VR content authoring tools explained: What are the benefits?

VR content authoring tools explained: What are the benefits?

What are VR content authoring tools? And how can they improve VR content development?

If you haven’t experienced virtual reality, you’re most likely aware of the concept – entering immersive, virtual spaces through a digital device such as a laptop or computer. But how exactly are virtual reality experiences created? Using VR content authoring tools.

This blog will cover how VR content is created, what VR content authoring tools are and how you can get started creating your own VR content with FLOW, for Unity.

An overview of virtual reality

Virtual reality is becoming much more commonplace, especially in the workplace where virtual versions of workplaces can be recreated for training and upskilling purposes.

If you aren’t familiar with virtual reality then be sure to check out our blog that explains the differences between virtual, mixed and augmented reality and what exactly the metaverse is and how businesses are using it.

As companies look to integrate VR into their training and development programs, the need for easy-to-use VR authoring tools has become increasingly important when creating content bespoke to an organizations needs. These tools simplify the process of creating VR content, making it more accessible to aspiring developers, development studios and enterprise learning teams.

Which industries are using virtual reality?

The use of VR is becoming more normal in the workplace as businesses begin to discover the benefits it can have on engagement and learning and development. Virtual reality can be used for soft skills training, as well as technical procedural training. In industrial sectors like manufacturing, construction, oil gas and energy and aviation, virtual reality is perfect for onboarding, safety training, technical repairs and maintenance training as well as collaborative teamwork.

virtual reality safety training for oil and gas workers to prevent a bleve

So, how is virtual reality content created?

Virtual reality content that’s created for a headset means you need to create a virtual world for the user, so the user is completely immersed in the scene. This type of content is created using a games engine. The two most popular games engines are Unreal and Unity. What’s the difference between the two?

Unreal

Heard of Fortnite, The Witcher or Quantum Error? These games were created using the Unreal games engine. Unreal engine is a video game development tool created by Epic Games and users can create simulations, edit videos and sound and render animations for projects.

Unity

Unity is a multi-platform games engine that allows developers to create 2D and 3D content. Unity is a popular games engine due to its functionality, high quality content and flexibility that can be used for any game. Pokémon Go, Among Us and Angry Birds were all created using Unity. The Unity Asset store also has a vast range of tools that can assist with VR content creation even further and because Unity uses C#, a coding language most developers are familiar with, it makes it the go-to choice.

What are VR content creation tools?

VR content creation tools are software solutions designed to streamline your VR development process, all the way from initial design to final deployment. These are downloadable tools that integrate within your chose games engine.

Here are a few examples of tools that can be used in various stages of the VR content creation process:

  • 3D Modelling Software: For creating assets to populate your virtual worlds. TinkerCAD, Blender and Sketchup are all tools that range from easy to advanced.
  • Distribution Software: For sharing your VR content and managing updates and access.
  • Analytics Software: For tracking user engagement and analysing user data.
  • VR Content Authoring Software: For designing interactive, immersive experiences. FLOW, for Unity is our own VR content authoring tool that offers a simple drag and drop interface, eliminating the need to code in Unity and speeds up VR content creation. You can see what FLOW looks like below.

VR content authoring tool FLOW for Unity showcasing the nodes that help developers to create vr training content

What are the benefits of a VR content authoring tool?

1. Simplifies 3D modelling and content development

One of the main benefits of using VR authoring tools is the simplification of content creation. Traditionally, developing virtual reality content required advanced skills and a deep understanding of programming. With VR authoring tools, this process is made more user-friendly, allowing creators without extensive technical knowledge to develop high-quality VR environments and experiences.

Now with VR content authoring tools like FLOW, for Unity you can streamline the entire content development process, reducing the learning curve associated with creating immersive VR experiences.

2. Enhances efficiency in VR training development

Incorporating VR training into a company’s learning and development program has become a proven way to deliver immersive learning experiences. VR authoring tools accelerate the development of these training modules by providing pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop functionality. This reduces the time and cost involved in custom content development, allowing organizations to roll out training programs faster.

3. Reduces the learning curve for new creators

The learning curve for creating VR content can be steep, particularly for those unfamiliar with games engines. However, VR authoring tools are designed to be user-friendly, offering intuitive interfaces and step-by-step guidance. This makes it easier for individuals without an extensive background in VR or 3D modelling to develop immersive learning environments and other VR applications.

By making VR content creation more accessible aspiring developers and games studios can create content efficiently for their clients or for enterprises, in-house instructional designers and learning and development teams organizations can participate in the design process, promoting innovation and creativity.

4. Supports a variety of use cases across industries

VR authoring tools can be used to create content for a wide range of industries. From manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, aviation and more. VR authoring tools help develop specific use cases like VR training, onboarding, and safety simulations. The flexibility of these tools allows companies to adapt VR content for their unique needs, whether that’s simulating hazardous environments, providing hands-on technical training, or offering soft skills training in a virtual setting.

The flexibility to edit content also means that if rules and regulations regarding safety are changed, content can be adapted easily and at speed ensuring compliance.

5. Fosters immersive learning and engagement

VR authoring tools play a crucial role in creating immersive learning experiences. By allowing creators to develop interactive, 3D environments, these tools enable learners to engage with the material in a more dynamic and memorable way. Immersive learning has been shown to increase retention rates and improve the overall effectiveness of training programs, making VR a valuable asset for companies seeking to enhance employee skills and knowledge.

6. You can help companies future-proofs their training programs

As VR technology continues to advance, organizations that adopt VR authoring tools today will be better positioned to integrate future innovations. Many VR authoring platforms regularly update their software, ensuring compatibility with new VR headsets, hardware, and software features. This ensures that the content developed today remains relevant and functional as VR technology evolves, providing a future-proof solution for long-term training and development initiatives.

7.  Built in platform to test content and give clients access to training material

Once you’ve authored your own VR content, you need a place to test the content and also spaces where your clients and their employees can access the training content. With Luminous’ FLOW, for Unity VR content authoring tool all users get access to their own personalized PORTAL space. Here content can be tested and this is a space where your clients can access their training content. From trainers to trainees, users can access class schedules and information as well as in-depth, individual trainee analytics.

Luminous PORTAL trainee analytics

Why FLOW, for Unity is the best VR content authoring tool?

FLOW for Unity is a great tool to have in your arsenal if you’re a Unity developer for a number of reasons:

  • Graph Visual Scripting – Simplifies VR development by eliminating the need for complex coding.
  • Streamlined Setup – Quick, user-friendly environment to jumpstart VR projects.
  • Customizable Templates – Pre-built templates accelerate content creation.
  • Multi-Language Support – Create VR content accessible in various languages, expanding global reach.
  • Multi-User Content – Create training scenarios for entire teams to encourage collaboration, teamwork and learning together in the workplace.
  • Multiple Learning Modes – Create content for assisted learning, practice and assessment modes to ensure thorough learning and development.
  • Integration with LMS – Seamlessly works with LuminousXR’s Portal for managing training sessions and users.

Want to get started on your VR content creation journey? Sign up as a creator below.

Become a creator

FAQs

  • A VR content authoring tool is software that allows users to create virtual reality content without the need for extensive programming or 3D modelling expertise. These tools provide pre-built assets, templates, and user-friendly interfaces, enabling the development of immersive experiences for training, education, and other applications.

  • VR authoring tools offer numerous benefits, including simplifying 3D modelling and content development, reducing the learning curve for creators, enhancing efficiency in VR training development, and fostering immersive learning experiences. These tools are versatile, future-proof, and help organizations create engaging, interactive VR content across various industries.