The Future of VR in Web Design: WebVR

WebVR technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we use the web. Many businesses have already created WebVR apps, which enable users to experience VR through a web browser. Here is how WebVR functions.

Although being a young technology, virtual reality’s immersive environment has businesses considering the future.

The development of VR has received significant funding from companies like Facebook, Microsoft, Google, and others. It won’t be long before both the hardware and software become available for mainstream use.

While VR is now most popular in gaming and marketing, there are also practical, everyday uses for the technology. This article is an overview of VR’s evolution and how technology could change the web as we know it.

Evolution of Virtual Reality

You can experience immersive VR in your web browser thanks to WebVR.

To deliver the VR experience to browsers, the JavaScript API (application programming interface) uses a VR headset and a VR-capable device, such as a smartphone.

Even though WebVR is still in development, you can test WebVR 1.1 via Samsung Internet for Android/Gear VR, Firefox Nightly, and Chrome Beta (M56+ via an Origin Trial).

WebGL content, which introduced 3D visuals to the web, can now be seen with VR headsets thanks to new web APIs. In order to give users the impression that they are physically present in the virtual environment, the APIs also provide tracking information for headsets and controllers.

How VR can Change the Web?

Users can experience VR on browsers without downloading standalone apps thanks to webVR. This creates new possibilities for both customers and marketers.

Consider yourself on a website for booking hotels and unsure whether to reserve a room at a specific hotel. You can virtually explore the entire hotel using WebVR, providing you with extra information to help you decide.

Real-world distractions like checking your phone or watching something intriguing on TV are also eliminated with WebVR.

Although a complete WebVR may not yet exist, with firms like Google investing heavily in its research, it is hoped that it will do so in the near future.

User Experience with Virtual Reality

A stimulating environment for user experience (UX) designers have been established by WebVR APIs and more affordable VR gear. But these new technologies also bring along new difficulties.

The spatial layout that UX designers for VR must take into account requires strong coordination between the creative and 3D architect. The UX and 3D architect team will have to take into account questions like:

• Can users walk around?
• Can they only use head movement?
• Are sensorial gloves included?
• What about a trackpad?

Here are a few examples of UX designs for Virtual Reality.

Emotion-based

A common marketing strategy is to appeal to consumers’ emotions, and the immersive nature of VR makes this possible.

Think about the Institute of Creative Technologies at USC, which makes use of VR to treat mental illness. These VR applications, according to team leader Skip Rizzo, engage users in simulations that target particular emotions. The apps then instruct students on how to handle those feelings.

For instance, the VR software Bravemind assists combat veterans in overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Gradual exposure therapy, or acclimating patients to unpleasant triggers gradually, is made easier by virtual reality (VR).

Live action-style UX

Users can travel to locations and engage in experiences via WebVR that they might not be able to do in the real world. Users of the Wild Within Experience by UNIT9 can travel around British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest through gaze interaction.

Chase the Thrill, a VR game that allows players to explore new worlds, employs the WizDish — an omnidirectional low-friction treadmill — to let users rollerblade across a virtual city reminiscent of Blade Runner.

These games highlight the wide range of WebVR marketing opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Consider the original iPhone. The gadget was innovative when it was released even though it appears simple now. VR right now is a lot like the iPhone: people are still learning how to use the technology, and advancements are taking place every day.

WebVR adoption might be more widespread than you realise. If you work in web design and aren’t already considering how to use WebVR technology, you run the risk of falling behind.

As WebVR becomes widely used by users of mainstream technology, you’ll be able to use it if you stay up to date on VR news and keep learning about UX.