Lesson 10: What is Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality - ao mariko
Kōrero Mai: What is Reality
what do you think the word 'Reality' means? How could you describe it? Can you give an example?
Reality means anything that exists. An event that has actually happened, or a thing which really exists
is said to have “reality”. Something close to reality is realistic.
Reality is the state of things as they are, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined. In a wider definition, reality includes everything that is and has been, whether or not we can see it and understand it. An even wider definition includes everything that has existed, exists, or will exist.
Kōrero Mai: What is Virtual Reality
So knowing what reality is...how could you describe Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality (often just called VR) is the name for computer technology that makes a person feel like they are somewhere else.
It uses software to produce images, sounds, and other sensations to create a different place so that a user feels like he or she is really part of this other place. That other place can be a real place (to take a tour in another country, for instance) or imaginary (playing a game).
Examples of Virtual Reality in Society
VR can be used in creating programs using many different softwares for a wide range of different needs in society. These could be training, experiences or even entertainment.
VR can be used in the design and development process of many different industries. Use it to inspect a new building, a 3D model of a new car design and more!
How can VR help in todays world?
Some more examples of VR in society
Using VR to train and educate user for the real world.
Allows people to experience something new and be creative.
Helping people with different needs and abilities.
Using VR as a training device
Other Realities
Kōrero Mai: What other 'realities' are there? Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (often known as AR) is a computer technology that shows digital images on top of the current real world. Examples of AR in society are:
- AR in Education
- AR in Retail - test the products in the space before you buy them
- AR in Game design - Pokemon Go.
AR in Art
Mixed Reality
A system that uses mixed reality combines reality and virtual reality. People can physically sense movement and interact with real objects while being immersed in a VR environment.
Kōrero Mai: Compare the different realities Look at Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality.
Extention task:
Kua reri? - Ready? It's your turn... Try some VR experiences yourself
Experience VR yourself by using a VR capable device. You can even use a tablet or a mobile phone. Laptops work too but don't give you the full experience. Experience Mars with real images taken from the Curiosity rover! Ask yourself some questions while exploring the experience:
Extension Task
Below are some screenshots of another Web VR application Visit the site here if you wish to view it yourself.
What are some design decisions you can discover that shows that this application was intended to be played in VR?
