So there are a lot of terms getting thrown around, like artificial reality, virtual reality, VR, immersive multimedia, and computer-simulated life. While all of these concepts are within the same family, virtual reality VR has been getting a lot of buzz, so we’ll start there.
What is VR?
VR replicates an environment that simulates a physical presence in the real world or imagined worlds, and allows for user interaction. I know, that’s a mouthful, but when you experience it firsthand, it’s truly transforming.
VR artificially creates sensory experiences that are enhanced by creating levels of visual dimension, layered with sound, touch, and sometimes smell – taking you from where you are currently to a whole new place (without leaving your seat).
This may sound far out there, but many brands and industries have been using the fundamentals of virtual reality for the past 60 years. Fast-forward to today and the question is – how does VR become a part of everyday life? VR could quite possibly change the way we work, play, and interact with each other because it is becoming readily available to the masses.
According to experts, VR spending by consumers could reach $21.8 billion by 2020. Meanwhile, Business Insider predicts that 26.5 million virtual reality headsets will be sold over the next five years.
And while these new uses for immersive technology are in their infancy stages, consumers are giving them the thumbs-up – with reports stating 35% of consumers would switch to online shopping instead of going into a store, because virtual reality would give them “a more realistic feel for the product experience.”
What does this mean for you?
1. Get on board early: Uses for this technology translate across all industries, including
healthcare, HR, training, talent acquisition, retail, fashion, and packaged goods, just to name a
few. So if you’re not engaging, your competitors will be.
2. VR can equal cost savings: That’s right, location-based tours, employee training, product demos,
testing, etc… can all be done virtually – eliminating some of the costs around needing tangible
spaces, sampling, and dedicated staffing.
3. Create brand explorers: These experiences with your brand provide opportunities for audiences to
engage in their own way – they become the explorers and the immersion offers them unforgettable
experiences (aligned with your brand) because they’re in control and can make it personal.
Stay tuned as we examine VR and unique ways it can be included in your marketing mix to create memorable interactions and allow audiences to do things in ways they never imagined.
Want to brainstorm around VR and immersive technology with us? Drop us a line.
