Description: The ‘Experience of Reality’ in the context of Virtual Reality (VR) refers to the subjective perception of being present in a virtual environment, where users can interact with digital elements in an immersive way. This experience is achieved through devices such as virtual reality headsets, haptic gloves, and controllers, allowing users not only to see but also to feel and manipulate the virtual environment. VR creates a sense of reality that can be so convincing that users often forget they are in a simulated environment. The main characteristics of the reality experience include immersion, interactivity, and presence, which are fundamental for users to feel connected to the virtual world. The relevance of this experience lies in its ability to transform the way we interact with technology, offering new opportunities across various fields such as education, entertainment, and therapy. As technology advances, the quality of the reality experience also improves, enabling more realistic simulations and richer experiences that can influence users’ perception and behavior.
History: The history of Virtual Reality dates back to the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland developed the first stereoscopic display system known as ‘The Head-Mounted Display’. Over the years, technology has evolved significantly, with important milestones such as the creation of the first virtual reality interface in 1984 by Jaron Lanier and the popularization of devices like Oculus Rift in 2012, which marked a resurgence in interest in VR.
Uses: Virtual Reality is used in various applications, including education, where it allows for interactive simulations; in medicine, for training healthcare professionals; in entertainment, through immersive video games; and in therapy, helping to treat phobias and post-traumatic stress disorders.
Examples: Concrete examples of Virtual Reality include the use of Oculus Quest for immersive gaming experiences, flight simulators that train pilots in virtual environments, and applications that allow users to create art in a three-dimensional space.