Immersive virtuality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation that lets users to experience an artificial environment with head-mounted displays. The virtual environment could be realistic, stylized, or both. The user can interact with their head or hands that is tracked by the head-mounted displays.
The VR experience is able to be fully immersive, which means that the user is surrounded by an immersive virtual environment but does not view the real world around them. It can also be non-immersive in which the user has limited interaction with the simulated environment, such as console video games. Fully immersive VR employs the head-mounted display to show slightly different images to each eye. This creates an stereoscopic 3D effect, with input tracking to create an immersion that feels realistic.
The most common use of VR is for training and rehearsal simulations. It could be part-task training (such ‘buttonology,’ where a surgeon learns to push a certain button for a specific task) or full motion simulator which trains law enforcement or military personnel or pilots in situations that aren’t safe to practice on real equipment or ordinance.
The immersive VR technology is extremely effective and it’s important to keep in mind that, despite being widely used in entertainment and video games (the most recent game Fortnite has earned 1.25 billion dollars for the developer Epic) The potential of this new technology goes beyond flying through space in an X-Wing, or shooting down criminals from behind a dumpster. VR is also becoming popular in the business and industry sector, especially where the potential to test ideas and products in a safe environment is valuable.