Introduction
The human fear of this new technology is a clear barrier to wider adoption of VR in architecture. In my view, the three main human factors holding back wider adoption of VR technology in architecture in Israel are:
Fear of the unknown
As with every new technology, there is a transition period in which the early adopters come first, and only after them the whole industry. This is a natural process of fear of the unknown, regardless of the technology itself.
Ease of use
VR demands some sacrifice of physical comfort. You need space to move, you need to wear a headset, hold a controller and move your body. Some people feel discomfort at first, even nausea. From my own experience, this discomfort passes quickly, and in any case it can be shortened with a few useful tips.
Moving around in a virtual space
Disconnecting from your surroundings, staying safe and learning a new user interface are a barrier to entry. The right training makes moving around the virtual space safe and enjoyable.
Summary
As awareness of the unique advantages of virtual reality grows, you can see a change in attitude among both architects and clients. More and more offices understand that VR is not just an impressive presentation tool, but also an effective way to make design more efficient, strengthen collaboration between teams and give the client added value. As the technology becomes more accessible and simpler to use, the fears and barriers shrink.
