Gamification at the Booth: The Virtual Pharmacy in VR

To kick off the year, we had the exciting task of developing a virtual reality simulation for our client Pohl-Boskamp. The simulation was designed specifically for the Apothekentour 2025, a trade show and information event for pharmacies that takes place in many German cities. Here, pharmacy staff (PTAs, pharmaceutical technical assistants) learn about current products and trends. Our goal was to offer booth visitors a special highlight.

The idea behind the VR simulation

Pohl-Boskamp is known for its product GeloMyrtol, which, depending on the symptoms, should be recommended in combination with other products. To train pharmacy staff in this kind of counseling, we developed a virtual pharmacy. The simulation lets users prove in a realistic environment that they can correctly interpret customers’ symptoms and recommend the right combinations of medications.

How the simulation works

After putting on the VR headset, users find themselves in a virtual pharmacy. The VR app welcomes them and briefly explains the controls. Everything is controlled intuitively with bare hands: users press buttons with an outstretched index finger and simply grab products with their hand, just like in real life.

After a short introduction, the simulation starts: a virtual customer enters the pharmacy and describes their problem. Users can then ask about the symptoms in a short dialog. Predefined multiple-choice questions make this quick and easy. Once they have gathered the key information, users pick the right combination of medications from the shelf and sell it to the virtual customer.

Rewards and variety

If users chose the right products and correctly advised the virtual patient based on their symptoms, they are entered into a prize drawing as a reward. The VR app is designed for a playing time of about three minutes. There are various scenarios, which a random generator selects when the simulation starts. This way, visitors can play several rounds and have to choose different combinations of medications each time.

Easy to use and mobile

The simulation is optimized for simplicity, so even people with no VR experience can use the app intuitively without further assistance. Because the app runs on standalone VR headsets, it is easy to transport, takes up little space, and is simple to use. A round takes about three minutes.

A good example of VR at trade shows

The VR pharmacy simulation for Pohl-Boskamp is a good example of how to use virtual reality effectively at trade shows. The game concept is simple and easy to understand. The controls are simple and intuitive. The “game” is round-based and has a short playing time. It takes some concentration and expertise, but with a little thought, anyone can master the tasks. This is how you create lasting brand awareness. The app is not only entertaining but also educational. The Apothekentour 2025 provides the ideal setting to introduce this technology to a wide audience.