Building a Virtual Reality Lab | Designs that Work Best

In this article, we will discuss various methods you can take when building a Virtual Reality lab that is both functional and engaging for your nursing program. 

Step 1: Understand the Software & Use Case

Before planning your physical space, it is important to understand your adopted software's capabilities as they can vary. For example, Courseta VR created by Tactile VR does not require any physical space to do all mobility actions needed inside the virtual environment. Courseta VR can be used sitting, standing stationary, or walking. However, some softwares require an 8x10 room in order to participate. So, keep the software requirements in mind to ensure your space is functional and organized in a way that will meet your desired use case. 

Step 2: Choose a Preferred Design

Portable Stations

A portable station is when you organize mobile stations with the VR headset, storage container, and a mobile computer station to allow casting of the VR headset for outside viewing. 

Pros: 

• Improves mobility and access to simulation 
• Leverages the mobility of VR simulation 
• Better engagement with smaller groups (5 or fewer)
• Can bring simulation concepts into the classrooms, lecture halls, lab, and simulation rooms
• Quicker set up and completion of simulations due to keeping equipment to a designated station

Cons: 

• May be limited to specific locations depending on adopted software 
• Difficult to engage large groups of students (>5) 
• Institution WiFi may be a limiting factor if not distributed well around the facility

Equipment Needed: 

• Mobile Computer Station (Computer on Wheels) 
• Storage for direct line cables and VR Headset
• Charging station for Mobile station 
• VR Headset

Modular Lab

A modular lab is when you designated locations at your space for simulation. Typically, this method is preferred if you have an empty room that your facility is not already using that is spacious to handle many participants. 

Pros: 

• Maintains organization of simulation practices and routine
• Dedicates various spaces for participation creating fast access inside the space. 
• Better engagement with larger groups (depending on room size) 
• Allows large group casting for multi-participant simulation 
• More stable connectivity and backup systems for any power or WiFi outages. 

Cons: 

• May decrease accessibility depending on location of lab space on campus
• Limits simulation to only the dedicated lab space. Difficult to travel to lecture halls.
• Less engaging for smaller groups of students 

Equipment Needed: 

• Charging/Storage station for VR Headsets 
• Empty room to establish spaces for simulation 
• Large Screen TVs for Casting 
  
• Computer stations for accommodating non-VR users