Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are booming technologies with the potential to create mind-bending experiences that blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds. These new types of immersive engagement are transforming industries across the board and creating a tidal wave of demand for skilled developers.
VR and AR are incredibly versatile tools for engaging audiences in a variety of ways. These platforms are not only used for gaming and entertainment, but also in business, education, healthcare, construction, navigation, real estate, and more.
Generally speaking, the main difference between VR and AR is that VR creates an entirely artificial environment, while AR overlays digital elements onto the real world. The latter can be used with headsets or glasses, and is typically more interactive. Examples of AR include the ability to try on a dress in 3D, visualize furniture in your home, or see how makeup will look on your face. The simplest form of AR is marker-based, where a user scans a code to trigger a digital experience.
VR/AR development requires a variety of coding skills, including C# programming and Unity and Unreal Engine. However, much of the work is collaboration with other team members to design and build features that will be used in a virtual space. Depending on the complexity of an AR/VR project, the team size can vary. This may include designers, UX/UI specialists, and a project manager. In some cases, these teams may even be distributed from different locations.