Virtual reality technology has changed how people watch videos and play video games. However, there are 6 elements still missing in VR to get the most immersive experiences.
For the ultimate VR experience, other senses should come into play as well beyond just the visual.
Touch
Currently, users can only interact with objects inside VR with controllers. VR technology has advanced to the point where the device can track the user's finger movement without the need for VR controllers.
However, the user still can't feel anything until mixed reality technology is involved.
Smell
The smell will significantly increase the immersion for VR users. There are some companies producing multisensory VR mask to simulate the smell to closely immerse yourself in the experience.
Anything from distinct scents to accurately simulate the atmosphere of games and movies.
This can be extremely helpful to increase immersion.
Temperature
Temperature experience can be added to VR experience in a large-scale setup, so the user can experience cold, warm, and hot.
A mixed reality environment can implement AC and heater units around the room and synch the experience to VR.
Wind
Wind experience can absolutely increase the immersion to specific VR scenes. Simply add small synched fans capable of producing breeze, high-speed airflow to simulate wind, shock waves, ocean breeze, and other air elements.
This can also be synched with some type of temperature generating device to add more immersion.
Vibration & Motion
Vibration and motion matter a lot in VR experiences. What the eyes see must coordinate with what the body feels to avoid motion sickness.
This is extremely helpful for VR flight simulator experiences, VR driving, and other types of immersive experiences.
Feel the F-16C High G Turn vibration with the Woojer Strap
Currently, haptic technology can add vibration to the experience, and it's affordable and non cumbersome for every day users to set up.
Motion
Physical Boundaries
Currently, most standing VR applications are built on flat surfaces, so the user doesn't trip over things. These experiences include walking up or down a ramp, stairs, rocks, uneven ground.
A few researchers have implemented AI robotics to bridge the immersion gap.
This is a AI robotic wall that is programmed to follow the user relative to the the virtual reality dimension to provide physical boundaries.
