Ask any developer about the newest thing happening in the world of web design and development, and they will start talking about the use of virtual reality in web design. When it was initially introduced, VR was only thought of as a technology for games and movies but now it is being used in many fields, including web design. Virtual reality in web design will be a bigger deal in the coming years, so let’s take a closer look at it:
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality is a computer technology that gives realistic sensations, images, as well as sounds. It is a great way to experience information. Since it is in a 3D environment, it allows the users to interact with the objects as well as the people. A number of devices have been made to serve this purpose, which include goggles, special gloves, and earphones. These devices send information to the computer, which then creates a virtual environment.
Components of a Virtual Environment
- A graphic rendering system can easily produce changing images at the rate of 25 images per second.
- It has a maintenance system to build a realistic model of the virtual world.
- It has a tracking system that takes the user’s position into account.
- It helps in enhancing the interaction with the virtual world.
- The sound system helps with high quality sounds.
- Virtual displays tend to occupy the users and block out any contradictory sensation from the real world.
The Web and Virtual Reality
In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about virtual reality (VR). The question for anyone interested in the field or taking courses to become a web developer is that how the web will look in virtual reality? The 2D web is interactive and tangible but imagine not looking at a picture but exploring it. Imagine shopping for clothes online and being able to see things from a 3D perspective. Today, thanks to technology, high resolution cameras, graphical processors, and VR handsets, all this can be easily achieved.
It is important you know that the technology involved in virtual reality is quickly changing. Today, we have access to WebVR, which is the Javascript API and gives access to virtual reality devices like Google Cardboard and Oculus Rift. Most of the virtual reality products are based on A-Frame, which is an open source WebVR that is used to build virtual reality experiences with VR. It is important you know that A-frame is powered by three.js and was made to make VR and actual reality that would be readily available to web developers and to help out with the WebVR content ecosystem. It is built with entity component system pattern and is compatible with a number of web development tools and frameworks.
Experts say that we may never have virtual web because that seems limited to games and entertainment. Functional reality web is a very complex ecosystem. There will be sites that may offer an interactive virtual reality version, but there will be websites that would choose to stick to 2D. However, this may not work. A desktop screen is just a few centimeters away from the user and all they need to do is move their eyes to focus on the element. When it comes to VR, the canvas is the environment. You can look around and expand your canvas but this is not virtual reality it is augmented reality.
How Virtual Reality Affects Responsive Design
Limitless Possibilities
VR can be used in a number of different areas as it can stimulate real life situations. It can be used to purchase things to running hospital trials as a means of managing pain. Virtual reality will pose new challenges and will expand the job of web developers, which gives people incentive to do professional courses to become a web developer.
Easy Content Creation
VR can be easily controlled which makes content creation a breeze. There are a number of frameworks like Sketchfab, Vizor, A-Frame, and PlayCanvas that can be used to create content.
VR Coalesces Into Web Browsers
WebPR is a specification that will let you experience virtual reality in the web browser. The best part is that there is no need for any downloads.
Virtual Reality For Apps
Developers are now creating real apps to offer a taste of virtual reality to their users. Some of the websites that are using VR are real estate, travelling websites, as well as e-commerce websites.
Potential For Growth
There is a lot of potential in the virtual reality world, so you can be sure that the design technology will not be affected any time soon. Did you know that it is estimated that the VR market will generate around $162 billion in the next two years?
Challenges in Implementing VR Web Design
Every new technology has to face challenges and issues. Here are some issues that are faced by virtual reality web design:
Price
Currently, the price is too high. On average, a VR kit costs $1500, whereas a high end one costs around $3000.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth is not up to the mark, as users have to wait for a few seconds for a 360 degree to load. This is fine when done occasionally, but will this work for daily browsing?
Responsive Web Design
Some of the eye tracking menus work great for virtual reality but they may not work for desktop browsers. This is a problem that needs to be addressed by developers.
Out Of Reach Technology
The technology that an average man has is not suitable for VR web design experience. There is a need for more development and to bring the prices down.
Health Issues
Virtual reality is known to cause a number of health-related issues like loss of awareness, involuntary movement, and eye strain.
In a world where new technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence are changing web design and development, we are not far away from achieving a Quest World like virtual reality where you will be able to enter the virtual world and tap into all the knowledge available to the human race. We are not there yet, but with more and more people learning new technologies, it is only a matter of time before visiting a website will be the same experience as visiting a brick and mortar store in person.