How to Prepare Your Project for Virtual Reality

Today, presenting 3D projects in virtual reality is very easy, but some precautions must be taken to provide the best possible experience for your client.

Model or Photo Sphere?

Generally, the more modest headsets are limited to the reproduction of photo spheres. Therefore, it is necessary for you to render multiple points of interest and use an application to establish movement between these points.

Example of a photo sphere

On the other hand, more advanced headsets are compatible with model rendering, where the entire project is rendered in real-time. This way, the user can move around the entire project, just like in video games.

Example of rendering in model mode

Motion Tracking

This is the most important point for a five-star presentation. Headsets with motion tracking allow the user's real-life movements to be displayed in virtual reality – in real-time. Confused? Watch this video to understand better:

The more modest glasses only identify the rotation of your head, which limits the experience to the reproduction of photo spheres. The more advanced ones can identify your exact position in space, allowing the use of model renderings, as shown in the video above.

If you are using glasses that track only rotation, it is important to consider the camera height during rendering to ensure compatibility with the user's height. This is crucial for enhancing the fidelity of spatial perception. If the measurements are too off, you may make the user feel like they are floating or even buried in the ground.

Stereoscopic Rendering

Stereoscopic rendering is important to provide the depth effect for the user. Rendering a simple photo sphere is nothing more than a collage of photos. To experience spatial perception, it is necessary for each eye to see a different image, just like the 3D we see in cinemas and on televisions.

Transparent Glass

Software that uses model mode employs a teleportation system for movement, where the user translocates through the environment via a laser. Walls and semi-transparent objects with texture block this laser, so if you use glass in the project, use opaque materials without texture to allow teleportation through it.

Open Doors

It is interesting to leave all the doors in the project open to facilitate user movement and enhance the fidelity of the experience. If the doors are closed, it will be necessary to "pass through" doors and walls for movement.

Show the Facade

You should place a floor in front of the project so that the user can move enough to view the facade from a reasonable distance.

Floor Texture

It is important to add some type of texture to the floor so that the user can easily identify their movement. This detail helps with user orientation.

Scale

It is important to keep all elements of the project at a 1:1 scale since the virtual environment is also rendered at 1:1. Otherwise, your project may end up looking like a house for giants or a dollhouse.

Want to Present Your Project but Don't Know How?

At ReVirtua, we have virtual reality stations where you can present your project. We use the HTC Vive, which is currently the best headset on the market, and we render your project in model mode, allowing greater freedom and immersion for the user. We do not charge to render your project; you only pay for the use of our equipment. Get in touch and schedule your presentation!