VR testing: what is VR?

There are not much people who don’t know about the VR. Virtual reality has already taken its place in the entertainment market and become a discussion point around the world. Let us revise what іs VR and how to test VR applications.

Virtual Reality (VR) is an artificially created world in which man feels as if in real life. The sensations of this world are transmitted to a person through sight, hearing or touch to objects (which may have real physics of behavior). However, what do we need to immerse ourselves in this virtual world? First of all, the computing power of any device – be it a PC or console, and even with a mobile phone you can go into the VR world.

There are three types of systems that can introduce a person to this world:

1. Virtual retinal display

In this technology, the image is projected onto the retina, which a person sees as «hanging» in the air in front of him.

2. MotionParallax3D-display

These are virtual reality devices that generate images depending on the position of the user's eyes.

3. Virtual reality helmets

In turn, helmets have three main systems to which they are connected. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages.

PC

Disadvantages: the most expensive VR among all systems, difficult to connect to a PC for the average user, you need something to do with a big bundle of wires.

Advantages: the graphics are the best of all three systems, there is a large selection of helmets (convenience, connection, manufacturer).

Console

Disadvantages: the average quality of graphics, a small list of games.

Advantages: easy to connect, only one wire – to the Playstation.

Mobile

Disadvantages: poor graphics.

Advantages: easy connection, no wires, cheap and easy to use helmet.

Now we can talk about the features of testing VR applications. All tips will only apply to virtual helmets. In general, there are no differences from the usual testing of desktop or mobile applications and VR, but this is only at first glance.

The main features of testing:

1. In VR games, especially in those where the player is not trapped in movement, it is important to check the ability of the character to «peek» through the texture of the wall or floor. Very often it spoils the element of surprise in the game, as well as breaks the sense of reality of what is happening (which can be important for the game or program).
2. It is very important to pay attention to the number of FPS in the game or application. Low FPS values can lead to not very comfortable feelings of the player.
3. You need to pay attention to the subjects that are important in the plot. They can always be lost or put in a place from which they can no longer be obtained (in which case it is necessary to consider a system of returning items to the player from such situations).
4. Testing is always best done in pairs to help another player take a screenshot or video of a defect, help with a tangled wire, or recalibrate the device.
5. It is better to limit the time spent in VR and take short breaks to rest. It is recommended to spend 30-40 minutes with a break of 15 minutes for one game session.
6. Pay attention to small details in games. It is often necessary to answer the question «How does it feel like?». Small details include: opening the door to the player, ease of use of items, etc. Cases should also be documented where the user may make involuntary jerks or falls while using the product.
7. Pay attention to existing outside the playing area – the player must be notified of such cases. The presence of several types of messages is desirable – first weak, and then more noticeable, for example, the change of game reality to empty with a text message.
8. Pay special attention to the graphics in the game and its optimization, deterioration during removal, etc. The better the optimization techniques in the game, the more FPS will be in the game.

Let's also talk about the requirements for testing the VR product:

1. Make sure that the calibration of the room was successful and there are no distortions in the display in the virtual reality.
2. All the necessary software is installed for the correct operation of the program/game.
3. Unnecessary items have been removed in the VR area and testers are safe.

Examples:

Peek in and walk through the walls in the game: Video. Video credits.

The player lifts into the sky after emerging from the water: Video. Video credits.

Let us summarize all the above. VR testing is an assessment by the senses of the reality presented by the customer. VR is not just about games and entertainment, it's much deeper. Even today, these technologies can help many people, be it training, overcoming phobias or even surgery. In short, VR is an indispensable thing now and in the future.