One of the most common questions we get asked is how IrisVR sets up virtual reality for various different office spaces and user requirements.
We’ve tried pretty much every configuration: at our office we have 30 Oculus Quests, 8 Oculus Rift S’s, a Valve Index, and a Pimax 5K Plus - and we’re constantly adding to our collection as new headsets make their way onto the market. Everyone has either a Quest, a Rift S, or both at their desk, and we’re able to easily take both on the road for demos and presentations. We also have a Demo Room set up with a Rift S and an HTC Vive Pro - or whatever headset we’re currently testing.
After a few years of using these HMDs in practice, we can recommend 3 optimal layouts for your Vives and Rifts.
The Demo Room
We have a full room in our office that is equipped to host a VR demonstration using the Oculus Rift S or HTC Vive Pro with Prospect. The room offers a more private place to walk someone through virtual reality and is often used for presentations with guests visiting our office. If you are regularly hosting large groups at your office and having individuals enter VR, we recommend having a large TV that can mirror the experience for those watching outside of the headset.
The Desk Station
Just about everyone on our team has their own dedicated head mounted display (HMD) set up at their desk. We've found that the Oculus Rift S lends itself well to use from a seated position, though the Quest is also perfect for individual work.
Much of the development work and testing we're doing is iterative - as is the vast majority of architecture, engineering, and construction work - so it's imperative that our staff is able to quickly hop in and out of VR throughout the workday without leaving their desk.
The Portable Demo
For taking VR on the go, we’re partial to the Oculus Quest - as it doesn’t require a laptop or any external sensors to run. Just pack the headset and controllers into an Oculus Quest travel case and get going.
And when it comes to bringing even more immersive VR experiences on the road, the Rift S is also easy to travel with. We usually pack the Rift S, the Touch controllers, and a VR-ready laptop (such as a Razor Blade 15) into a backpack like this one for trade shows, demos, and other destinations.
How Should I Set Up VR in My Office?
The Oculus Rift S can be used while seated, which is perfect for those with limited room or individual employees working at their desks. However, if you have space to move around, it’s also great for that sort of setup - since it requires no external trackers, the possibilities are limitless. We’ve laid out some of the important considerations to keep in mind when adopting a VR setup in this article - and our team is always happy to answer questions.
The amount and type of space you have in your office is an important determinant of what headset is best for you - but there are other factors to consider, too. Our Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with VR is a free eBook that can outlines all the different ways you can set up VR, what's best for your specific office, and more.