Here's how you can enhance usability testing with virtual reality.

• VR can test products with not-so-easy-to-use interfaces that are too difficult to test traditionally. • VR is a safe setting for the testing of risky or otherwise inaccessible products.

Virtual reality offers significant advantages when it comes to usability testing and By immersing users in a 3D environment, VR allows them to interact with products in ways that closely mimic real-world experiences. 1. VR enables users to interact with a product in a lifelike manner, providing more precise feedback on usability. 2. Users can explore and use the product in a virtual space as they would in reality, offering insights that are difficult to obtain through traditional testing methods.

VR setup: VR headset, motion tracking equipment, and a computer powerful enough to run the VR software. VR headset examples: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 3 Computer: Ensure the computer meets VR system requirements. VR dev. software examples: Tools like Unity or Unreal Engine to create immersive VR environments. Usability testing software examples: Tobii (eye tracking) or custom login scripts for interaction data. Pilot test. Run tests to ensure the VR setup works.

Setting up VR usability testing requires an investment in the right hardware, software, and development resources. By creating realistic and interactive virtual environments, you can gain valuable insights into how users interact with your product in a controlled setting (environment). Essential Components for VR Usability Testing: 1. VR Headset: 2. Motion Tracking Equipment: 3. High-performance computer: 4. VR Software: Through careful design and iterative testing, VR usability testing can significantly enhance the user experience and overall product quality.

I agree, it can be useful to feel that you are in the environment and compare dimension, feeling of the visual aspect. However in my experience you still need physical prototype to test ergonomic and usability aspects. But it definitely can be useful early to increase the efficiency and do A/B testing and compare different concepts in early design phase.

Develop realistic and relevant VR environments that replicate the settings in which your product will be used. This could be a virtual representation of a physical space or an entirely new environment tailored to the product. In such test scenarios, VR can give a rough idea about shape, size, dimension and ergonomics of the product. By Conduct Usability Testing, we can observe and record their interactions within the VR environment, focusing on how they navigate, understand, and use the product.

Analyze how users move within the VR space. This includes their physical movements, hand gestures, and interactions with virtual objects. Record detailed information about what users interact with, how often, and for how long. This data can reveal which features are most used and which are overlooked. Interaction data helps identify potential usability problems and areas that may need simplification or enhancement. Conduct debriefing sessions immediately after the VR experience to capture fresh impressions. Ask users about their overall experience, specific interactions, and any difficulties they encountered.

Discuss specific moments observed during the VR session to understand the reasons behind users' actions. For example, ask why they spent more time on a particular task or why they seemed to hesitate at a certain point. Surveys can be designed to gather both qualitative and quantitative data, providing a balanced view of user feedback.

• Experiment with different designs in VR. Consider A/B testing for comparing iterations. • Incorporate ongoing feedback from users and team members to validate design decisions and drive continuous improvement. • Document design changes and collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, and UX researchers) to implement improvements effectively.

I think the VR also can be used in area of service design. Exp. Imagine scenario in which the user move between different service points at the hospital.