Why Not VR?

VR headsets are amazing. But not — usually — for our museum exhibitions. Despite all the times they come up in our meetings.

Why?

1. Not a group thing.
Headsets are individual. Museums aren’t. Do we want an experience for the few? Even the best group setup is for separate people.

2. Pricey.
Equipment, facilities, staff, content: it adds up. Having one headset on a cart is easy. Having a group setup isn’t.

3. Risky investment.
VR keeps hoping for its moment. Will we regret it in the morning? Any tech you can see loses novelty fast.

4. Staff-intensive.
Headsets have to be disinfected every time, and users need help. Will our staff wipe these down? For three years?

5. Not inherently safe.
Users can’t see. At all. Do we want them belted into a swivel stool — like the last VR they tried?

Now, if we made this a two-parter, I could discuss …

… motion sickness
… eyeglasses
… big hairdos
… and lice

… all in one visitor.

But I think we’re good, right?

Here’s the thing:
VR headsets are amazing. But not — usually — for our museum exhibitions.

Warmly,
Jonathan