Posted on 11 Mar, 2025

Virtual reality (VR) has evolved from a specialised idea to a potent instrument in many fields, including design. As technology develops, virtual reality (VR) is changing how professionals work, collaborate, and create; it is no longer just for gaming.

Long-time VR supporter Nigel Carr says his own experience with the technology was life-changing. He compares attempting to explain virtual reality to "trying to describe the colour blue to someone who's never seen it." The difficulty is that, in contrast to conventional devices, VR must be experienced in order to be fully comprehended; descriptions or videos cannot do this.

VR adoption still faces obstacles despite its potential, ranging from industry awareness to accessibility. However, more professionals—including designers—are realising the benefits of immersive workspaces as standalone headsets get more sophisticated and reasonably priced. VR is creating new opportunities for people who want to improve their creative processes, with applications ranging from 3D modelling to virtual presentations.

The Immersive Potential of VR

Virtual Reality creates an environment free from distractions, enhancing focus and creativity. Nigel Carr describes his own experience: “I’m writing this on my laptop, phone to the left, mouse to the right, in an open-fronted workspace sitting at a desk overlooking a beautiful, tranquil lake.” Apart from his essential tools, everything else is virtual, allowing him to work in a personalised, calming setting.

For designers, this immersion offers significant benefits. VR enables users to step inside their designs, gaining a true sense of scale and depth. Unlike traditional screens, which limit perspective, VR provides a dynamic, interactive workspace where adjustments can be made in real time. This leads to more intuitive decision-making and a streamlined creative process.

Collaboration is also improved through VR. With multi-user platforms, designers can present projects, receive feedback, and work alongside colleagues remotely. Mixed reality (MR) further enhances this by merging digital and physical workspaces. As VR technology advances, its ability to transform the way professionals create and collaborate continues to grow.

The Challenges of Entering the VR Space

Despite its potential, VR adoption faces several obstacles. One of the biggest challenges is accessibility—few opportunities exist for first-time users to try the technology. Unlike other consumer electronics, VR headsets are rarely available for public demonstrations. Nigel Carr highlights this issue, stating, “Trying to describe VR is like trying to describe the colour blue to someone who's never seen it.”

Cost is another barrier. While prices have decreased, high-end headsets remain expensive. Hygiene concerns, particularly post-pandemic, have also discouraged shared use in public spaces.

However, standalone headsets are making VR more accessible. With no need for external sensors or powerful PCs, these devices offer a more convenient entry point, paving the way for broader adoption in professional and creative industries.

Understanding VR Terminology

The world of VR can be overwhelming for newcomers, with multiple terms describing different technologies. Nigel Carr outlines key distinctions:

• VR (Virtual Reality): A fully immersive digital environment, blocking out the real world.

• AR (Augmented Reality): Digital elements overlaid onto the real world, such as IKEA’s PLACE app for visualising furniture.

• MR (Mixed Reality): A blend of real and virtual environments, allowing interaction between both.

• XR (Extended Reality): A collective term for VR, AR, and MR technologies.

• FR (Foveated Rendering): A technique that enhances graphics by focusing processing power where the user is looking.

Understanding these terms is essential for professionals looking to integrate immersive technology into their work, particularly in design and creative industries.

The Evolution of VR Technology

VR has undergone significant advancements since its early experiments in the 1980s. One of the most notable breakthroughs came from Palmer Luckey, who co-founded Oculus VR and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. Facebook’s acquisition of Oculus in 2014 for $2 billion marked a turning point, accelerating development in consumer VR.

By 2016, major players entered the market. The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive introduced high-quality, PC-powered VR, while Sony’s PlayStation VR made the technology more accessible to gamers. Nigel Carr recalls his first experience, describing how being submerged in a virtual shark cage left a lasting impression.

As VR matured, standalone headsets emerged, eliminating the need for external sensors and high-end PCs, making adoption easier across industries.

VR’s Impact on Design and Creative Industries

Virtual reality is revolutionising the way creatives and designers create and showcase their work. Professionals can enter their designs and experience spatial relationships in real time rather than just viewing 3D models on a screen. According to Nigel Carr, this change enhances workflow efficiency by enabling more intuitive decision-making.

Because VR allows remote teams to collaborate in shared virtual environments, collaboration has also improved. Physical prototypes are no longer necessary when architects, product designers, and interior specialists use interactive presentations to show clients their ideas.

With new tools for creativity, problem-solving, and immersive client presentations, VR will play an increasingly important role in the design industry as it develops further, making it a useful tool for progressive professionals.

The Future of VR and Opportunities in Design

VR is transforming design and creative industries, unlocking new ways of creating and collaborating. Nigel Carr's insights highlight the growing role of VR in pushing boundaries within design. As the technology advances, its impact will keep expanding. 

March’s Guest Blogger was Nigel Carr

info@designdomain.ltd.uk

https://www.designdomain.ltd.uk/vr

To explore career opportunities within design visit Careers in Design.

Posted in: Designers | Tagged: immersive innovation VR for designing Future of design innovation in design design Future of VR in design future of design using VR Virtual Reality