Are you interested in designing in virtual reality? If so, you’re in the right place! Virtual reality (VR) is rapidly becoming a mainstream technology for architects and designers alike. By creating immersive VR environments, architects and designers are now able to offer their clients a unique and innovative way to experience their designs before they are built. In this comprehensive article, we will explore designing in virtual reality, the best AR and VR software, the best laptops for VR, and core design concepts that will help architects and designers create the most immersive VR experiences.
Introduction
Designing in virtual reality has become increasingly popular in recent years, and has been made more accessible with the advent of innovative software and powerful VR laptop devices. In this article, we will explore designing for virtual reality, the best AR and VR software, the best laptops for VR, and core design concepts that will help architects and designers create the most immersive VR experiences.
Designing for Virtual Reality
Designing in virtual reality requires a unique style of thinking that emphasizes immersion, realistic scale, and interactivity. To be successful, designers must create immersive virtual environments that take advantage of realistic perspective, scale, and human perception. They must also carefully consider the user experience, include interactive affordances, and leverage the latest technologies for sensory display. Examples of recommended VR experiences include Jaunt, Oculus Story Studio, Alien Isolation, and Samsung Milk VR.
Here are some key concepts to keep in mind when designing for virtual reality:
- Immersion: Create a space that people will want to inhabit for an extended period of time. It should feel like a real place, with attention to detail and physical cues that give a sense of presence.
- Realistic Scale: The size of objects should be aligned with human perception so that they feel real and tactile.
- Interactivity: Users should be able to interact with their surroundings in a way that feels coherent and intuitive. This can be achieved with interactive affordances that are clearly identified
Top 10 Best AR and VR Software in 2023
Creating immersive VR environments requires sophisticated software that can keep up with the demands of design needs. Here are the top 10 best AR and VR software in 2023:
- Adobe Aero: Adobe Aero is an augmented reality (AR) platform that allows you to create and share experiences for iOS and iPadOS devices.
- TVori: TVori is a VR animation and storytelling tool that allows you to bring your ideas to life in 3D.
- Masterpiece Studio Pro: Masterpiece Studio Pro is a digital painting and sculpting tool that allows you to create stunning 3D artwork.
- Vuforia Engine: Vuforia Engine is a powerful AR technology that enables developers to build immersive experiences across multiple platforms.
- Unity 3D: Unity 3D is a powerful game engine that can be used to create immersive VR experiences.
- Oculus Medium: Oculus Medium is a VR sculpting tool that allows you to create complex 3D models quickly and easily.
- Gravity Sketch: Gravity Sketch is a 3D sketching tool that allows you to create complex models in virtual reality.
- Roar Editor: Roar Editor is an AR and VR content creation tool that allows you to create immersive experiences for mobile devices and VR headsets.
- Amazon Sumerian: Amazon Sumerian is a web-based platform that allows you to create and publish AR and VR experiences.
- Google Tilt Brush: Google Tilt Brush is a VR painting and drawing tool that allows you to create stunning 3D paintings and drawings in virtual space.
Best Laptops for VR in 2023
Designing in virtual reality requires a powerful machine that can handle the high processing power, graphic demands and sustained FPS required for VR experiences. Here are the best laptops for VR in 2023:
- Lenovo Legion 7 Gen 7: This laptop offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, an Intel Core i7 processor, and up to 32GB of RAM.
- MSI Katana GF66: The MSI Katana GF66 offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, an Intel Core i7 processor, and up to 32GB of RAM.
- Alienware X14: The Alienware X14 is an impressive laptop that offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, an Intel Core i7 processor, and up to 32GB of RAM, ensuring top performance for VR experiences.
- MSI Titan GT77: The MSI Titan GT77 offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 GPU, an Intel Core i9 processor, and up to 64GB of RAM.
- Asus ROG Strix Scar 18: This laptop offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, an Intel Core i9 processor, and up to 64GB of RAM.
- Razer Blade 18: The Razer Blade 18 offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, an Intel Core i7 processor, and up to 32GB of RAM.
- MSI CreatorPro X17: The MSI CreatorPro X17 offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, an Intel Core i7 processor, and up to 32GB of RAM.
These laptops are equipped with powerful dedicated GPUs, necessary ports, sufficient storage, processing power, and battery life for gaming and VR applications.
Virtual Reality Design Collaboration and Core Concepts
While designing in virtual reality, architects and designers have the opportunity to work and collaborate remotely in sequestered space bringing in increased collaboration flexibility and freedom. Here are some virtual reality design collaboration and core concepts:
- VR headsets: Recommended VR headsets for optimum performance include Valve Index, HTC Vive Pro, HP Reverb G2, Oculus Rift S, and Meta Quest 2.
- Minimal space required: Virtual environments do not require a lot of space, making it possible for people with small studio spaces to work with ease.
- Tethered or standalone: A VR-ready computer is necessary for tethered devices, whereas standalone devices do not require a computer.
- Remote collaboration: Screen sharing technology, video recording, and virtual tours make distance collaboration possible with clients and collaborators viewing 3D models from a distance.
- Content zones: This concept focuses on designing UI elements in areas that are safe and comfortable for the user’s neck and eye movements.
- Content size: This concept uses distance-independent millimeter units to normalize the size of objects in a VR environment.
- User presence and comfort: Designers should offer a user-oriented exploratory environment with attention to sufficient user orientation and following silent real-world rules that end-users expect.
By considering these concepts and taking advantage of the latest VR technology, architects and designers can create truly immersive and interactive experiences for their clients and collaborators.
Luca Booth is a pioneering voice in the intersection of technology and spatial design, and the lead author at VPR Matrix. With a background in architectural design and a passion for the latest in virtual reality innovations, Luca brings a unique perspective to the world of VR architectural design.