Explanation
A widget is a compact, independent interface element that is inserted into a web page or application to add a specific functionality without modifying the rest of the site. In an immersive context, widgets allow the integration of 360° virtual tours, immersive video players, or 3D configurators directly into an existing website.
Real-world example
The small weather player on your phone's home screen, or the live chat box that appears in the bottom-right corner of a website.
Practical applications
- Embedding a 360° viewer directly in a product page of an e-commerce site
- Adding a mini virtual tour player to a real estate blog post
- Displaying an interactive 3D configurator on a sales page
- Inserting a chatbot or virtual assistant into an immersive training platform
Types of widgets in an immersive context
360°/3D display widgets
- 360° viewer embedded in a web page
- Virtual tour player with built-in navigation
- Interactive 3D product preview
- Spherical panorama with clickable hotspots
Example: An EasyStory 360 widget embedded on a hotel website, letting visitors tour the rooms without leaving the page
Interaction and analytics widgets
- Button to launch a VR/AR experience
- Feedback collection module after a virtual tour
- Miniature dashboard displaying engagement statistics
- Contextual contact form within a 360° scene
Example: An analytics widget showing the real-time number of visitors in a virtual tour
VR scenario
A real estate developer embeds a 360° virtual tour widget on each property listing on their website. The visitor clicks the widget, explores the apartment in 360° without leaving the page, then fills out the contact form integrated into the same widget. The developer tracks engagement statistics from a dashboard widget in their back office.
Why it matters in professional VR
- Widgets allow immersive experiences to be integrated without redesigning an existing website
- They facilitate the mass distribution of 360° content by adapting to any platform
- A well-designed widget improves user engagement by making immersive experiences accessible in one click
- Widget modularity allows combining multiple immersive functionalities on a single page