In healthcare VR, people often expect cutting-edge graphics and limitless interaction, but what truly matters is comfort, usability and meaningful engagement. I’ve seen firsthand how a smooth, well-designed experience has far more impact than pushing hardware to its limits. Rather than chasing hyper-realism, I focus on what works: reducing latency, optimizing interactions and ensuring accessibility. Testing with real users keeps expectations grounded, showing that the real magic of VR isn’t in its specs but in how it makes people feel and what it helps them achieve.

I set realistic expectations with innovative professors and others building in VR. I let them know the limitations of the technology and also ask them to jump in and consult with software developers to build what they desire. There is no limit to what can be accomplished if you have tapered expectations rooted in the truth of where the technology is. Also, invite people to share their future visions because as technology evolves, there will be an opportunity there to build what they envision.

Clear communication is essential. I tell clients that VR isn’t like traditional gaming or pre-rendered CGI—it operates on real-time rendering. So, if they’re after ultra-realistic visuals, it means investing in top-notch hardware, which isn’t always feasible. Instead, I highlight what can realistically be achieved within their budget and technical limits.

If the limitations of VR are established with the client from the start—after discussing what they want to achieve—it helps set a clearer goal for the project. Later on, showing them previous examples of past VR projects can give them a better understanding of what’s possible. Open and clear communication makes a huge difference in managing expectations down the line, and keeping them involved in milestone reviews ensures they stay aligned with the process.

1st: understand the client expectations. 2nd: let client experience the current best VR software or VR game that related to their expectations. For example, the previous project I was working on in the year 2021 is a VR training application with a realistic graphic style and the development team only have two devs, I have introduced the VR game Half-life Alyx to my client and told them the game is developed by a big company with tons of resources and it is the best by the time. I have also invited my clients to try some VR games with realistic graphic style that developed by small teams and addressed some key features to keep eyes on while playing because those features are relative to our VR training application. 3rd: reconsider the expect