Immersive Social Virtual Reality with SketchUp!

[Mike Lucey]

One of the most enjoyable experiences I had at 3D Base Camp 2014 was strapping on Phil Rader and Aaron Westre's virtual reality headset. Admittedly it was while I was on my way to bed after spending a considerable amount of time at the hotel bar but never the less it was an eye opener!

Dave Cooperstein, Senior Creative Designer/Architect, describes the system / device well,

"Phil, Aaron and the team at the VRDL are doing with digital design models what everyone’s being talking about for years, but no one has realistically accomplished, to date. Their ability to quickly immerse you in a digital version of your design bodes well for designers of the future who want you to share a collective experience on multiple levels, in multiple dimensions, and in a fraction of the time that it would take you to otherwise achieve a similar experience.”

The prototype device which is called a 'Perception Head-Mounted Display', looks to me to be a modified welding mask head set with a built-on holder for an iPad Mini.

When I put it on with the accompanying controller in hand I was brought into an new world! It was so unnerving when I walked into an virtual bollard, I actually felt the bump! Okay, maybe the beer had something to do with it but it was a cool experience

I think these guys are really on to something big if if they can bring this device to the marketplace at a reasonable price and from what I can see they are well on track. I can imagine how receptive clients will be to this type of viewing experience.

I hope Phil and Aaron can find the time to keep us updated on progress. Oh, nearly forgot! I see Adam Billyard of LightUp is also involved. I'd like to hear Adam's thoughts also.

More details here, http://vr.design.umn.edu