Announced its first virtual vision headset at WWDC 2023VisionProAfterwards, the market had different opinions and criticisms on this Apple product. Even Meta CEO Mark Zuckberg believed that Apple's concept did not go beyond the scope of previous exploration. However, the design guidelines provided by Apple to developers show that Apple's approach is obviously more focused on helping developers create more attractive virtual visual application content, thereby matching hardware specifications to present a better virtual visual interactive experience.
In the design guidelines provided to developers, Apple does not want developers to present content with a completely new interface, but rather to "extend" the interface that users are accustomed to, so that users can have a higher sense of familiarity with the operations and use the corresponding application service functions of Vision Pro more naturally.
Combined with more natural and intuitive gesture interactions, the user's operating experience in the virtual visual environment can be simplified and reduced, avoiding the feeling of being overwhelmed. This allows users to more easily transition from their original operating experience on iPhone, iPad or Mac without having to go through the process of relearning how to use it.
However, the usage mode has changed to a certain extent, so Apple must also add a new usage mode to the Vision Pro operation. For example, the screen zooming, dragging and closing methods are different from iPhone and Mac models.
In terms of the actual user experience, since direct perception and interaction through vision and gestures are still different from traditional operations via mouse, keyboard, or even direct touch, Apple hopes that developers can use rounded corners and nearly arc-shaped lines when designing interfaces. For example, most windows that appear in the user experience will use obvious rounded corners, and the virtual keyboard keys will be presented in circles.
According to Apple, the human eye is more comfortable with circular interfaces in virtual environments. Traditional rectangular windows, on the contrary, can put more pressure on the eyes or cause loss of focus in virtual environments. Therefore, it is recommended to add a circular design to the operating interface to help improve the user experience.
In addition, Apple has added more intuitive operation designs based on the user's familiar operation. For example, by continuously looking at a specific location, the control cursor can automatically focus on the content being viewed, allowing users to directly select or zoom in and out through gestures. The operation content will also be presented in different preset size ratios depending on the type.
Compared with the virtual visual space interaction mode conceived by other companies, the operation screen will always remain in front of the user's eyes and will only be moved away through gestures, controllers, etc. when necessary. However, it will not adjust when the user's viewing angle changes. Therefore, Apple's design allows the operation screen to automatically adapt to the user's different perspectives, and will not interfere with the user's vision when no operation is required.
To enhance the user's sense of immersion, Apple has also made many detailed designs in the Vision Pro's operating interface and experience. For example, through screen dimming adjustment, users can more easily focus on the content in front of them without being distracted by the content displayed nearby. In addition, through reflections, light refraction, and sound spatial sense, users can be more immersed in the virtual visual space.
Although many people think that Vision Pro does not seem to bring any obviously impressive new features, Apple obviously hopes to first get many details right and provide developers with tools that make it easier for them to create virtual vision application content and services. In this way, before this virtual vision headset is launched, it can help developers create rich application services and make virtual vision content that can impress more people.
To give users a higher sense of immersion, Apple not only equipped the Vision Pro with a micro LED display panel that can cope with higher display density, allowing users to significantly reduce the lattice visual experience produced by traditional virtual vision headsets, but the headband design on the back even allows users to use the Vision Pro while lying down, meaning users can wear and use this device for longer periods of time.
Therefore, from a holistic perspective, Apple's product strategy for Vision Pro is not to win by relying on new functional experiences, but rather to improve the user experience of traditional virtual visual headsets while enhancing more detailed user experiences. It also provides sufficient resources for developers to create more satisfying virtual visual interactive content.
Apple has clearly successfully launched a new content development platform in Vision Pro. What kind of development will happen next depends on how developers make good use of the resources provided by Apple to innovate.
