Remote working has become central to how many enterprises and organisations now operate.
Virtual reality (VR) can offer these companies and institutions innovative technological solutions to make doing so even more effective.
What the Covid-19 pandemic has done is accelerate processes that were already underway, with more people integrating technology into their working lives, and more companies relying on tech as part of their essential infrastructure.
Where does VR fit into this picture?
Remote working is not simply a trend, or a response to the current disruption arising from the pandemic. This is how many people will continue to work in the future, and VR can provide ways of optimising this.
Virtual reality is really an umbrella, under which sit various platforms and tools with multiple functions.
However, there are 3 key areas where VR will transform remote working:
- Real time collaboration and communication
- Data visualisation
- Design and review processes
1- Communicate and Collaborate in Real Time
Yes, you can quickly click to open or send an email. And yes, you can organise one-to-one and group meetings through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom. But VR offers a whole new level of engaging with content, coming together on projects collaboratively while still working remotely.
VR tools can create unique spaces in which users participate, contribute and collaborate.
Advanced virtual reality platforms include a high level of flexibility and adaptability, working with different native applications, and encouraging users to access collaborative spaces using various devices and channels. In these virtual collaborative spaces, teams can meet and present information as scalable 3D visualisations, modifying and highlighting them in real time.
A major distinguishing feature of VR is that it is immersive. Being so helps address issues of engagement when it comes to remote working. VR provides graphically dynamic formats for presenting and interacting with ideas and data, making it a highly effective and engaging project management tool.
2- Visualise Data Dynamically
Data is fundamental to successful business operations, and its presentation and interpretation are crucial for teams working remotely.
When working in close, physical proximity to others, and when presenting complex concepts and detailed data, you have the benefit of face-to-face communication. Remote working removes this human aspect, including how you convey, and read body language.
What, then, will help you overcome barriers to clear communication when working with complex content remotely?
Just as the infographic can make information graphically appealing and accessible in 2D, so VR can transform it using 3D.
Not only can you make raw data clear and visually appealing, you can also modify and work with it in real-time. Techviz provides this capability with its collaborative software for VR displays. TechViz XL enables users to display 3D data, collaborate on project reviews and participate in immersive experiences.
In this way, VR combines presentation and collaboration in one multi-functional, immersive package.
3- Design and Review Remotely
We think of design and review as being very much tied to certain functions and industries, but in fact, design and review are vital for a broad range of project management processes.
The principle of design and review is a sound one: it is about improving outcomes by evaluating a proposal, using feedback and observation.
How can VR help with this?
When working remotely, clarity in communication is vital, and VR can support this, offering visual interpretations and insights, where there could be obstacles or problems in understanding or reaching project milestones.
3D modelling and visualisation capture concepts and display them in ways that are easy to grasp, and easy to interact with and modify.
Advanced head mounted displays (HMDs), such as the Varjo XR-1, provide a form of immersive computing, blending physical, augmented and virtual realities. This enables users to design and modify 3D models and explore research scenarios that are virtually limitless.
Varjo’s headsets are compatible with Techviz’ssoftware which provides an ideal solution for remote design and review.
Is it Time to Make VR Part of Your Business Strategy?
How we work is undergoing a huge and profound shift. VR is a versatile and useful means of maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of remote working.
In partnership with leading edge developers and innovators, including Techviz and Varjo, we can help you make VR an integral part of your remote working practices, with various platforms and tools, including:
- Long-distance VR teleconferencing
- Shared virtual workspaces, and
- Improved remote communication using dedicated VR solutions.
For more information about making the most of virtual reality for remote working, please contact us.
