The Types of VR Used in Training
- jesse barratt
- Mar 24
- 5 min read
Understanding 3DOF vs. 6DOF VR and How They Power Learning
What Is VR Training?
VR Training is a way to teach people using virtual reality (VR). It lets you put on a headset and learn in a digital world, almost like being inside a video game. Instead of reading books or watching videos, you can do the task yourself in a safe, fun, and realistic way.
Businesses, schools, and even the military use VR Training to help people learn faster, remember more, and feel more confident in real-life situations.
Two Main Types of VR: 3DOF vs. 6DOF
When we discuss the realm of VR Training, it is essential to understand that there are primarily two types of VR headsets that dominate the market: the 3DOF (Three Degrees of Freedom) and the 6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom). Each type offers distinct capabilities and experiences, making them suitable for different training applications and user interactions.
1. 3DOF (Three Degrees of Freedom)
The 3DOF headset provides users with the ability to:
✅ Look up and down
✅ Turn your head left and right
✅ Tilt side to side
However, one significant limitation is that users cannot walk around or navigate in space. This experience can be likened to sitting comfortably in a chair while simply turning your head to observe the virtual environment around you, which can limit the sense of immersion.
🎯 Best for:
Seated training sessions, where the focus is on observation rather than movement.
Watching immersive 360° videos that provide a panoramic view of the environment.
Trade show demonstrations, where showcasing content to an audience is essential.
First-time users, who may benefit from an easier learning curve and a more straightforward experience.
👍 Strengths:
Easy to use and navigate, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
Typically more affordable headsets are available on the market, which can be beneficial for organizations with budget constraints.
Great for storytelling and basic lessons, allowing users to engage with content without the need for complex interactions.
👎 Limitations:
No movement in space limits the ability to explore environments actively.
Less realistic compared to more advanced headsets, which may detract from the training experience.
Not ideal for hands-on tasks or simulations that require physical interaction with objects or environments.
2. 6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom)
In contrast, the 6DOF headset enhances the user experience by allowing for all the functionalities of 3DOF while adding the ability to:
✅ Walk forward and backward
✅ Move left and right
✅ Crouch, reach, and navigate freely within the virtual space
This capability creates a sense of presence that makes users feel as if they are genuinely part of the virtual world, providing a more immersive and interactive experience.
🎯 Best for:
Hands-on training that requires active participation and interaction with virtual elements.
Safety drills where realistic simulations can enhance preparedness and response skills.
Complex procedures that necessitate detailed practice and repetition in a controlled environment.
Interactive simulations that allow users to engage deeply with the content and learn through experience.
👍 Strengths:
Super realistic interactions that enhance the learning experience and retention of skills.
Great for developing muscle memory, as users can practice movements and techniques in a safe setting.
Perfect for learning by doing, which is often the most effective way to grasp complex concepts and tasks.
👎 Limitations:
Requires more physical space for movement, which may not be available in all training environments.
Generally more expensive, as the technology involved in 6DOF headsets is more advanced and sophisticated.
May require additional setup and technical support to ensure a seamless user experience, which can be a challenge for some organizations.
What About the Content? 360° Video vs. CGI Interactive VR
In addition to the different types of headsets available, it is also crucial to consider the various methods of creating content for VR Training. The type of content can significantly impact the effectiveness of the training experience and the learning outcomes for users.
🎥 Live Action 360° 3D Video
This type of content consists of real video footage captured in all directions, creating an immersive experience akin to stepping inside a movie scene. Users can look around and feel as if they are part of the environment, but the level of interactivity is limited.
🎯 Best for:
Showing real places, providing users with an authentic view of environments.
Guided tours that allow users to explore different locations without leaving their seats.
Storytelling, where the narrative is enhanced by the immersive nature of the video.
👍 Pros:
Feels real, as users are presented with actual footage rather than computer-generated images.
Fast to produce, allowing for quicker deployment of training materials.
Easy for new users to grasp, as the experience is straightforward and intuitive.
👎 Cons:
Limited interactivity, as users cannot engage with the environment in meaningful ways.
Fixed storyline, which restricts user freedom and exploration within the content.
Users cannot walk around or physically interact with objects, which can hinder the learning experience.
🕹️ Custom CGI Interactive Content
This type of content is created within a computer-generated environment, allowing users to move, touch, and interact with everything around them. This level of interactivity provides a significant advantage in training scenarios where hands-on experience is crucial.
🎯 Best for:
Complex training scenarios, such as surgery, mining, or safety procedures, where precise actions are necessary.
Gamified learning experiences that engage users and make training enjoyable.
Multi-user teamwork, facilitating collaboration and communication among participants in a shared virtual space.
👍 Pros:
Full control over the environment, allowing users to navigate and interact as they see fit.
Users can walk, grab, press buttons, and engage with the virtual world in a meaningful way.
Flexibility to change the experience as needed, tailoring the content to specific training requirements or user preferences.
👎 Cons:
Development takes longer to build, requiring a greater investment of time and resources.
Needs more design and development expertise, which can be a barrier for some organizations looking to implement VR training solutions.
Which Is Right for You?
Use Case | Best Tech | Why It Works |
Quick info session | 3DOF + 360° Video | Simple and easy to roll out |
Hands-on skills (like safety drills) | 6DOF + CGI Interactive | Feels real, allows practice |
Trade show product demo | 3DOF + 360° Video | Fast, portable, user-friendly |
Staff onboarding | 6DOF + Interactive | Boosts confidence and retention |
Tour of real-world location | 3DOF + 360° Video | Real footage shows the space |
VR Training isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of learning. Whether you're sitting still and watching a 360° video, or walking through a digital world using your hands, VR makes learning faster, safer, and more fun.
At Canopy Creative, we help businesses choose the right VR headset, the right content type, and the right experience to match their goals. Whether it’s for education, safety, sales, or product training our team builds VR Training that sticks.
Want to know what would work best for your business? Let’s chat.
