Auto-rotating a virtual tour in NestTrail enhances the user experience by automatically rotating the view, allowing users to see a 360-degree perspective of the environment without manual interaction. This feature is particularly useful for exhibitions, product showcases, real estate tours, and unattended displays where users might want to passively explore the space.
Enabling Auto Rotation
To activate Auto Rotation for your tour, navigate to Virtual Tours -> Editor UI from the side menu. Once inside the Editor UI, click on the top-left menu icon to access the settings menu. From the list of options, select Auto Rotation, then enable it by checking the Show field. This ensures that the auto-rotation feature is active for your tour.
Configuring Auto Rotation Settings
After enabling Auto Rotation, you can customize its behavior using the available settings. The key parameters include:
Rotation Speed: The rotation speed determines how fast the tour view moves when auto-rotation is enabled. The values range as follows:
0 - Disables auto-rotation completely.
-1 to -10 - Rotates the tour clockwise at different speeds, with -10 being the fastest.
1 to 10 - Rotates the tour counterclockwise, with 10 being the fastest speed.
Inactivity Timeout: This setting determines how long the tour must remain idle before auto-rotation begins. If no user interaction (such as clicking, panning, or zooming) occurs within the specified time, the tour will start rotating automatically. Setting an appropriate inactivity timeout ensures a seamless and natural experience, particularly for kiosks or unattended exhibitions.
Best Practices for Auto Rotation
Optimize Speed for User Comfort: Avoid setting the rotation speed too high, as it can cause discomfort or disorientation for viewers. A moderate speed (-3 to 3) usually provides the best experience.
Consider Inactivity Timing: Set a reasonable inactivity timeout (e.g., 10-20 seconds) to prevent abrupt movement while still engaging passive viewers.
Use Auto Rotation for Passive Viewing: If your tour is displayed in a public space, showroom, or trade exhibition, enabling auto-rotation ensures continuous engagement even when users are not interacting with the tour.
Saving and Applying Changes
Once you have configured the auto-rotation settings, click Save at the top-right corner of the page to apply the changes. Preview the tour to ensure that the rotation speed and timing align with your expectations.
Conclusion
Enabling Auto Rotation in NestTrail adds an automated, dynamic element to your virtual tours, making them more engaging and accessible. Whether used for passive viewing, immersive experiences, or promotional displays, auto-rotation ensures that your tour remains visually appealing and interactive even when no manual navigation is taking place.