Did you know that virtual reality headsets were first released by video game companies in the 1990s? After a couple of decades, VR has advanced to another level. It’s changed the way we shop, game, and learn. It’s also offering new possibilities in the healthcare field by virtually remodeling operation rooms and procedures.
More businesses are now implementing VR by showcasing their products and services through apps on electronic devices. For example, room visualizers, paint testers, and landscape planners. It supports the ‘try before you by’ concept, improving the customers shopping experience.
Retail
- Real-time products.
- Time-saving – no need to browse through catalogues.
Online retailers have already launched apps that improve the way we browse online stores and their products. For example, Amazon has launched a VR tool called, ‘view in your room’, enabling you to preview products to see how they look before you buy. Let’s have a look at some other examples:
- IKEA launched its VR kitchen experience in Australia to help customers imagine how appliances and features would look in their own homes.
- Volvo has created an app where it allows customers to drive their XC90 on a test drive through the countryside.
- ‘The teleporter’, created by Marriott Hotel, shows guests various locations around the world. It’s used to convince more people to travel and stay at their hotels.
With customers being able to use VR to enhance their shopping experience, it is also beneficial within the company itself. Let’s take a look at some examples:
Training
Companies are now using VR to help train and educate their employees by creating lessons that replicate real-life scenarios, for example, fire safety training. Learners won’t need to worry about the risk of harming themselves or others around them as they will be fully engaged in the experience.
Interviewing
VR has also changed the recruitment process; companies can now conduct interviews with individuals that live in different parts of the world and still see the person’s body language, reactions, and expressions.
Meetings
VR now assists businesses conducting meetings across the globe. This reduces time and money for people who may have to travel a long way. Meetings will be more interactive, resulting in employees being more engaged.
We hope this has given you some insight into how some businesses have implemented VR, and what you could do to change the way you sell products or educate employees. Who knew it wasn’t just used for gaming?