Virtual reality has been around for a while, so it’s not a brand-new concept but it is making huge leaps in terms of accessibility and sophistication. There are now a wide variety of headsets and platforms for consumers to choose from. Predictions for VR use are set to grow year on year, reaching over £800 million by 2021.
One industry that is reaping the benefits of getting involved with VR is the design industry. Designers were quick to utilise the benefits of VR and see its potential in helping the design process, right from initial concept through to realisation. It is important to ensure that any VR technology that you use in your business is backed up by general IT Support Cheltenham way from companies such as https://reformit.co.uk/ to ensure continuity of service.
VR offers an exciting chance to walk through a virtual office, for example and design the space while building on the 3D visuals. This truly brings a space to life and means design can be perfected before any work begins. This use of VR could revolutionise the entire office design industry.
Here are some further benefits:
VR helps to support customers throughout the design phase
VR is becoming increasingly more accessible and this can be invaluable in saving time and cost for the client. For example, if your client is overseas or you’re designing an office space that is some distance away, VR means you can view the designs together from anywhere in the world, providing a highly realistic feel for what the final space will look like.
Encourages staff engagement throughout the process
Imagine how satisfied employees would feel if they had a say in how their office space looked and felt. Successful and effective workplaces are those designed in collaboration with those who work there. These are the important people who will be using the space the most. VR can encourage employees to get involved, allowing them to see designs and provide feedback. Listening to the thoughts and needs of employees will pay dividends in terms of retaining staff and productivity levels.
VR allows people to get a genuine feel for a space before a fit-out commences. It shows a real commitment from a business for wanting to provide a comfortable and optimal environment for their staff to work to the best of their ability. Not only will the use of VR impress staff but it helps to identify and iron out any issues before work starts.
Beauty and function
While everyone wants to have a stunning and beautiful office design, design also needs to be about function and experience, how people will use a space. How will the space make people feel and how will it affect their behaviour? VR is able to provide a realistic feel for both the client and the designer prior to the fit-out and can include even the smallest of details, such as where plants might be located and the colour of the carpets.
The future of VR looks set to thrive and will likely become an important and exciting part of the office design process. It offers designers and clients an immersive experience, being able to provide a walkthrough and a level of interaction with an environment that was previously impossible.
