Immersive technology, the term for describing virtual reality (VR), is now becoming more popular than ever and after years of development, it has now become mainstream.
Big companies such as Samsung and Google are using VR developer teams to launch innovative versions of VR devices and reaping the benefits in a big way.
VR is the use of computer technology to produce high-end simulated experiences that are close to real-world situations.
For VR to work effectively, headsets are used for visual immersion, and handhelds are used to offer tactile sensations.
There are several ways VR can benefit businesses, both in their processes and in the customer service journey.
Let’s explore:
The Different Ways VR Can Help Businesses
Most people relate VR to gaming. But VR can offer real business value too. Businesses are now coming up with innovative techniques to include VR into their processes and are making their operations more efficient and productive.
Some of the biggest business benefits of VR include:
Improved In-Store Experiences
Virtual reality is a valuable technology for the retail industry. It lets consumers take their shopping experience outside of the store.
It provides an extension of online shopping where shoppers can experience products and not just see them. They can try on clothes, try out products and use services in life-like situations.
Enhanced Training
Training employees in specialized skills can be challenging with costly and time-consuming procedures.
But by offering employees a chance to experience practical, hands-on training in a safe virtual environment, skills can be learned faster, while learning is improved, and workplace productivity and safety can be enhanced.
Introducing Products to New Audiences
Quality VR content can take product presentations to a new level. It offers a great way to show off products or services as well as creating more interactive shopping experiences.
It enables consumers to use the content in a more immersive environment that creates a deeper connection with them.
Better Recruitment Processes
With VR, you can conduct interviews with potential candidates that live in other countries. It allows you to watch the candidate’s reactions and body language as if that person is sitting in front of you.
Innovative Workspaces
Using VR to replace desktop monitors can bring physical benefits. It can free up desk space and provide a wider spatial and more customizable area to arrange applications.
How to Hire the Right VR Engineer
VR is a highly involved process. And it includes many moving parts, including database management, storytelling, UI and UX design, sound and motion design, 3D modeling, and more. This means you need a diverse professional to add to your team.
Let’s take a look at the best way to hire a good VR expert:
Defining Your VR Project
The first thing to consider is what you need the VR engineer to do. This may depend on what type of VR app you require, how complex it will be, and how far along in the development and planning phases you are.
Focus on Skills and Experience
A quality VR engineer has sufficient experience, a detailed portfolio and is proficient in the right program software and program languages.
Preferred programming languages can differ according to the platform but are usually C#, C++ and similar languages. A good engineer should also have knowledge and skills in working in the Gear VR developer mode.
In addition to their technical skills, the right VR engineer is expected to have a range of soft skills, including logical thinking, problem-solving capacity and good communication.
A Passion for Innovation
VR projects are all about pushing innovation. Therefore, it is important to look for a Unity or Gear VR developer that has a passion for pushing the boundaries of technologies and staying ahead of new research in the field. This passion can be identified in thorough interview phases and test projects.
Decide on Hiring In-House or Outsourcing
This is a major factor to consider. When hiring in-house, you have to source local talent, set up a work environment, and invest in the right hardware and resources.
With outsourcing, you often have access to a bigger talent pool and can save on renting office space and hardware.
Outsourced developers can also be hired for a certain project period only, allowing you to save capital in the long run.
Plan Your Budget
If you’re looking to hire a Unity, Gear, or Udacity VR developer, you need to take into account your budget and choose accordingly. This is because the salary depends on their level of experience and skills.
If this seems like too much time and effort spent, you can always consider outsourcing. In this way, you save time, reduce costs, and collaborate with experts who have wider networks and can find the best talent.
As you would expect, with the growing virtual reality market, there is a large demand for VR developers.
This is why it is so important to know exactly where and how to hire a developer with the right background and skills for your specific project.
The Cost of Hiring a VR Developer in Different Countries
Location is an essential variable that can affect a VR developer’s cost. A big advantage to outsourcing talent is the access to a bigger talent pool.
Let’s explore the cost of developers in VR in different countries:
The average annual salary to hire VR developer candidates in the United States is $94,197. In Canada, it is slightly lower at $70,000.
In the United Kingdom, the annual average salary for a virtual reality engineer is even less at $54,964. It’s more or less the same in Germany at $58,606.25.
Outsourcing to Eastern European countries is often the most affordable option. For example, skilled and experienced VR developers in Ukraine can provide high-quality services for as little as $35 an hour or at an average of $30,000 per year.
It is important to remember that these salaries can vary largely depending on the level of skills and experience a developer has.
Power up Your Business With VR
The many benefits and use cases for virtual reality are already clear to industries, including consumer services, retail, manufacturing, transportation and healthcare.
With the right planning, VR can give your business a powerful boost. But it is important to hire the right resources for successful implementation and product adoption within the company.
