Virtual reality, or VR, is an immersive experience that is made from realistic or synthetic content. Augmented reality, AR, is an overlay of content into the real world; it’s a mixture of real and virtual content that cannot interact. Mixed reality, MR, integrates virtual elements into reality, and this content can interact with the environment in real-time. Mixed reality further blurs the lines between physical and virtual realities and allows people to solve problems and experiment in innovative ways they once were unable to.
A survey by Gartner revealed that 74 percent of CFOs plan to have a percentage of their employees permanently work remotely even after the end of COVID-19. This decision was made based on higher productivity rates and lower operating costs resulting from having fewer employees work from the office. Because of this shift, more mixed reality solutions are being implemented to make remote work feel immersive and engaging. This new era of work is driven by technology and it’s important not to fall behind in these advances.
Currently, the top ways mixed reality has been implemented are through virtual labor on production floors, virtual customer visits, virtual product design and virtual employee training. Outlined are just a few benefits of mixed reality in the workplace:
Superior employee training.
Mixed reality drastically improves the quality of employee training. By creating a simulated environment, new employees can work through problems in real-time the same way they would if it was happening. This promotes active engagement and learning instead of working through “what-if” scenarios in their head. This results in more learning retention and less risk for mistakes when dealing with these scenarios in the real world.
More effective product design.
In fields where product design is an integral aspect of companies, such as construction, engineering and technology, mixed reality provides innovative ways to streamline and facilitate creativity. Employees can now experiment with new ideas without taking up as many resources or time, making them less hesitant to share their ideas. Once a product is drafted, you can dive into these 3D creations and see the big picture and the intricate details of each design. The virtual product can also be tested in real-world situations to help visualize improvements that could be made.
Improved customer experience.
Companies and employees are not the only people who benefit from mixed reality. With enhanced marketing, customers can engage in brand experiences and messages to get a natural feel for a product or service before choosing to purchase. They can see what a product such as a furniture piece or television would look like in their homes or explore the interior of a new car without having to be physically inside of it. Mixed reality allows us to interact with virtual content as easily as we would physical objects.
Mixed reality also increases collaboration in a remote workspace. Employees can now feel as if they are in meetings with people through holographic projections. Conversations can be translated in real-time through spoken word and subtitles, eliminating any potential language barriers you may face. Other companies are also creating smart glasses where employees can take notes or send emails through these headsets.
It’s important for companies to be proactively investigating how mixed reality can fit into their work environment as it becomes more popular. AV Planners can help you navigate what mixed reality can mean for your business. Contact AV Planners to learn more about our services. Keep up with the latest news from AV Planners on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.