2020: The year we reinvent how we're living and communicating with others.
The current pandemic has forced entire industries to re-evaluate how they operate. Everyone, regardless of industry, has been fast-tracked into adopting technology at a rate we’ve never seen before.
We need to adapt quickly, leveraging new technology is a survival strategy now.
Virtual conferencing (VC) is a fairly new way of working for the masses. It’s mostly associated with a common Zoom-Esque meeting style – but there are far more options available than just seeing your colleague’s faces on a grid every Monday morning.
We’re exploring something new and immersive: virtual spaces. They’re engaging, interactive and at a loss for a better phrase – pretty cool.
Brands and agencies are now seeing how virtual spaces aren’t just a fad for events, something to dismiss, but a vital tool in creating meaningful experiences.
It’s getting exciting!
Want to explore the possibilities of new technologies? Get in touch to explore ideas.
Want to explore the possibilities of new technologies? Get in touch to explore ideas.
What are virtual spaces?
Simply, the most immersive way to communicate virtually.
Technically it’s a 3D environment you step into, as an avatar via headsets or through a desktop. It’s designed to keep you engaged (well the good ones are). These Hubs act like a virtual intranet, accessible and scalable. The flexibility is what’s most exciting, it can be used to host virtual events, demonstrate new digital products or even house interactive content internally.
Hesitations?
The main hesitation with brands not exploring this space, is simply not knowing where to begin.
Preliminary questions remain unanswered:
– How tech savvy does our audience need to be?
– Is this exclusive for Millennials and Gen Z?
– Do we all need headsets to experience this?
– How do we use it?
– Do we need it?
Engagements
If engagement is the goal, then you need to explore VC options.
Firstly, no solution available fits all scenarios. There is a HUGE difference with hosting a one-off live event for 100 people, a virtual product launch or creating your very own immersive real-estate.
At the risk of sounding cliche ‘anything is possible’, it’s about what your end objective is and then choosing the right platform to deliver.
We’re getting calls for a lot of different types of experiences and kick-starters, a few of those examples include:
Conferences, Webinars & Panel Discussions:
Keynote presentations
Live, Interactive Q&A with audience
Meet & Greet spaces for networking
Product Demonstrations:
Tactile features that allow viewers to see products up close, from multiple angles.
‘Try on’ clothes on your VR avatar
E-commerce opportunities
Live Performance Events
Live music & spoken word performances
Real-time avatar performances
Social interaction and community building
The ways in which VC can be leveraged both for internal communication and external are endless.
The flexibility to design custom spaces with high levels of interaction, using gamification elements means this will most likely be the future of learning too.
What Next?
Determining whether this is a creative route you should explore as a brand, and what platform to be exploring with is a minefield.
It’s why we’re taking you through best practices and the pro’s and con’s of each platform via video on Thursday 18th June.
We’re always looking to expand our network of creative collaborators, from technical specialists to people that work in more traditional art forms. LAUNCH exists to blend the barriers between creative practices and new tech. Get in touch to explore ideas.
