Unlocking Immersive Worlds: A Guide on How to Create Spatial Content for AR, VR and MR

AR content has become incredibly popular, captivating our imaginations and taking media to new heights. With people growing tired of ordinary 2D experiences, VR has emerged as a fresh and engaging way to deliver information. Many businesses have recognized this trend and eagerly adopted VR technology to connect and interact with their target audiences.

 

According to Engadget, some top VR headsets of 2023 include the Meta Quest 2, PlayStation VR2, HP Reverb G2, and Valve Index. Embarking on a VR adventure begins with a fascinating piece of technology called a stereoscopic Head-Mounted Display (HMD), which you wear on your head, or the newest Apple Vision Pro glasses. 

 

It’s no wonder that business owners and marketing directors are constantly searching for answers to questions like “What is VR?”, “How can I create AR content?”.

 

Since this is the latest trend, we decided to tell you more about it in this article. Continue reading to get into the captivating world of VR/AR/MR content!

 

 

 

 

What is VR/AR/MR content, and what are the main differences?

It’s understandable that the differences between virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) can be confusing. These terms are thrown around a lot, but it’s vital to capture the full extent of what these innovations can do. So, let’s embark on an exploration of each of these technologies to truly grasp their incredible possibilities. 

 

What is VR/AR/MR content? Virtual reality (VR) includes content that is 100% digital and made without a captivating environment. Augmented reality (AR) is a mix of the digital and real world. Last but not the least, mixed reality (MR) where all the elements integrate and interact with the actual environment, blurring the line between the real and digital worlds.

 

Based on research conducted by Markets and Markets, it is projected that the combined market for augmented reality technologies will reach a staggering $125.2 billion by 2026. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6% from 2021 to 2026. Thus, now you have an unbelievable opportunity to contribute to this technological revolution and play a significant role in shaping the future of user experience. 

 

What Are the Most Popular Industries For VR/AR/MR Applications?

VR, AR, and MR technologies have completely transformed numerous industries, unlocking a world of endless possibilities and revolutionizing the way we interact with our surroundings. Here are a few industries where AR/VR/MR technology is used:

 

• Automotive Industry. Major players in the automotive industry, such as Audi, Ford, and Volvo, are embracing the power of VR and AR to enhance their interactions with customers. Utilizing VR applications, these companies enable clients to explore and personalize car models even before they roll off the assembly line. Additionally, they provide virtual test drives, allowing users to experience different car configurations, compare model generations, and even take a thrilling drive in the company’s iconic vehicles.

 

• Tourism. Travel agencies have been presented with a fantastic opportunity to showcase exotic destinations through virtual demonstrations. This exciting feature not only provides clients with an immersive experience but also assists them in making informed decisions about their travel plans. By offering virtual tours to desired destinations, travel agencies can vividly picture what awaits customers, showcasing hotel rooms, dining options, anticipated weather, and more.

 

• Real Estate. This market has found a powerful sales tool in virtual property tours. Through 3D spatial content representations of properties that can be explored online, agents can quickly and effortlessly close impressive deals. Some forward-thinking French real estate agencies even go the extra mile by conducting visits on behalf of their clients, capturing multiple photos of houses or apartments, and creating captivating virtual tours. This saves valuable time for clients, allowing them to focus on the properties they are genuinely interested in.

 

• Education. VR applications are revolutionizing the way students comprehend and retain knowledge. Educational VR apps are designed to assist teachers in explaining complex subjects that students often struggle to visualize. For instance, they can explore the dimensions of marine mammals, their lifestyles, and their behaviors in a virtual environment. As a result, students not only engage more deeply with the material, but also retain the information more effectively compared to traditional illustrations. This is why it’s time to opt for 3D animation services for your educational video!

 

Do you happen to know who produces such content?

Anyone with the necessary gear and a bit of training can jump into the world of VR creation.

VR/AR/MR technology takes you to a whole new realm crafted with technical wizardry and programming tools, immersing your senses. To enhance the full VR, AR, and MR experience, it can even incorporate smells, sounds, and tactile sensations. In such cases, additional equipment like robotic gloves and simulation setups come into play.

 

 

The Visionaries. Behind every jaw-dropping VR/AR/MR experience, there are visionary individuals and innovative companies that push the boundaries of imagination. From renowned technology giants to indie studios, a wide array of talented professionals contribute to the production of VR, AR, and MR content.

 

Tech Titans Leading the Way. When it comes to VR/AR/MR, industry titans like Oculus (owned by Facebook), HTC, and Sony have been paving the way for groundbreaking experiences. These companies invest heavily in research and development, working tirelessly to bring the latest advancements in VR/AR/MR technology to the masses.

 

Creative Studios and Indie Developers. Not only are the industry giants leaving their mark on the VR/AR/MR landscape, but there are also many emerging players making their presence felt. These passionate and daring teams often bring fresh perspectives and unique storytelling techniques to the table. Companies like Magic Leap, Unity, and Epic Games are renowned for their contributions to VR/AR/MR content production.

 

The Collaborative Nature of VR/AR/MR Content Production. Creating VR/AR/MR content is rarely a solitary endeavor. It’s a collaborative process that involves various specialists coming together to weave their magic. From 3D artists, animators, and programmers to sound designers, writers, and UX/UI experts, a diverse range of talents collaboratively shape the final experience.

 

The Wow-How team is sharing specific requirements for VR/AR/MR content

For any VR/AR/MR video product, it’s all about enhancing the immersive experience. Here’s how it’s done:

 

• Capture a scene using a specialized camera capable of recording a 360-degree panorama video, also known as an omnidirectional camera.

 

• Use stitching software (typically provided by the camera manufacturer) to process and combine the footage taken from various angles. This “stitches” the edges of each frame together, ensuring a seamless experience in VR/AR/MR.

 

• Edit the video with video editing software, just like you would with a regular video. This is where you can fine-tune lighting, colors, transitions, and more. You can even make specific adjustments to enhance immersion, such as adding cues to prompt viewers to look behind them.

 

Now, let’s talk about the basic steps involved in creating a VR asset, which shares similarities with crafting a 3D game asset:

 

• Conceptualize your idea and plan out the purchase.
• Sculpt the asset, bringing it to life in 3D modeling software.
• Perform UV mapping, a technique that ensures the textures you apply to the asset are accurately aligned.
• Bake and texture the asset, giving it visual details and depth.
• Illuminate and refine the asset using appropriate lighting techniques.
• Finalize the asset by making any necessary edits and adjustments.

 

Alternatively, you can create VR assets by conducting 3D scans of real-world objects and spaces. 

 

 

Break down the basic steps for VR/AR/MR content development

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast or a businessman, we’ll take you on a journey through the key stages involved in bringing immersive experiences to life. So, buckle up and get ready to unleash your creativity in the realm of virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality content!

 

 

1. Conceptualize and Plan

In this initial phase, the creative team brainstorms ideas, defines the scope of the project, and outlines the goals and objectives of the VR/AR/MR experience. They identify the target audience and research market trends to ensure their AR content resonates with users.

 

2. Storyboarding and Scripting

Once the concept is solidified, the team creates storyboards to visualize the flow of the experience. They develop a script that outlines the narrative, interactions, and key elements of the VR/AR/MR, ensuring a compelling and engaging user journey.

 

3. Asset Creation

During this stage, artists, designers, and developers work together to bring the concept to life. They create 3D models, textures, animations, audio assets, and other visual elements required for the VR/AR/MR. The assets are designed to align with the overall vision and enhance user immersion.

 

4. Testing and Iteration

Once the initial development is complete, thorough testing is conducted to identify and fix any bugs, glitches, or usability issues. Feedback from testers and users is collected and used to improve and refine the experience. This iterative process helps ensure high-quality VR/AR/MR content.

 

4. Optimization

To enhance performance and optimize the experience, developers focus on fine-tuning the AR content. They optimize the graphics, audio, and overall performance to ensure smooth and immersive interactions. This step is crucial to deliver an optimized experience across various VR/AR/MR platforms and devices.

 

5. Marketing and Promotion

After the content is polished and ready for release, a marketing strategy is devised to reach the target audience. This may involve creating AR promotional materials, conducting PR activities, and leveraging social media and other channels to generate awareness and interest in the content.

 

6. Support and Updates

Once the VR/AR/MR content is launched, ongoing support and updates become essential. The team responds to user feedback, addresses issues or concerns, and releases updates or patches to improve the experience. Regular maintenance and support help to ensure the longevity and success of the AR content.

 

Wrapping up

Businesses are discovering the incredible benefits of harnessing the power of virtual reality technology. The visionary minds in marketing have already grasped the immense possibilities that VR content offers for presenting products and driving sales. But the advantages don’t end there! Both service providers and their clients can reap numerous benefits, such as effortlessly envisioning and modeling future products in a comfortable and user-friendly manner. 

 

Imagine making your product stand out from the crowd! By creating captivating VR content with Wow-How, you can leave a lasting impression and secure unwavering loyalty from your clients.