My First Impression of Virtual Reality

An Encounter with iRacing Got Me Thinking About VR’s Potential

I first came across virtual reality (VR) in 2015 while I was traveling in the United States. While I was there that I came across the iRacing simulator, a VR experience that uses Oculus Rift technology to take you to the racing track. Being a keen motorsports fan, I had to try it!

The iRacing simulator was and still is used by world-class racing teams and can ‘transport’ you to an array of racing tracks around the world, without having to leave the room. When I tested out the track I drove an SR8, which is similar to the Radical SR3 racing car I have back in Australia.

From the iRacing Simulator to Devika

If the simulation had been a bad experience, I would not have given it a second thought. Seeing as I now work with VR, you have probably guessed that the experience was quite the opposite – it was awesome!

The simulator had some flaws (as any prototype does) but it showed me the potential of VR, which is its ability to create immersive and exciting experiences. I was so impressed by its capabilities that I couldn’t get VR out of my mind for the next 12 months.

The most captivating aspect of the simulator is its ability to recreate real-life experiences. I could drive around a corner and look ahead to catch a glimpse of the next bend in the road. I could adjust my direction with my body, giving me not only steering power but a real feel for the road, speed, and car. I was even able to turn my head to check where the other cars were, rather than having to rely on the simulated mirrors.

I thought it would be a while before VR would be ready for mass consumption, or even make a dent in the tech industry but a year later I was trying the HTC Vive. Two years later I was trying out the new Oculus Rift, a system that is ten times better than its predecessor. There was no better way to describe this progression other than with Moore’s Law, the theory that new technology advances exponentially.

The Future of VR at Devika

While my love of racing would suggest that my career is heading towards the professional racing industry, this iRacing experience showed me the potential of VR and its applicability to a range of different industries. This is where Devika comes in. It has enabled me to support a range of fields such as research and create meaningful change in multiple ways. I’m excited to continue working with VR to provide businesses with more effective solutions and may one day, it will be for iRacing!

If VR’s caught your interest too, I’d love to chat.