You want to create interactive content with virtual reality software. What should you look for?

1 VR software features

The first thing you need to consider is what kind of VR software you want to use. There are different types of VR software, such as game engines, 3D modeling tools, and content creation platforms. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your goals and skills. For example, game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine are powerful and flexible, but they require some programming knowledge and a steep learning curve. 3D modeling tools like Blender or Maya are great for creating realistic and detailed models, but they are not designed for interactivity and VR compatibility. Content creation platforms like VRChat or Rec Room are easy and fun to use, but they have limited customization and functionality.

2 VR hardware compatibility

The next thing you need to check is whether your VR software is compatible with your VR hardware. There are different types of VR headsets and controllers, such as Oculus, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality. Each one has its own specifications and requirements, such as screen resolution, refresh rate, tracking system, and input methods. You need to make sure that your VR software can support your VR hardware, or vice versa. For example, some VR software may only work with specific headsets or controllers, or may need additional plugins or drivers to run smoothly. You can usually find this information on the official websites or forums of the VR software and hardware.

3 VR content quality

Another thing you need to look for is the quality of your VR content. Quality can refer to different aspects, such as graphics, sound, performance, and user experience. You want your VR content to be visually appealing, realistic, and immersive, but also optimized, stable, and responsive. You need to balance these factors, depending on your target audience and platform. For example, if you want to create VR content for mobile devices, you may need to lower the graphics quality and reduce the complexity of your scenes to ensure a smooth framerate and battery life. If you want to create VR content for PC or console, you may need to increase the graphics quality and add more features and effects to enhance the immersion and interaction.

4 VR content accessibility

The last thing you need to look for is the accessibility of your VR content. Accessibility means how easy and comfortable it is for different users to access and enjoy your VR content. You need to consider the diversity and needs of your potential users, such as their age, gender, culture, language, physical abilities, and preferences. You need to make sure that your VR content is inclusive, respectful, and adaptable, but also engaging, intuitive, and fun. You need to test your VR content with different users and get feedback on how they feel and what they think. You can also use some guidelines and best practices for VR accessibility, such as avoiding motion sickness, providing subtitles and captions, offering different control options, and designing for different heights and scales.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?