning experiences that are transforming education by bringing lessons to life in ways traditional methods can’t. In schools, VR allows students to explore historical sites, conduct virtual science experiments, and practice skills in lifelike scenarios without leaving the classroom. Imagine walking through ancient Rome or examining the human body from the inside—VR creates opportunities for students to engage more deeply with the material.

It’s also being used for hands-on learning in subjects like biology, chemistry, and engineering, providing safe environments for experiments. Additionally, VR is helping students improve their presentation and public speaking skills by simulating real-life audiences and environments, giving them a safe space to practice in front of a virtual crowd. This interactive, immersive approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students retain information better by allowing them to experience it firsthand

Learn about VirtualSpeech and it’s uses for education

Medical and Healthcare

VR is making a significant impact in healthcare, revolutionizing treatment and training in various ways. In November 2021, the FDA approved EaseVRx for prescription use, a system that employs cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as deep relaxation and attention-shifting, to help reduce chronic pain in adults. VR has even proven effective as pain relief for burn injuries.

Additionally, healthcare professionals can use VR to prepare for operating room scenarios—whether a junior doctor explaining diagnoses or an orthopedic surgeon practicing procedures. Companies like Osso VR allow surgeons to interact with medical devices and perform virtual surgeries, enhancing their familiarity with new tools and improving surgical skills. Furthermore, innovations from companies like Altoida are leveraging XR and machine learning to develop digital biomarkers for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, facilitating earlier diagnosis and precise monitoring of disease progression.

Beyond physical health, VR is also being utilized in mental health treatments, with Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy showing particular effectiveness in addressing PTSD and anxiety. This multifaceted approach highlights the therapeutic benefits of VR in various healthcare settings

• Learn about key industries already using VR

Workplace Training

VR provides a safe, controlled environment for professionals to practice skills and prepare for real-world scenarios, making it a powerful tool for workplace training. It is particularly effective in industries like aviation, construction, and emergency services, where workers can simulate dangerous or complex tasks without real-world risks.

Additionally, VR is being increasingly used to develop soft skills, such as communication, confidence, and customer service. By placing employees in realistic virtual environments, companies can create scenarios that require negotiation, sales pitches, or customer interactions. This allows individuals to practice and refine their skills in a safe setting, receiving immediate feedback and guidance. As employees engage in these simulations, they build confidence and improve their ability to handle real-life situations, ultimately enhancing their performance and effectiveness in the workplace. This combination of hard and soft skills training underscores the versatility of VR in creating well-rounded professionals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, virtual reality is a transformative technology that is reshaping various fields, from education and entertainment to healthcare and workplace training. Its ability to create immersive experiences allows users to engage with content in ways that were previously unimaginable, enhancing learning outcomes and skill development. Whether it’s exploring historical sites in a classroom, enjoying a thrilling VR game, or practicing medical procedures and soft skills in a safe environment, the applications of VR continue to expand. As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative uses for VR, making it an essential tool for the future. Embracing this technology not only enriches our experiences but also prepares us for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in an increasingly digital world.