One of the very early VR headsets was literally about the size of a small microwave. These enormous, rudimentary head-mounted displays (HMDs) came about as job aids, specifically for aviation and related needs (look up Thomas Furness and HIT labs). Thankfully, today’s VR headsets used in the workplace or for fun weigh under two pounds. It’s a frequently asked question and the answer is very much yes, VR can happen without a headset.
Offering Alternatives to Headset-Only VR Job Training
For some employees, however, the headset is not an option. Extreme sensitivity to motion sickness is a reality for some. Other physical and/or cognitive differences can rule it out. Whether for physical or other reasons, virtual reality without a headset is one way to go. It’s critical to offer alternatives to headset VR so that all learners can participate and reach their learning goals.
And it’s not just differently-abled needs that require these options. User experience is the second largest obstacle to broader adoption of virtual reality, with 19% of people noting bulky hardware and technical glitches as their primary reason for opting out. VR training solutions are still an option, though.
This article breaks down three VR headset alternatives that allow all of your learners to have similar user experiences.
Three Popular Choices for VR without Headset
- Using cardboard or similar housing
- View content and interact through a smartphone or tablet
- Engage with content, learn tasks or watch VR videos on a PC
VR training, with or without a headset, creates engaging virtual worlds where employees can build skills. Headsets may or may not be an option. Roundtable has worked with countless clients using both HMDs and virtual reality without a headset.
One of the very early VR headsets was about the size of a small microwave. These enormous, rudimentary head-mounted displays (HMDs) came about as job aids, specifically for aviation and related needs (look up Thomas Furness and HIT labs). Thankfully, today’s VR headsets used in the workplace or for fun weigh under two pounds. It’s a frequently asked question and the answer is very much yes, VR can happen without a headset.
First Alternative to a Virtual Reality Headset – Cardboard (Yes, Cardboard)
Virtual worlds can be a quantum leap for job training. Real life learning can happen with something as basic as some cardboard and some clear plastic.
A cardboard headset is a more affordable, lightweight, and scalable option than a typical VR headset. A cardboard VR headset works for organizations that may not be ready to invest in full-scale hardware. These headsets come in at a low price-point (cardboard under $20; hard plastic, polymer or other roughly $50).
These are your definite option for bottom-rung simple tasks related to immediate workplace training needs that need to happen on a huge scale. For US companies, most employees can get the training right away since 91% of Americans have smartphones.
How Do Cardboard VR Headsets Work?
After launching the VR activity on their smartphone, learners place it into the cardboard headset and secure it with velcro straps. Once placed inside the headset, learners interact with VR content.
Interaction happens in a number of ways. Many newer smartphones, such as iPhones and AndroidsiPads, have some element of eye tracking. Also, the phone’s internal gyroscopes are talking in real-time to other components. (Most handheld or worn digital devices operate using these gyroscopic sensors.) These sensors help adjust what the learner sees and hears. And some smartphones can even integrate handheld controllers.
→ Plus, the company-branded cardboard headset is a classic onboarding gift along with other SWAG (Stuff We All Get) for new employees. https://tenor.com/s2Dy.gif
Limitations of a Cardboard Headset
Despite the fun, the low cost and ease of use, there are limitations to a cardboard headset.
- The Material — There are newer polymer-molded or hard-plastic analog smartphone VR headsets. However, these headsets will generally deteriorate faster than digital headsets today, which pass various ingress protection (IP) and other manufacturing protocols.
- Limited to 3 Degrees of Freedom (3 DoF or “three dŏff”) — Learners can’t physically move around within their VR environment to the same degree as with a VR headset. Most full-on digital HMDs for VR sold today are 6DoF.
- Head Strap — Cardboard headsets typically don’t come with a head strap, so learners must physically hold the headset as they complete their activity. Even when strapped tight, cardboard could fail, and a $1000 smartphone slings out and crashes onto the floor. Test the velcro straps before using one, and be sure your phone is locked in tight.
Although there are drawbacks, cardboard VR headsets are a cost-effective, scalable substitute for organizations that may not be ready for full hardware investments. It’s an excellent option for learners who want the immersive experience with personal, disposable equipment they get to keep.
→ Cardboard headsets with a logo are also terrific for subtle branding. Place them on your bookshelf in the background of your Zoom screen.
👉 How To Use A Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset For iPhone And Android – Roundtable Learning
👉 Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset Pros And Cons: Key Factors You Need To Know – Roundtable Learning
Second Option to View: Phone VR without a Headset
If you have learners who aren’t comfortable putting any headset up to their face, you can still use your VR experience.
With a compatible mobile device, such as a phone or tablet, learners can launch a 360° VR activity or a similar module. In addition to interacting via the touchscreen, they can engage content by pointing and motioning the device in different directions.
VR job training without a headset can take place using a standalone mobile device like a smartphone or a tablet as shown here
How Do Mobile VR Course Activities Work?
It reacts and traces similarly to using a cardboard headset, except the capacity to react and engage is enhanced by easier touch. Your learners can access the same activity created for cardboard and participate without putting their phones in the headset. The learner can hold their phone or tablet and physically move side to side with 3DoF to see the same activity and interactions as their peers. Instead of using a handheld controller, learners make selections by tapping their screen.
Limitations of a Mobile Version of VR
- Small Screen Size — The average screen size of a phone is around 6 inches. Held at arm’s length, that size gives the user a lot less immersive perspective on job training.
- Compatibility Issues — Another surprising stat: 42% of US mobile device owners use Androids. So some programs may not be a possibility for all employees. More importantly, some programming languages, game development specs, visual effects, or other outputs are not always cooperative with VR or mobile: it’s critical that organizations ensure their development platform supports mobile formats.
- Device Supply — Employees need to use their own device or have their organization issue them one that’s compatible with the program. We’re all getting a little cagey nowadays about willy-nilly downloading apps with all their accompanying spy gear. This group may include your employees. And, believe it or not, most HMDs are now cheaper than smartphones. Something to think about if you have to distribute devices: a baseline model iPhone 16 costs $799, while a Meta Quest 3S can easily come in at half of that.
A mobile VR activity is a good fit for learners who don’t want to wear any kind of headset and instead would prefer using a phone or tablet to complete an activity that’s still engaging, exciting, and interactive. Phone VR without headset is the ultimate right-here, right-now VR training option.
👉 Free eBook: 7 Step Guide To Creating Your First VR Training Program
Third Choice: Complete a Desktop Version
A desktop version of a VR activity is similar to the mobile version, except it’s accessed through an external processor and displayed on a desktop monitor. By using their mouse and keyboard, learners can interact with VR content.
How Do Desktop VR Activities Work?
Learners can sign in to browser-based modules or use a program that is installed directly. If there is a solid high-speed internet connection and an enterprise-strength CPU, they can also access VR training courses directly through the company’s LMS.
Flatscreen Monitor Virtual Reality without Headset – How to Explore and Interact
- Some laptops now have head-motion tracking in the embedded webcam
- Various mountable/clippable eye, face and motion-tracking sensors are also available
- Sometimes, it’s pretty simple: Extremely well-rendered and high-definition kinetic content that you navigate via old-fashioned clicks, scrolling and a keyboard
A VR activity completed on a desktop doesn’t have the same immersive feel as a headset would provide, but learners are still able to access roughly the same training content. A desktop version is a great way to provide accessibility options for virtually any employee.
Limitations of a Desktop Version of VR
- Lower Immersion Level — Similar to the use of a mobile version of VR, learners aren’t as immersed in the environment as they normally would be with a full-fledged headset.
- Limited Functionality — Learners are limited to the functionality of their device and can only interact through their mouse and keyboard or a very basic peripheral
- Compatibility Issues — Depending on the complexity of the VR experience, some devices may not be able to run the activity. If they do, the level of processing and bandwidth–especially for significantly larger screens than those in a headset–may have noticeable lag time.
A desktop version of a VR activity is still an excellent option for organizations that need something accessible that’s still scalable, convenient, and comfortable for learners.
Don’t Fret Over A VR Headset!
A VR training program is a great way to incorporate hands-on, active learning in your organization. With our three alternatives to a VR headset, you can ensure that each learner is accounted for and comfortable participating in VR activities.
Ready to start planning your VR training program? Check out more of our resources on all things VR, or get started designing your program today.
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Key Takeaways
Intro – VR can be accessed without a headset, and doing so offers flexibility and inclusivity for a broader range of learners.
- Modern VR headsets are lightweight, but not everyone can use them due to issues like motion sickness or cognitive and physical differences.
- Offering VR alternatives is essential for accessible learning, especially for users who can’t engage with headset-based systems.
- Bulky equipment and technical problems are common barriers to adoption; nearly one-fifth of users cite these issues.
- This article presents three specific options for experiencing VR training without a traditional headset.
First Alternative – Cardboard-based VR provides an affordable, scalable way to access immersive training using smartphones and simple materials.
- Cardboard and polymer housings offer a cost-effective entry point into VR training, particularly when wide deployment is needed quickly.
- With most Americans owning smartphones, this method is widely accessible and works well for basic task training.
- Learners insert their smartphones into cardboard viewers, which rely on phone gyroscopes and screen interaction to simulate a virtual experience.
- Downsides include lack of full motion tracking (3DoF vs. 6DoF), material fragility, and firmly securing the phone into the device.
Second Alternative – Mobile VR without a headset allows learners to view and interact with virtual environments directly from their phone or tablet.
- Users can engage VR content by moving or tapping on their phone or tablet without placing it in a headset.
- The experience still supports motion-based interaction, using sensors like gyroscopes to respond to physical orientation changes.
- Screen size and hardware limitations reduce immersion, and not all smartphones are compatible with all platforms.
- Device supply and privacy concerns are factors—smartphones can cost more than VR headsets, and employees may resist downloading apps.
Third Alternative – Desktop-based VR modules allow users to access immersive content using monitors, keyboard, and mouse.
- Desktop versions mimic mobile VR but rely on an external processor and large screen for display.
- Interactivity is achieved through browser-based or downloaded modules, and can be integrated with a company’s LMS.
- Though immersion is lower, learners still benefit from access to full content in a stable, familiar setup.
