Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are transitioning from a niche technology to mainstream applications. Consumers use VR and AR to try on clothes or visualize furniture in their homes, while businesses utilize these technologies for remote collaboration, training, and data visualization.
AR/VR application development requires a mix of technical skills and UX design expertise to create engaging and seamless user experiences. Programming languages like C# and Java are popular, while frameworks like Unity3D and Unreal Engine simplify the process by leveraging pre-built components and libraries. VR/AR applications also depend on mobile devices’ hardware capabilities. Users launch a VR or AR app on their smartphone, then aim it at an object or area of interest to display additional information overlaid on top of the real-world scene.
Training and Education
AR/VR offers a wide range of training and educational applications, from immersive simulations to interactive learning experiences. For example, medical students can use VR to train on surgical procedures before they actually perform them in a hospital, while language learners can practice speaking with virtual natives. In addition, AR and VR are ideal for developing soft skills through practice-based learning and training employees on specific tasks in a safe environment. In fact, a recent study found that surgeons trained in VR performed operations 29% faster and made 6 times fewer mistakes than those who received traditional instruction. Similarly, manufacturing companies use AR and VR to shorten the product development cycle by allowing teams to design, test, and iterate prototypes in a realistic virtual environment.