By: Melvin He (2023)

UX Feedback after In-Class Activity (Summarized):

Pros:

• The ability to see graphs from a variety of different angles using VR Software easily helped users grasp what the data was saying, and being put in the same situation as a VR object gave users a better sense of connection to the situation being filmed.

• VideoVR was particularly effective in understanding feedback. Many students did not consider VideoVR as an option for data storytelling previously.

• One student noted that  3D VR models were "the most helpful"  and was "unmatched by 2D experiences".

Cons:

• Dizziness and Eye fatigue was an issue for extended periods of time

• Resolution for VR could be improved, especially for VideoVR methods.

• Flat 2D Lollipop map was not as effective as a 3D interactive visualization. Could add more number labels and collaboration to Flow Immersive.

For more information, check out: In-Class Activity UX Pollution VR Primer

Some Screen Captures of VR data visuals

VR Software

VR Software Popular Examples:

• Unity: Unity is a popular game engine that also supports VR development. It allows developers to create VR experiences for a variety of devices, including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality.

• Sketchfab VR: Sketchfab is a platform for publishing, sharing, and viewing 3D models. With Sketchfab VR, users can explore 3D models in VR using a variety of devices, including Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, and Oculus Rift.

• Tilt Brush: Tilt Brush is a VR painting and drawing application that allows users to create 3D artwork in a virtual space. It supports a variety of VR devices, including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Pros:

• High performance: VR software can be optimized for specific hardware, allowing for high-quality graphics and performance.

• Advanced interactivity: VR software can offer advanced interactivity options, such as hand tracking and haptic feedback.

• Wide range of features: VR software can offer a wide range of features, such as 3D modeling and simulation tools, making it suitable for professional applications.

Cons:

• Hardware limitations: VR software requires dedicated hardware, such as a VR headset, which can be expensive and limiting in terms of accessibility.

• Learning curve: VR software can have a steep learning curve for users, especially those who are not familiar with 3D modeling or game development.

• Limited compatibility: VR software may be limited in terms of platform compatibility, requiring specific hardware and software configurations.

WebVR

WebVR Popular Examples:

• A-Frame: A-Frame is an open-source web framework for building VR experiences on the web. It allows developers to create VR experiences using HTML and JavaScript, and supports a variety of VR devices, including Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive.

• Babylon.js: Babylon.js is a web-based 3D game engine that can be used to create VR data visualizations in a web browser. It offers features such as real-time rendering and physics simulation.

• Glitch: Glitch is a web-based platform for creating and hosting web applications including VR. It offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, a community-driven library of pre-built applications and code snippets, and collaboration features. 

Pros:

• Accessibility: WebVR allows users to access VR content through their web browser without the need for additional software or hardware.

• Multi-platform compatibility: WebVR can be accessed on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

• Easy to distribute: WebVR content can be easily distributed through the internet, making it accessible to a large audience.

Cons:

• Limited capabilities: WebVR is limited in its capabilities compared to native VR applications, due to the constraints of the web browser and the need for internet connectivity.

• Performance limitations: WebVR may have limitations in terms of graphics quality and performance due to its reliance on the user's hardware and internet connection.

• Limited interactivity: WebVR may have limited interactivity compared to native VR applications, due to limitations in the web browser's capabilities.

VideoVR

VideoVR Popular Examples:

• YouTube VR: YouTube VR is a VR version of the popular video sharing platform. It allows users to watch 360-degree videos and immersive VR experiences on a variety of devices, including Oculus Go, Samsung Gear VR, and Google Daydream.

• Jaunt VR: Jaunt VR is a platform for creating and sharing high-quality VR video content. It offers a variety of VR experiences, including documentaries, short films, and music videos, that are optimized for viewing on VR devices such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Google Daydream. Jaunt VR also offers tools for creators to film, edit, and publish their own VR content.

• NextVR: NextVR is a platform for live VR broadcasting of sports, concerts, and other events. It allows users to experience events as if they were actually there, with 360-degree views and high-quality sound. NextVR supports a variety of VR devices, including Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive, and partners with major media companies such as Fox Sports, NBC, and Live Nation to bring live VR content to viewers around the world.

Pros:

• High-quality visuals: Video VR can offer high-quality visuals and immersive experiences, especially for pre-recorded content.

• Easy to access: Video VR can be accessed through a variety of devices, including smartphones and VR headsets.

• Wide range of content: Video VR can offer a wide range of content, such as documentaries, movies, and educational materials.

Cons:

• Limited interactivity: Video VR content is pre-recorded and therefore has limited interactivity compared to other VR approaches.

• Limited scalability: Video VR experiences can be limited in terms of scalability and interactivity, especially for large or complex data sets.

• Hardware limitations: Video VR may require dedicated hardware for the best experience, such as a VR headset, which can be expensive and limiting in terms of accessibility.