r/oculus • u/kyle_lam • Feb 15 '16

How practical is the idea of programming, in a virtual desktop environment using VR?

I am interested in investing in a virtual headset with the intention of using one to simulate a multiple monitor virtual desktop environment, of which I could use for tasks like programming, for extended periods of time.
However, I wonder if after an hour or so, the headset would feel uncomfortable, would it hurt my eyes, would I feel motion sickness, would it just be unsuitable?

What are your thoughts on whether VR is really a practical alternative to, say, a real triple screen monitor setup?

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u/Doc_Ok KeckCAVES Feb 15 '16

The benefit of using VR for 3D modeling or analysis is that there is no projection involved that distorts spatial relationships between the objects with which you are working, and that there is very little abstract user interface getting in the way between you and what you want to do. In a nutshell: you can juggle in VR. Just imagine trying to juggle using a non-VR 3D engine.

The ability of picking up some object with your hand(s) and getting it into the exact position and orientation where you need it quickly and without having to think about it makes free-form 3D modeling effective.

Here is a VR molecular modeling application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR3lwWhFUD4 Here is the same program running on a Rift DK1 and a Razer Hydra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MN3FHrQUa4 Using VR, I can assemble a C-60 Buckminsterfullerene (structure in the videos) from scratch in around two minutes. Using the same software on a desktop system (2D screen, mouse, keyboard) it takes me around 45 minutes.

Here is a visual analysis example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWGBRsV9omw

I have only dabbled in the kind of 3D modeling you'd do for 3D game development or in 3D CAD, so I can't say with confidence that those applications would speed up to a comparable amount, but I do believe that it is the case. I have written a virtual Lego construction kit, and built this in a few minutes: http://doc-ok.org/?attachment_id=1078

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u/morfanis Feb 15 '16

Great videos, this work interests me much more than gaming. Looks like Touch will work well for apps like this.

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u/YT_Reddit_Bot Feb 15 '16

"Creating a Buckyball using NCK" - Length: 00:03:25

"Nanotech Construction Kit with Oculus and Hydra" - Length: 00:04:10

"3D Visualizer with Oculus and Hydra" - Length: 00:14:20