How do you prepare your design team for a VR review session?

1 Understand VR

Before diving into a VR review session, it's crucial that your design team understands what VR is and how it differs from other mediums. Virtual reality is an immersive experience that can simulate or create different environments. Unlike traditional 2D designs, VR places the user inside the experience, offering a 360-degree view and interaction with a three-dimensional space. Ensure your team is familiar with the basics of VR technology, including head-mounted displays (HMDs), motion tracking, and spatial audio. This foundational knowledge will allow your team to better critique designs within the context of an immersive environment.

2 Set Objectives

Clear objectives are essential for a productive VR review session. You should define what you aim to achieve, whether it's assessing the user interface, the user experience, or specific design elements within the VR environment. Communicate these goals to your team ahead of time so that everyone understands what to focus on during the review. This focus will help streamline the feedback process and ensure that the session remains on track, addressing the most critical aspects of the VR design.

3 Tech Check

A technical check is mandatory to avoid any hiccups during the VR review session. Ensure all hardware, such as VR headsets, controllers, and computers, are functioning correctly and are compatible with the software being used. Software updates should be installed beforehand, and all necessary files should be pre-loaded onto the devices. This preparation prevents delays and technical difficulties that could disrupt the flow of the review session and allows your team to concentrate on the design itself.

4 Review Protocol

Establishing a review protocol is key to managing a VR review session effectively. Decide on the order in which team members will enter the VR environment and how feedback will be collected and discussed. Will you have a moderator? How will notes be taken? These are critical questions to answer. Consider using voice recording or assigning a note-taker to document feedback while others are immersed in the VR experience. A structured approach ensures that valuable insights aren't lost and that every team member's input is considered.

6 Effective Communication

Effective communication is the linchpin of any successful review session, and this is especially true for VR. Since team members will be immersed in a virtual environment, it's important to establish clear communication channels. Consider how you'll facilitate discussion among participants who are both in and out of VR. Will you use intercom systems, chat applications, or perhaps a combination of both? Ensuring everyone can hear and contribute to the conversation is crucial for collaborative critique and will lead to more comprehensive and actionable feedback.