Implications of WebVR and its impact on user-experience

By: Jeff St. Onge

The implications of WebVR are fascinating and it’s a technology that may prove to have vast applications. More importantly, it can offer solutions for businesses that result in higher engagement and conversions when deployed with care and understanding that there is a certainly going to be a learning curve for users.

For Users

From a user perspective, it offers a new take on mobile browsing that is at worst, unique and at best, transformational. Browser WebVR consumption with an actual headset isn’t as practical right now as 99% of users won’t have access to such devices and its setup on a desktop not optimal for most consumers. In time the experiential aspect of virtual reality will become more apparent and with it, consumers will likely begin consuming more content in virtual reality form.

But the opportunity on mobile is real. MobileVR can indeed be used with a headset but can also offer a free form experience with only screen and phone. The screen in VR appears deeper and more layered and presents the opportunity for users to actually see content change on their phone as they move the phones physical position. What does this mean? Users gain literal control of images and videos, as if they are experiencing them in time and space atleast within the confines of their phone as they move the phones locations. Of course, the full spacial involvement and experience only comes with the use of a headset. Very interesting.

For Businesses

Any company that promotes. markets, sells and brands experiences – from hospitality to real estate and beyond now has a direct opportunity to go beyond a simple scroll of a flat mobile screen. In the day and age we live in, keeping a users attention is extremely difficult – but with WebVR tools the wow factor of a completely new browsing module is enough to open eyes and deliver brand messages with full engagement without the worry of the next notification or ping deterring consumers attention.

It’s very exciting that our team is working with clients now on deploying practical experiences in this space and truly can’t wait to leverage more expertise that will come from iteration, R&D and data on user response. More to follow.

HERE IS AN AWESOME EXAMPLE OF WEB VR –

CLICK AND MOVE YOUR PHONE AROUND IN FRONT OF YOU AND BEHIND YOU.