Equipment for a modest augmented/virtual reality lab
February 22, 2022 8:56 AM Subscribe
I have ~$50k to spend on outfitting a lab for studying decision making in AR/VR. What do I need?
The lab space is relatively small, so I'm not looking at anything that requires elaborate installations. Basically a few workstations that can run headsets at a reasonably good resolution/framerate and support developing virtual environments.
Right now I'm planning on purchasing two VR headsets (Varjo Aero), two AR glasses (Magic Leap 2), and the computers to run them. I've been considering consumer-grade (Emotiv) eeg rigs, but I'm not convinced about them.
What other equipment should I be thinking about?
The lab space is relatively small, so I'm not looking at anything that requires elaborate installations. Basically a few workstations that can run headsets at a reasonably good resolution/framerate and support developing virtual environments.
Right now I'm planning on purchasing two VR headsets (Varjo Aero), two AR glasses (Magic Leap 2), and the computers to run them. I've been considering consumer-grade (Emotiv) eeg rigs, but I'm not convinced about them.
What other equipment should I be thinking about?
Best answer: I would also be looking into furniture to house all of this stuff (even IKEA shelving will do), plus swiveling chairs if you want people to be able to do your stuff seated (and not just standing) and still be able to turn around 360 degrees.
A small rug that lets people know when they're getting close to their guardian though a textural change in the floor is also useful.
Plus hooks and cubby holes to put their things in while they are in VR. A small mirror to allow people to check their appearance before leaving after taking the headset off.
Disinfectant wipes, paper VR masks, hand sanitizer, a set of VR covers for the headsets (silicon is easier to wipe down than foam/cloth), non-latex gloves for those who want them. When I show my VR game in a festival environment, I end up cleaning the headset and controllers constantly between participants so having backups/multiples is good.
Multiple pairs of headphones that you can quickly and easily clean/sanitize.
Clean Boxes to UV sanitize headsets when they are not in use are good to have, but very pricey.
Also think about easy ways to charge the headsets and/or batteries that go inside the controllers should they need them (charging station?) in a way that the headsets don't have to be hooked up to a PC to charge.
Consider if you need to charge something securely overnight (for me it is hard to lock away a headset if it's connected to a cable, at least in my current set up at school, because I'm in a large shared space).
posted by kathryn at 11:27 AM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
A small rug that lets people know when they're getting close to their guardian though a textural change in the floor is also useful.
Plus hooks and cubby holes to put their things in while they are in VR. A small mirror to allow people to check their appearance before leaving after taking the headset off.
Disinfectant wipes, paper VR masks, hand sanitizer, a set of VR covers for the headsets (silicon is easier to wipe down than foam/cloth), non-latex gloves for those who want them. When I show my VR game in a festival environment, I end up cleaning the headset and controllers constantly between participants so having backups/multiples is good.
Multiple pairs of headphones that you can quickly and easily clean/sanitize.
Clean Boxes to UV sanitize headsets when they are not in use are good to have, but very pricey.
Also think about easy ways to charge the headsets and/or batteries that go inside the controllers should they need them (charging station?) in a way that the headsets don't have to be hooked up to a PC to charge.
Consider if you need to charge something securely overnight (for me it is hard to lock away a headset if it's connected to a cable, at least in my current set up at school, because I'm in a large shared space).
posted by kathryn at 11:27 AM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
For AR devices you might want to consider the lighting in the room. Not too bright, not too dark, maybe some dimmable lights to give you options.
Also for AR you might want to consider the space and furnishings. Do you want it empty? do you want the space to represent a specific type of environment, like an office, store or living room or factory?
posted by captaincrouton at 7:06 PM on February 22, 2022
Also for AR you might want to consider the space and furnishings. Do you want it empty? do you want the space to represent a specific type of environment, like an office, store or living room or factory?
posted by captaincrouton at 7:06 PM on February 22, 2022
You may not need EEG, but you MAY want heart-rate monitors with logging, esp. those with a chest strap, esp. if your VR/AR scenarios involve stress.
posted by kschang at 8:59 PM on February 22, 2022
posted by kschang at 8:59 PM on February 22, 2022
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posted by supercres at 9:10 AM on February 22, 2022