Last week we discussed the 6 reasons why you need VR for your next event. Today everyone is familiar with “kiosk mode”. This is a term used for computer systems that are limited to a certain set of features for displaying specific content. For instance a PowerPoint presentation in a waiting room, or an interactive display in a store.
There’s also a VR headset kiosk mode, in this mode the virtual reality device is limited to a specific application or a selection of 360 video files. The user can view this content without access to the operating system, or other software. These limitations actually offer many new possibilities, five of which you can read on this page.
1. Professional
The first couple of years in VR were clumsy to say the least. It was more of a novelty than a great experience. Modern VR headsets are much better in that regard, in particular for consumers. But because the operating system is designed for consumers, the experience feels less professional than you expect. VR headset kiosk mode removes the consumer based features and replaces it with a tight, more professional experience.
2. Hands-off approach
You can take this benefit literally because there’s no requirement for a VR controller or manual interaction while using VR headset in VR kiosk mode. The menu navigation is strictly “gaze based”, meaning the user simply looks at a thumbnail and the presentation will start.
The head movement functions as a controller, so the user doesn’t need to hold a VR controller to select options. This might seem like a small feature, in practice it makes a big difference for the user experience.
3. Ease-of-use
The K.I.S.S. method is fully implemented with the VR headset kiosk mode. This of course means Keep It Simple Stupid, why add features that are not used? The ease-of-use is not limited to the client, but also applies to sales reps and other professionals that will use the virtual reality content to make their pitch.
The representative can hand over the VR headset and let the user operate the device all by him- or herself. The workflow is seamless because the hardware and software is completely configured for a hassle-free operation.
4. Time-saving
Watching a five minute video should take five minutes, not ten. If you hand over a VR headset, the user should be able to get started almost immediately. If not, this will not only break the flow of the presentation, it will also waste precious time.
With the VR headset in kiosk mode a salesperson spends less time explaining, and can spend more time selling. You are also to service much more participants in a shorter period of time. Time is money, every step along the way can be one too many.
5. Safety
There are several ways in which safety comes into play with virtual reality presentations. For instance balance. Room scale VR is impressive, but walking around in VR is definitely not for everyone. With 360 video the user may remain seated. Also, accessoires like VR controller tends to break or ‘disappear’ from an event booth quite frequently. Less hardware means more safety.
The possible flailing of arms (and sometimes legs) while using VR can be greatly reduced by offering gaze based navigation in the VR headset kiosk mode. By limiting the system you can also avoid “hackers” altering the software on the device.
Using VR headset kiosk mode
For VR headset kiosk mode to work, some special software needs to be installed onto the device. Depending on the system this should not be difficult. Also, the process is reversible. That means the original software can be restored for regular use. You might void the warranty with modified software, contact your supplier for more information and all possibilities.
