Interactive VR combines the immersion of VR with the decision-making of interactive video, engaging users in immersive, simulated experiences. Learn more about what it is and how to make interactive VR experiences.
What is VR?
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs 3D near-eye displays and pose tracking to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. For example, people can experience VR by exploring the metaverse using a virtual reality headset to interact with a 360-degree augmented reality. Virtual reality is frequently used in video gaming and simulation. It can be an especially powerful tool in medical or safety training simulations. It allows the user to delve into the experience without involving any risk.
Is VR different to 360-degree video?
Yes, VR is different to 360-degree video. Virtual reality takes the user into a digital or ‘virtual’ world, so the photography or virtual space is created digitally. The user can normally ‘walk around’ or explore the virtual world. 360-degree video is film of the real world. You can create 360-degree videos, also known as immersive or spherical videos, using a special type of camera – such as the Insta360. The omnidirectional camera, or multiple cameras, record a view in every direction at the same time. This will leave you with a 360-degree video. You can then scroll through it to see the shot from any direction, using a compatible device or app to view it on.
What is interactive VR?
Interactive VR combines a virtual landscape with interactive features. These interactive features could be as simple as navigational tools, such as arrows that allow you to explore the VR environment. You can also add interactive elements such as icons, buttons and hotspots.
Making your VR content interactive is a great way to deepen the immersion of VR even more, calling the user to make decisions as they engage with the content. For example, in safety or medical simulations, interactive VR allows the end-user to make decisions and witness the consequences of those decisions in a safe environment. However, being in such an immersive experience will mean the outcomes will stick, increasing knowledge retention.
Types of interactive features:
Hotspots: Hotspots can be clickable objects, overlays or areas in an interactive video. When the end-user clicks on the hotspot, it will trigger a reaction, such as: jump to another clip, to create a branch, or provide additional information about the object in the video that was selected.. You can use clickable hotspots in a 2D or 3D interactive video.
Overlays: Interactive video can use overlays such as text, images and videos that are made interactive. This means clicking on them can lead the user to a new scene/slide, trigger a pop-up or link to a website.
Drag to explore: VR or 360-degree interactive video can be interactive by allowing the end-user to click and drag to explore their environment.
Link to page: Interactive video can use links that redirect the end-user to a website. This is a great way to provide the viewer with more information, or direct them to a service that may be of use to them.
Data input fields/forms: Data input fields or forms can be used for surveys, feedback, or registration purposes. They collect information from viewers while they are experiencing the video.
Video timelines: Interactive timelines or ‘jump-to’ features can allow the user to jump to certain timestamps, skipping parts of the video. This could be great if someone wants to only view highlights from a video, or jump to information that is more relevant, saving them time.
How can I make VR content?
If you’re not familiar with making VR content, don’t worry! There are plenty of websites that make the process quick and easy. We’ve used Skybox AI in the past to generate high quality images from either a detailed or simple prompt. However, be aware that such high-quality imagery isn’t always ideal as it can take a long time to render. If you’re struggling with this, you can always use a free online tool to reduce the file size and quality of the image. When working on Near-Life, we recommend using around 6MB for optimum loading time. Don’t worry – the images will still look great!
How can I make my VR content interactive?
Near-Life specialises in AI-powered interactive video, VR, and gamification – which makes it the perfect tool for crafting interactive VR content. We also have a brand new AI-powered tool that will help generate the interactive video storyboard, so all you have to do is drop your media into the right place and your interactive VR scenario is made!
Start a free trial and get a free demo with a member of our team.
Near-Life’s latest interactive VR features
VR Editing and Position Controls
We now allow you to edit in VR mode, making interactive overlay placement more intuitive. We’ve also added more position controls to improve precision, making it easy to see exactly how and where your overlays will appear. You can rotate overlays, move them up, down left or right, and tilt if necessary, to ensure they will look their best in the 180/360 environment.
2D and Video Overlays
You can also now add 2D image and video overlays to your 180/360 environments. This is great if you want to give end users a bit more context or information. For example, in an office building tour, you can give the end users a video to explain more about what each room is used for.
Triggers
We’ve also introduced triggers. This means you can use an overlay to trigger another one to appear. For example, you could use a hotspot overlay to trigger a video or image overlay.
Icons
Icons are an easy shorthand for allowing your end-user to navigate the interactive video. These are simple icons such as arrows, a home button, play button and many more that can be added to your video with just the click of a button. You can see examples of these in the VR Space Station Tour.
Interactive VR Example 1:
An Interactive Space Station Tour
Interactive VR Example 2:
An EMT Security Course
Interactive VR Example 3:
A VR learning experience
Interactive VR Example 4:
A Hospital Ward – patient handover
Interactive VR Example 5:
The Labyrinth – A VR Labyrinth Based in Ancient Crete
Whether you’re a learning professional, training team, or simply seeking to enhance customer experience, creating interactive VR content has never been more easy or accessible. Linear video just doesn’t engage or immerse people compared to interactive and VR content, so combining these to create interactive VR is a powerful tool to maximise engagement and therefore knowledge retention.
Get started with Interactive VR
Near-Life makes it easy for learning professionals, educators and anyone seeking to communicate knowledge effectively to create immersive and engaging interactive video, VR, and gamified content.
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