The future is here, and it looks a lot better with goggles on. VR technology is nothing new, in fact it has been around since the mid-80’s. If you want a history click the link below. https://www.fi.edu/virtual-reality/history-of-virtual-reality#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20the%20term,technologists%20were%20developing%20simulated%20environments.

What I saw in the 90’s is nothing compared to what we are using today. Virtual Reality is being utilized in such a way now that the visions of my younger self only dreamt of as a possibility. With the accessibility of VR increasing for that of consumers and the drop in cost. It doesn’t seem so far fetched for a dystopian future of that of Ready Player One. But outside of the gaming and entertainment industries, there are many other realms of possibilities for VR.

• Military
• Healthcare
• Education
• Design

This is just a short list but each one encompasses a lot of potential uses. The US military uses VR in all branches for use in combat training and in flight simulators. Also in the realm of military and breaching into healthcare is the use of VRET (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) . Which is being used for the treatment of PTSD in Veterans returning from combat. In Healthcare VR can be used in ways similar to that of combat training in the way one would prepare for surgical situations and learning how to perform different procedures. Which not only would save money but could also save lives.

Educational aspects are that imagine a class in high school social studies learning about Ancient Rome or Pompeii. “Okay class, everyone don your goggles and were going to visit the Colosseum and then we’ll go to Pompeii.” Being a visual learner I would love that class.

What I find most interesting and see as a compelling future use for VR in in the way of design. As you see in about every aspect of life and in our desire to be part of social media, seems to be marketability for advertising within the digital space. AR (Augmented Reality) although slightly different can produce similar results. Where VR- removes the user from the physical environment thru a headset. AR- allows the user to become part of the experiential environment. This is usual thru a mobile device and QR codes, that allows you to find “easter eggs” throughout the world you are traversing. So say like Pokemon GO for example. These items in your environment that you would find has computer generated information embedded within it.

Companies like Scope AR, which is a global leader in developing augmented reality solutions and products for industrial clients focused around field maintenance, manufacturing, and training. This company makes not only goggles but also develops the software that is needed for this function. So a company can have an environment built that has all the specs to a specific piece of machinery. And all the information needed to make repairs or run diagnostics on that machinery. Simply place the Scope goggles on and you can make repairs on that equipment with real time instruction and guidance

I see so many possibilities within graphic design that I could being used. Like in the process of environmental design. I’m sure programs like Sketch up are used in ways to be able to show the client how the existing environment would turn out after a design campaign is brought to completion. But making it possible to walk thru a space in VR both before and after a design implement has to be a nice option.

Where the initial audience and usage may have been within the gaming community the increased availability, size and cost reduction of computers has opened a new realm of possibilities for VR . Perhaps a Virtual or Augmented Reality Renaissance is apon us.

There are a myriad of inventions out there that I could talk about with the intent of assisting a disabled audience. However, I don’t find the benefit of tearing apart products that assist those with needs. So we are going to discuss the Roomba! Yes thats right!! Likely the only robot that you will own in your lifetime. Not what I envisioned as a young child when watching the Jetson’s.

So, lets bring the attention to the robot on the right. This item was built to serve a purpose and that one was to clean your floors. To sweep being more specific. Some might think that to own a Roomba by iRobot is excessive, or even lazy. But the invention and the design of the Roomba meets the mark on many levels. Yes the concept for the Roomba is to clean your floors. But the real winner in the idea is those that have limitations to continual cleaning of there house. Even at the entry level model of the Roomba it meets all requirements of someone who has barriers allowing them to clean their home.

Design

Simplifying the overall design of the vacuum was the first success in my opinion. The old design is really bad if you think of it. Sure it’s nice you can stand upright while operating a vacuum but it’s impossibly difficult at times to clean under things. So building the Roomba with a very low profile makes absolute sense. Leaving the ability to clean under all those hard to reach areas.

Cost

Admittedly the Roomba is not the expensive nor is it all that affordable. Many folks who really can benefit from the function and ability of the Roomba, likely wouldn’t have the ability to attain one or have the means within their disposable income. Ranges vary in price from $299.99 up to $899.99. I don’t care what you say ,that is a hefty purchase, that many can’t afford.

Problem Solving

The Roomba fixes the problem and not the person. Looking at the user as a person with a disability with mobility. It solves the problem with the ability to perform a task as simple as sweeping. The entry model basically starts and goes forward until it bumps into something and them turns and keeps on until it bumps into something and repeat. All you have to do is empty the hopper. Unless you want to invest $$$ it traverse your home with much more efficiency by mapping out your home.

Conclusion

As i said this is a purchase that answers an easy issue that many have. The inability to clean your floors, due to physical limitations or due to lack of time or desire to perform the menial task of sweeping. I don’t find that anyone is really excluded from the design of the Roomba at least not in the sense of its capabilities but more some in the realm of being able to afford the product. If the actual purpose for this product was to assist those with a decreased ability to clean then the price should be lowered to offer more people a chance to own one. Otherwise sale it for exactly what it is… a vacuum.