Since our launch announcement last month, our customers are loving InsiteVR on the Oculus Go. We are proud to be the only app on the Oculus Store that allows architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals to virtually meet and review their Revit or Sketchup models on the Oculus Go. We wanted to share impressions from 5 AEC professionals staying ahead of the curve so you can start thinking about how standalone devices can fit into your workflow.

1. Mike Scancarello — Odeh Engineers

The cost and simplicity of the Oculus Go means we can integrate VR in the process for team members for whom the cost and logistics of computer based VR would be too much. In the past, we’ve used an InsiteVR set up with two computer based HMDs for multi-user visualization for large coordination meetings, but additional users were restricted to joining the meeting from their laptops or taking turns with the HMDs. At the price point of the Oculus Go, we will now be able to hand out headsets to several team members so that everyone around the table can jump into VR at the same time to work through complicated coordination issues together. There will be no more need to wait or take turns to visualize the project and the additional HMDs will allow VR collaboration to fit more seamlessly within the coordination process.

Mike’s advice for other AEC professionals thinking about Oculus Go:

The Oculus Go paired with InsiteVR is a must for anyone looking for a cost-effective way to expand their VR capabilities. While the performance and model size will not match that of a desktop based HMD, the Go provides a substantial step up from phone-based VR experiences. Users won’t be able to physically walk around while wearing the Go, but for those using VR for the first time or for use cases with multiple users in the same room, this type of navigation won’t be missed.

2. Ryan McClain — Mills Group Online

I was expecting a major drop from the Rift but it still looks really clean and sharp. A large portion of our clientele live in more remote areas around West Virginia and getting everyone together to enjoy VR isn’t always an available option. The Go solves that. We just show up, tether the Wifi to a good source, and let it rip.

Ryan’s advice for other AEC professionals thinking about Oculus Go:

Get one. For anyone who genuinely cares about solving their core design issues or are concerned about the longevity of their designs, you owe it to yourself and to your client to give them something that was tested, viewed, and understood to a degree that other methods just can’t come close to.

3. Andrew Rider — Woolpert

Obviously the portability and wireless capability of the Oculus Go is one of the biggest advantages. This is really how the VR experience should be. It will allow us to easily share with clients in any setting. No more lugging around a pelican case of VR equipment. I think for the price we will also be able to get this in more hands of employees and clients! I think this will be a great extension of the gear we currently have. The Go will obviously be our go to device when traveling to client meetings or trade shows.

Andrew’s advice for other AEC professionals thinking about Oculus Go:

It’s a no brainer for the price! It really does deliver a lot for a small price compared to what is needed for a traditional VR setup.

4. Justin Benjamin — Perkins+Will

I plan to push Oculus Go integration mostly with model QA/QC by PMs during the design process. With an understanding that we take pride in our Revit projects not being overly modeled (always attempting to keep in mind design flexibility), there is still much we can understand from early immersions. The Oculus Go lends itself to those senior staff not proficient in navigating a Revit file (not to mention, walking the model via Revit is just not as fast and easy as utilizing VR). It is the “no setup required” and super portable aspect of the Oculus Go that will allow staff to grab the Go, sit at their desk and hit the ground running. Walking the model wouldn’t be enough to properly convince these PMs to integrate this type of immersion in their typical project workflow. However, with InsiteVRs app allowing us to redline the model via dictation (impressively simple) and then push those comments to a pdf (with an image associated to each)… Ooooo. Now we are talking.

Justin’s advice for other AEC professionals thinking about Oculus Go:

Just get one. It makes sense.

5. Rodney Ring — PetroTech

We love the portability and ease of use of the Oculus Go compared to other VR headsets. It is truly a plug-n-play system that accomplishes our business objectives at economical price. We have distributed the Oculus Go to our clients and construction contractors to serve as the primary VR device for reviewing models and meeting in InsiteVR. Our employees that are not required to travel will continue to use the Oculus Rift as their primary VR device because of its increased functionality.

Rodney’s advice for other AEC professionals thinking about Oculus Go: