What virtual reality is and how companies can use it
virtual reality (VR) replaces what you see with a complete digital environment that you access with a headset. Unlike augmented reality, which adds elements to the real world, VR "transports" you to another place. Companies use it to train teams, show products or facilities at a distance, sell at trade shows and test designs before manufacturing them.
How it works
A VR experience combines three elements:
- Virtual reality headsets with screens and sensors that track head movement.
- Controllers or hand tracking to interact.
- A 3D environment made to measure, or a 360º video that is viewed immersively.
The result is a sense of presence: your brain interprets that you are inside the scene. That is why it is such a powerful tool for demonstrating, training or stirring emotion.
VR is not only gaming
Although VR began in association with video games, today it has business applications in:
- Training: practising procedures without risk and without stopping production.
- Sales and marketing: showing a product or a facility that cannot be transported.
- Trade shows and events: attracting visitors and explaining complex products.
- Design and architecture: walking through a space before it is built.
- Human resources: onboarding, simulations of difficult conversations, company culture.
- Tourism and culture: virtual visits to destinations or museums.
In 15 practical VR applications for companies we set out specific examples.
Types of experience
| Type | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 360º video | A recording of a place, viewed with a headset | A visit to a factory |
| Interactive 3D environment | A virtual space with objects that can be handled | A training simulator |
| Virtual showroom | A digital commercial space | An explorable product catalogue |
| Brand experience | A world created to stir emotion | An activation at a trade show |
Advantages for companies
- Safety: dangerous situations are practised without risk.
- Reach: something that cannot be moved, or that is far away, can be shown.
- Impact: the experience is remembered more than a presentation.
- Long-term cost: one piece of content can be reused many times.
- Measurement: times, errors and decisions are recorded.
Limitations worth knowing
- It requires equipment (headsets) and management that is simple but careful.
- A long session can cause motion sickness or fatigue in some people.
- Bespoke content has a cost and a timescale.
- It is not always the best option: sometimes a video, a 3D website or augmented reality is enough.
When to choose VR
Choose VR if you need total immersion (practical training, emotional experiences, visits to inaccessible places) or if the space or the product is too large or delicate to take with you. If the aim is to reach a lot of people with a simple click, AR in the browser is usually more agile. To decide between them, see AR, VR and XR: differences.
Key ideas
- VR replaces the real environment with a digital one.
- It is used in training, sales, trade shows, design and human resources.
- It can be based on 360º video or on interactive 3D environments.
- It is very effective for what is dangerous, large or inaccessible.
- It is not always the right option; compare it with AR.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need expensive headsets to use VR in my company?
No. Today there are reasonably priced standalone headsets that do not need a computer (see Standalone VR vs PC VR).
Is it safe for users?
Yes, with good practices: short sessions, a clear space and supervision (see safe VR at events).
Does VR work for small companies?
Yes, when there is a clear case: repeated training, a product that is hard to move, or an important trade show.
What is the difference from augmented reality?
VR immerses you in a digital world; AR adds digital elements to what you see.
More guides on this topic
How to create a virtual reality experience for your company
A process for creating a virtual reality experience: objective, script, 3D content, development, user testing, deployment and measurement. A step-by-step guide.
How to measure the engagement and ROI of a virtual reality experience
Which metrics to use to measure a virtual reality experience: participation, time, completion, learning, leads and return on investment, with examples.
How to organise a virtual reality experience at an event safely
A guide to organising a virtual reality experience at an event or trade show safely: space, staff, hygiene, queue management, health and a contingency plan.