Creating a virtual reality headset is so small technical challenge on its own. However the feasibility of the technology is only part of the story. In order for VR to be compelling, it must also be easy to use and that’s long before you powering on the machine the drives it. Masayasu Ito, head of hardware at PlayStation talks design challenge.

 The earlier prototype of Project Morpheus had two sets of fit bands, which was a bit too complicated for our tastes, so the designers came up with this one big band that stretches and shrinks pretty easily, so you can handle it with one hand when you’re used to it.

It also lets you to pull out the display when you need to look at a smartphone or drink, because of the weight balance. This was important but super challenging for the designers and we are proud of what they’ve accomplished. 

This is actually something that’s quite profound. If done right, we never think of design and simply use the product at hand. It’s only when something is designed poorly or has obvious shortfalls that the products limitations begin to manifest themselves to us if just using it is frustrating on its own. This is especially important when you consider VR which is a completely new medium. Even if Sony is able to create the most immersive world possible, if the simple task of putting on and off the headset is a challenge, you’re likely to be less inclined to utilize it after a few times with it and in all likelihood, it’s an unconscious decision which makes Sony’s job at reeling you back in that much harder.

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[Via DigitalSpy]