Digital transformation in multiple industries continuously pushes the boundaries of innovation. Virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) technologies have been available for decades. With the advancements in software and computing, Organizations can apply them to enhance design visualization, collaboration, and client engagement. While virtual reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) have become a popular choice for immersive experimentation and some individual applications, they come with limitations that can hinder seamless workflows, particularly in collaborative settings.

If your team relies solely on virtual reality headsets, and their use has plateaued, it may be time to explore large-scale immersive visualization solutions that promote natural collaboration.

The disadvantages of VR headsets and other XR devices compared to large immersive displays:

The Collaborative Experience is Lacking

XR headsets and other HMDs can work well for one person, but are an inherently isolating experience. When each participant is immersed in their own virtual environment, they can find it challenging to communicate, exchange ideas, and make real-time collaborative decisions. Group experiences using avatars are an improvement, but natural interaction is still lacking. High-Performance XR solutions (Hi-PerXR), such as virtual reality CAVEs or powerwall environments, enable multiple users to engage with the same content in a shared space, fostering better teamwork and collective problem-solving.

While HMDs offer an impressive personal immersive experience, they often do not scale well for group collaboration. Setting up multiple users with HMDs requires additional computing hardware, space, and setup time, which can be impractical in fast-paced workflows. There may be limited software options for group collaboration using head worn devices.

The cost of a final solution could be as much as a large display solution. Large displays allow teams to view and interact with a shared environment simultaneously, making it easier to discuss, iterate, and finalize designs efficiently.

Your Hands and Head Are Occupied, Preventing Real-Time Notetaking

One of the fundamental challenges of using HMDs in professional workflows is the inability to take notes or sketch observations. This is especially noticed while navigating an immersive design. In an industry where annotations and real-time documentation are crucial, having an environment where users can seamlessly reference drawings, jot down feedback, or sketch modifications is essential. Large immersive visualization solutions allow professionals to engage with digital content while maintaining full control over their interactions.

Clients Are Hesitant to Wear HMDs, Making Engagement Difficult

Convincing clients to put on an HMD can be a challenge. Concerns about hygiene, discomfort, and unfamiliarity with the technology can create hesitation or embarrassment. This leads to less-than-optimal presentations and outcomes.

Additionally, clients who are not accustomed to immersive experiences may struggle to interpret the virtual environment accurately. With large-scale visualization solutions, clients can experience designs in a more natural and intuitive way, eliminating barriers to engagement and fostering a better understanding of the project.

Senior Management and Stakeholders are Hesitant to Wear HMDs 

See all of the above concerns but instead of clients, imagine they are senior leaders and stakeholders in your organization. Do you want people who approve designs, funding, and project continuity to have a bad experience?

Note, some of the concerns below may also factor in here.

Lack of Non-Verbal Cues and Reactions

In any collaborative setting, non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in decision-making and problem-solving. With HMDs, users are unable to see each other’s facial expressions, body language, and subtle cues that are essential in discussions. This limitation can lead to misunderstandings or missed insights. A large display environment allows teams to interact naturally, ensuring that all non-verbal signals are visible and contribute to a more cohesive discussion.

It’s Not a Natural Human Experience

HMDs create an artificial mode of interaction that can feel disorienting and unnatural. Humans are accustomed to engaging with their surroundings and peers without barriers. A large immersive visualization environment replicates a more intuitive and realistic way of exploring designs, enabling users to walk around, point out specific details, and interact with the model as they would in a real-world setting.

Investing in Large-Scale Immersive Visualization: The Next Step

While HMDs serve as valuable tools in the XR ecosystem, they should not be the sole solution for professionals. By incorporating large immersive visualization solutions into your workflow, you can combine the benefits of XR with the advantages of real-world collaboration. Local and remote HMD users can still be connected to larger environments for expanded sessions. These environments not only enhance teamwork but also provide a more natural and effective way to engage with complex designs.

If you find that HMDs are limiting your workflow, it may be time to invest in a Hi-PerXR solution that brings people together rather than isolating them in separate digital experiences. By upgrading your XR strategy, you can create a workspace where teams, stakeholders, and clients can explore projects together, make informed decisions, and ensure that every participant has a clear and immersive understanding of the data.