{"id":170451,"date":"2018-01-19T13:00:27","date_gmt":"2018-01-19T13:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/premium.wpmudev.org\/blog\/?p=170451"},"modified":"2018-01-16T00:35:19","modified_gmt":"2018-01-16T00:35:19","slug":"virtual-reality-in-wordpress-are-you-ready-to-give-this-a-shot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/virtual-reality-in-wordpress-are-you-ready-to-give-this-a-shot\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Reality in WordPress: Are You Ready to Give This a Shot?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As I read through Brenda Barron\u2019s predictions for WordPress web design trends in 2018<\/a>, I was surprised to see virtual reality (VR) show up on the list. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n

Statista puts the number of global virtual reality users<\/a> at 171 million this year. While that number is nothing to scoff at, it only refers to VR users who own headsets like the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Playstation VR, and cheaper alternatives that turn your smartphone into a headset like the Google Daydream or Cardboard.<\/p>\n

I had always assumed that virtual reality was strictly for gamers, which I think that statistic does a good job of demonstrating. However, as things like gamification<\/a> and video<\/a> become a more inherent part of WordPress websites, I can see how this trend for more immersive and interactive experiences would lead to virtual reality integration.<\/p>\n

So, this now begs the question:<\/p>\n

Does your audience actually want a virtual experience when they visit your website?<\/p>\n

And further:<\/p>\n

Do you have the tools available to reasonably build a virtual experience for your users?<\/p>\n

I think Brenda was right: I believe WordPress developers will be more inclined to integrate virtual reality into WordPress sites this year. However, I think it\u2019s important to examine which types of sites are right for this design feature as well as which tools you can use to create them before deciding to explore this web design trend for your own purposes. So, let\u2019s dig a little deeper into what virtual reality in WordPress really means.<\/p>\n

What You Should Expect from Virtual Reality in WordPress<\/h2>\n

I think the first exposure I ever had to virtual reality was in watching the movie The Lawnmower Man<\/em>.<\/p>\n

zTrgHXNAs24<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For those of you who missed that Stephen King-inspired gem, there was The Matrix<\/em> that took virtual reality to darker depths a few years later:<\/p>\n

vKQi3bBA1y8<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of which type of VR left an impression on you, you might still revert back to those images when the subject of virtual reality is broached today (I know I do). That\u2019s why talking about virtual reality for web (or mobile) users is somewhat difficult to approach since it requires a retooling of how we view what a virtual experience actually entails.<\/p>\n

To clarify, virtual reality in WordPress won\u2019t be like a virtual reality simulation or game, at least not as it stands right now. It\u2019s more practical than that. In essence, it gives users the ability to experience a 3D space, product, or even a hypothetical situation through their web or mobile browser. And they can do so without having to invest in an expensive VR headset. All they need is a computer or smart device and the ability to click or swipe through the experience.<\/p>\n

Google Maps Street View<\/a> is a good example of web-based virtual reality that we\u2019re all familiar with. Simply pull up an address, drop the orange marker where you want to explore further, and then step onto the virtual\/real street.<\/p>\n

One of the most well-known forms of VR today: Google Maps Street View.<\/small><\/p>\n

Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a> has some awesome examples of virtual experiences on their site, too. Each video allows users to explore various properties that are for sale, both inside and out.<\/p>\n

Sotheby’s deals in luxury real estate, so it makes sense they’d encourage sellers to use VR.<\/small><\/p>\n

There\u2019s also Ray-Ban<\/a> which has a virtual model tool you can use to try on different pairs of sunglasses without having to visit a store. This isn\u2019t just about slapping an image of their sunglasses on your face either, this is about getting to see how snazzy those glasses look from all angles.<\/p>\n

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\"VR
What do you think? Does this virtual model of me look good in these sunglasses?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Pretty cool, right?<\/p>\n

As I see it, there are a number of clear use cases for virtual reality in WordPress right now:<\/p>\n