Finding Alternative Solutions to Everyday Problems
Mixed reality technology is rapidly gaining popularity in the business world, and for good reason. This innovative technology offers a wide range of benefits that can help businesses increase efficiency, improve training, and enhance collaboration and communication.
What is Mixed Reality?
Mixed reality (MR) is a term that refers to the blending of the physical and digital worlds. In a mixed reality environment, real-world objects and virtual objects coexist and interact with one another in real time, allowing users to interact with the digital world in a more natural and intuitive way. Mixed reality can be experienced through a variety of technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets.
Current mixed reality technology has been well received by businesses, especially the retail market, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve widespread adoption.
Here are some ways businesses can utilize mixed reality to help their organization:
How can VR Benefit the Workplace?
- Improve Internal Operations
Mixed reality provides an immersive way for people to collaborate and work together, regardless of their physical location. The technology can be used as a tool that allows remote team members to participate in meetings and other events as if they were physically present in the same location. This can help to create a more inclusive and engaging work environment and can facilitate better decision making and problem solving within the team.
Some companies have installed mixed-reality rooms to conduct VR meetings and work sessions, while others distribute VR headsets that can be used in the office or remotely. For example, Accenture created their own virtual version of their business and encouraged their employees to learn how to navigate the new virtual reality landscape. The IT company has held successful meetings, training sessions and presentations using mixed reality technology. According to Statista, mixed reality technologies have enhanced over 800 thousand jobs in 2019, and that number is projected to pass 23 million by the year 2030.
- Transform Training Processes
Immersive training simulations created through mixed reality solutions have proven to be incredibly successful across multiple industries. These simulations allow employees to practice complex tasks in a safe and controlled environment, helping to improve their skills and confidence. By allowing employees to practice and make mistakes in a virtual environment, businesses can reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall performance. Mixed reality has been shown to significantly improve information retention rates in learning environments. In fact, Case Western Reserve found that using mixed reality experiences for learning resulted in a 75% increase in information retention rates. This demonstrates the effectiveness of using mixed reality for training, and businesses that implement it into their programs can expect to see a significant return on investment.
- Enhance User Experience
Mixed reality has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses interact with their customers, creating more engaging and personalized experiences that can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction. The technology has already permeated the gaming industry, and smart businesses are taking notice. McDonalds, for example, has filed a trademark for their restaurants to go virtual, potentially allowing people to order food and have it delivered to their door without ever needing to leave the game lobby. In a retail setting, mixed reality can allow customers to virtually try on clothes or see how a piece of furniture would look in their home before making a purchase. According to reports, almost three quarters of consumers reported increased levels of confidence and satisfaction when shopping in a mixed reality experience.
Embrace the Future
Consumers and businesses can benefit from using mixed reality technologies. Mixed reality can provide consumers with a more personalized and authentic experience. Businesses can improve their training, collaboration, and communication within their teams. Adopting mixed reality technologies into your business is a win-win.
