XR is an umbrella term used for extended reality experiences, including virtual reality and augmented reality. The names describe related approaches, but the practical question is what your audience needs to see and do. High5VR can help turn that requirement into a project brief rather than choose a format from its name alone.
What does VR do?
Virtual reality presents a surrounding digital or recorded environment through a supported headset. A viewer might look around a 360 film, explore a modelled setting or take part in an agreed interactive exercise. These experiences do not all offer the same movement or interaction, so those capabilities need to be specified.
What does AR do?
Augmented reality adds digital content to a view of the physical world, for example through a supported phone, tablet or headset. A product preview could show a digital item in a room. Accuracy, tracking and the viewing conditions need testing; an on-screen preview does not reproduce every physical quality of the product.
Where does mixed reality fit?
Mixed reality is commonly used for experiences that combine a real-world view with digital elements that appear positioned within it and may support interaction. Terminology overlaps across products. Ask a supplier to demonstrate the actual behaviour on the proposed device instead of relying only on a mixed reality label.
Which approach suits our project?
Consider the audience, available devices, viewing space and required actions. A product demonstration, venue film and training exercise may need different approaches. Agree the supported features, content and delivery requirements. For training, an immersive exercise should be an add-on to the wider programme, with approved learning content and trainer guidance.
Further reading: Immersive Web: understanding XR.
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