Can organizations create DITA specializations for technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Organizations can indeed create DITA specializations for emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This adaptability of DITA specialization is critical for staying at the forefront of technology and providing users with up-to-date documentation. Here’s how organizations can create DITA specializations for AR and VR:

1. Specialized Topics: When introducing AR and VR technologies, organizations can develop specialized DITA topics dedicated to these technologies. These topics can cover essential information, such as hardware setup, software installation, and usage guidelines. By doing this, users can access in-depth, technology-specific content when needed.

2. Integration of Media Elements: AR and VR often involve visual and interactive elements. DITA specialization allows organizations to seamlessly integrate media elements like images, videos, and interactive 3D models into their documentation. This enables users to grasp complex concepts and procedures related to AR and VR more effectively. In the example below, you can see how DITA XML can include a 3D model of a VR headset:

<!-- Example: Integration of 3D Model -->
<topic id="t4321">
  <title>Setting Up Your VR Headset</title>
  <body>
    <p>Follow these steps to assemble your VR headset:</p>
    <figure>
      <media href="vr_headset.3dmodel" format="3dmodel">
        <alt>VR Headset Assembly</alt>
      </media>
      <caption>Assemble the VR headset components.</caption>
    </figure>
    <p>Once assembled, your VR headset is ready for use.</p>
  </body>
</topic>

3. User Interaction Guidelines: DITA specialization enables organizations to provide specific user interaction guidelines for AR and VR applications. These guidelines can cover navigation, interaction gestures, and troubleshooting. Users can access this tailored information to make the most of their AR and VR experiences.

By creating DITA specializations for AR and VR, organizations can effectively document these technologies and ensure that their users have access to comprehensive and technology-specific content.