What to Consider When Building a Virtual Reality (VR) App

We have all watched sci-fi movies like The Matrix or played games like Call of Duty. But what if we can create the same dream world and bring imagination to life? Virtual Reality (VR) makes this possible. VR lets us feel, hear, watch, and experience things that do not exist in reality.

From gaming to entertainment, VR’s immersive environment offers an unmatched user experience, changing how we interact digitally. As per a report by Mordor Intelligence, “Virtual Reality (VR) Market Size,”

With VR being much hyped and its market size increasing, developing a VR app might seem challenging. So, it is essential to consider a few factors that will help transform innovative ideas into immersive VR experiences.

Here are a few factors to consider when building a VR app. 

1. Use Case

As many industries want to offer immersive experiences, building a VR app that helps target the right user is essential. For example, the target can be the automotive, healthcare, or education industries.

For example, VR in the automotive industry helps engineers experiment with various designs before creating immersive prototypes. In healthcare, VR models help medical examiners conduct their practices on virtual bodies.

2. Goals

Before building a VR app, define clearly what you want to achieve from it. The goal can be to provide a standalone solution or offer a movie or gaming experience. Knowing what you want to build will help create a precise experience with the app.

At the same time, consider what users will expect from the app and what you want them to experience. Look into the features that will help offer a compelling experience. Also, plan how to make the content accessible online and popular among VR enthusiasts on diverse channels. You must also build an interface that might help boost user engagement.

3. Compatibility 

• VR for Smartphones

VR for smartphones has changed how users consume and experience digital content. So, compatibility is a key factor in smartphone VR. It determines which devices can effectively support and maximize VR applications. For a seamless experience, smartphones must meet certain hardware and software requirements.

For example, they must have a-

• gyroscope for tracking head movements
• powerful processor to handle the demanding graphics of VR content
• high-resolution display to minimize the screen door effect

Manufacturers and app developers must aim to expand VR compatibility across a broad range of smartphones. This involves optimizing VR applications for different hardware configurations and developing more efficient software that can run on lower-end devices.

The compatibility of VR for smartphones not only broadens the accessibility of VR content but also encourages the development of various apps, ranging from games and educational tools specifically designed for VR.

• VR for Computers 

VR has evolved and expanded its application beyond gaming. One key aspect of this expansion is ensuring computer compatibility, which involves harmonizing VR hardware and software with existing computer systems.

To achieve compatibility, VR developers must create flexible systems that adapt to different computer specifications. This includes developing VR devices that support GPUs, CPUs, and input/output (I/O) options.

The goal is to make VR as inclusive and accessible as possible, allowing more people to experience its transformative potential.

Also read: The Future of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Technology

4. Platform

Choosing the right platform and software development kit (SDK) is essential when creating a VR app. The selection of a deployment platform impacts app adoption rates, which in turn greatly affects revenue.

Here are some questions to ask while choosing a platform. 

• For which device are we creating a VR app?
• Do we want to create the app for a VR headset or mobile?
• If mobile, will it be iOS, Android, or both?
• Are we looking to make a VR app with some VR providers or will it be standalone?

Certain VR platforms like SteamVR, XboxVR, and Oculus Home can be used to support VR development. These offer a suite of VR development tools, minimizing the need for other software installation.

Also, consider the app’s launch platform. Some examples are mobile VR headsets (Samsung Gear), standalone (Oculus Go), etc. You can choose an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive to reach high-end game-playing audiences.

5. Game Engines

Choosing the right game engine is yet another key factor. It stores the data that users will experience in the real world.

Some popular examples are Unreal Engine, Gear VR’s Unity3D, Unity Game Studio, and Nvidia’s Havok. Most of these game engines are free, and some can be integrated with specific SDKs.

6. Frameworks, Libraries, Design and Prototype Tools 

The next crucial step in developing a VR app is selecting the appropriate frameworks and libraries. For example, WebVR is a JavaScript that operates within web browsers and provides an API. This API allows for the implementation of VR apps in most modern browsers.

WebGL objects incorporate graphics libraries. Depending on the hardware devices used, these libraries dynamically change with time and event handling. These libraries enable real-time communication between app code and hardware to render graphics.

After this, the next step is to ensure the VR app looks appealing. You must consider prototyping the VR experience for testing and validation purposes.

Prototyping tools can help test a 360-degree view, providing a sense of scale, using sensors, determining the user’s viewing position, and other attributes. So, you must be familiar with prototype creation using various software like Photoshop or Google Blocks. 

7. Hardware

Choosing the right hardware to help run the VR app is vital. One of the common choices are HTC Vive and Oculus Rift VR headsets. Choosing hardware that uses less power and has a comfortable range of motion is essential. Sensor systems like Vive and Rift have the least hardware requirements.

Some of the VR device types are-

• Console
• VR haptic feedback suits
• Premium mobile VR headsets
• VR headsets (connecting to external PCs)
• Light mobile VR headsets
• Standalone headsets

Conclusion

Venturing into the world of VR app development is a blend of imagination and tech. Its potential is vast- from transforming industries like automotive, healthcare, and education to redefining entertainment and gaming experiences.

Considering the growing VR market, key factors such as use case, goals, compatibility, platform selection, game engines, and the right frameworks and libraries are vital for creating immersive and impactful VR apps.

By focusing on these factors, developers can navigate the challenges of VR development. They can unlock the full potential of their creative ideas, contributing to a future where virtual experiences become an integral part of daily lives.