Have you ever imagined what it would be like to climb an incredibly treacherous mountain or walk across a tight rope suspended from a skyscraper? What if I told you you could indulge in these electric experiences without leaving your living room? Virtual reality (VR) has become a regular part of everyday life as it is used in various industries across the globe. Not only does VR provide some high-quality entertainment, but it is also revolutionizing how humans work daily. We at Cybernews Academy want to explore the wonderful world of VR and how you can break into the industry through academia.
The bizarre world of VR
But what exactly is virtual reality? Merriam-Webster defines virtual reality as “an artificial environment that is experienced through sensory stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment.” VR is an immersive, virtual, simulated 3D environment where you (partially) control what happens. This can be achieved by utilizing electronic equipment such as headsets or gloves fitted with sensors. Virtual reality aims to provide users with an immersive experience that feels close to reality. One example of a VR-simulated environment is a flight simulator used to train pilots in commercial and military settings. Other everyday VR experiences include video games where you play from the point of view of the character within the game.
Types of VR experiences
There are a few different types of virtual reality to mention. These include non-immersive simulations, semi-immersive simulations, and fully immersive simulations.
- Non-immersive simulations allow you to use a computer or a video game console and input devices like a keyboard, mouse, or joystick. These tools enable users to control their environment using movement. This is in gaming which puts the user in a position to manipulate their surroundings using physical activity
- Semi-immersive simulation is an experience where users are submerged in a partially immersive environment. It gives the illusion that the user is in a different reality. However, they are still in touch with the world. One example would be a virtual tour where you can move around in the virtual environment, but the experience is purely visual.
- Fully immersive simulation is the most realistic type of virtual reality, which employs sounds and visuals to engage users. This experience utilizes 3D effects, high-resolution graphics, and audio to make the game or training closer to actual events. To receive the whole VR experience, you will need equipment like VR glasses, head-mounted displays (HMD), or eyewear to immerse the user entirely.
VR devices
Various VR devices can simulate an incredible immersive experience you couldn’t get anywhere else. There are a few components that you will need to experience non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive simulations.
- Gaming: VR provides an immersive gaming experience that allows users to feel as if they are inside the game and directly participating in the events they see before them.
- Education: In recent years, VR has been used in educational institutions to teach users about various topics such as anatomy, history, science, and much more.
- Healthcare: VR is also used in healthcare. Virtual reality has been used to train future healthcare professionals and provide therapy for those struggling with certain mental illnesses or disorders, such as agoraphobia.
- Architecture and Design: Some architects and designers may use VR to simulate virtual versions of buildings or spaces before building or designing. Virtual reality is a feasible way of seeing and experiencing a space before it’s displayed.
- Virtual Tourism: In the same vein as architecture and design, virtual tourism allows you to experience different locations without traveling. You could test out your next vacation with VR.
Studying virtual reality
Various options are available to those who wish to study virtual reality at university. You can take undergraduate courses in Virtual Reality. Many degree programs, such as game design, virtual, and augmented reality, are available. You will learn the contentions surrounding application development while gaining the tools and experience needed to develop virtual environments. Design and technical elements are features of a virtual reality degree. You may learn user experience (UX) design and participate in user research. Furthermore, you may learn and gain experience in project management. Similarly, multiple different virtual reality degrees are available at master’s level. You may explore more than one immersive practice (augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality) and develop an understanding of how these technologies work. If you are interested in the fundamentals of virtual reality while flexing your creative side, then virtual reality might be the right degree for you.
Careers in VR
As virtual reality is a creative and technical process, many jobs may arise once you complete a degree in virtual reality or any other immersive practice discipline. We have outlined a few career paths taken by those studying virtual reality. The world of virtual reality is an immersive experience full of interactivity and creativity. There are a lot of uses for virtual reality, from education to entertainment. You can explore many avenues when immersing yourself in the virtual world. Different VR experiences are possible, from non-immersive simulations to fully immersive simulations. Various pieces of equipment are needed to facilitate these experiences. If you wish to pursue a career related to VR, you can take a course that will teach you the fundamentals of virtual, immersive environments. Virtual reality has endless possibilities in terms of career paths. You could become a QA specialist, programmer, UI designer, or content producer. However, your options aren’t limited, as many doors will open once you enter virtual reality.
