User exemplars

The democratization of VR, both the software for its development and devices to experience it (e.g. VIVE, Oculus Rift), have blurred boundaries between consumers and producers; typical models of production and consumption do no longer apply, since producers and consumers now blend into one. Due to ease of access, any user can nowadays be categorized as VR content developer, environment operator, or both, though highly dependent on skill set, training, and experience. However, the history of VR (see above) provides a top-level distinction between functionalist and experientialist users. All these variables combine in specific user profiles, exemplars of which can be detailed as follows.

Medical professionals

Analytical, developer/operator, skilled, trained, experienced; requires high level of accuracy in VR environments. Usually assisted by dedicated developers/operators. See for example Millesi et al. (1997).

Combat specialists

Analytical, phenomenological; experienced; require high level of accuracy - though not realism - but certainly dedicated developers/operators. Commonly used technologies include specialist simulators, HMDs, and haptic feedback devices. See for example

Martin Uildriks