New to using VR in the workplace - need tips!
Submitted by csunley on Sat, 10/01/2005 - 20:50.
Hi all,
I've been using Dragon for about 5 months working from home, and it's helped a lot with my RSI (tendonitis and rotator cuff issues). I'd been feeling like I couldn't take a "real" onsite job anymore because of needing to use VR, but I found a job I couldn't pass up - it starts in 3 weeks. It's a writing job and will involve heavy computer work. MY RSI is pretty stable and much improved after surgery on my shoulder 1 year ago, but it gets bad unless I use VR.
There will be no costs involved for my new employer. I have already purchased the software myself, but would like to bring my Dragon training/installation guy to install it in my new workplace (I've never had good luck installing it myself - voice recognition accuracy seems to suffer). I'm quite willing to pay for him myself.
I've already accepted the job offer. Here are a few questions I really need help with!
1) How do I approach my new employer and inform them I use VR? Was I required to do that before they hired me? I have no doubt that I'll be able to perform all the duties of the job, as long as I can use the VR.
2) Is VR really disruptive in a cubicle type set up? What can I do to minimize the disruption to my co-workers? (I'll actually not be dictating all the time - I use it mostly for mousing and navigating.)
3) I just feel really self conscious about using the VR software publicly - any advice?
Thanks in advance for any advice or tips --
Christina
Hi Christina, If it is
Hi Christina,
If it is mainly mousing and navigating you will be doing you can limit the use of Voice Recognition by using a device like a SmartNav3 AT. A simple tiny reflective dot will track your head movement and you can move the mouse anywhere and it has a dwell toolbar which allows you to click, double click, right click, or you can use it in conjunction with voice commands "mouse click" etc.
The other part that tracks just looks like a little web cam sitting on your monitor. I have found with various clients in their workplaces it is far less obtrusive and also more natural and efficient than using DNS where you need to rely on mouse commands or mousegrid working.
Anyway just offering another angle on this. http://www.naturalpoint.com/smartnav/
Jeff
Jeff, Thanks for your
Jeff,
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I checked out the naturalpoint site, but I don't think it would work well for me. I do need to dictate text - just not continuously. Do you have any tips on using DNS in a cubicle environment?
Christina
I find most people I set up
I find most people I set up use both the SmartNav and DNS. They just use the smartnav for moving the mouse and the DNS for everything else. Much faster and more efficient that way. Re DNS in a cubicle environment. I would suggest it is not so much DNS in that environment as the microphone setup you are using. Are you planning to use a headset? If so then check out this site for comments on the best headset that is noise cancelling. If a headset is not crucial and you actually prefer not to have one you can look at a boom arm with a top noise cancelling microphone attached.
The other aspect about working in work environments is to make as much use as possible of customising commands so a single word or two can trigger a range of actions. This assumes you have DNS Professional. Hope this is of some help.
Jeff
Jeff, your reminder about
Jeff, your reminder about using customizing commands is very helpful. The reason I'm hesitant about using SmartNav is that I'm extremely prone to motion sickness. If I simulate moving my head even in very small increments to move a mouse, I get dizzy really quickly. Have you come across this problem?
Yes I have had a client who
Yes
I have had a client who could not use it as it did make them a bit seasick. They were the only one. It is good for you to be wary if this is the case. Good Luck.
Jeff