Thursday 1 June 2017

Virtual & Augmented Reality will Change the Office

To start, I am sure no one will look as cool as me interacting in a VR world, LOL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5ClunZdt9M Special thanks to Matt Wright of Mammoth VR for this experience. 
How far away are we from VR taking over the communication space in the office? Some people say 2-3 years, but others say it is much closer than that. Google just released its Pixel smartphone and Daydream VR set; it is affordable. Facebook's Oculus Rift is a little pricey, but it is dropping. Apple has been hiring top talent in the VR world, so it will not be long before they release something. 
We have all experienced bad video conference calls using Skype, GoTo Meeting or any other platform. Currently, you are looking at a small photo or video on the computer. With VR, you look at the person talking to you by turning your head because the are right beside you. Their facial expressions, hand gestures are all real, you can even high five them after the meeting. How sweet will it be if your meeting background is Niagara Falls or some other exotic location?
VR will also increase engagement of the remote worker. Some companies are leery of remote work because it might affect the culture. Having H2H (Human 2 Human) contact is necessary, and this is a solution. Today, human capital is the most valuable capital in every company, no matter what industry it is in. It is critical to invest in people and their experiences. 
Imagine the benefits of training in VR. Oil companies can simulate scenarios like never before. For example, an employee can practice fixing an on-site oil spill or leak. You can create a 3D model that's leveraged virtually to see pipes and electrical wiring behind walls. HR can train sensitive issues or even conduct the interview in VR. Why read a resume when you can have the interviewee simulate different situations. Onboarding, E-Learning, Continued Education can be done virtually. 
The real life experiences a person or company receives from VR are limitless. Technology changes fast and the future of AR/VR is ............... just imagine. 

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