What is The Metaverse? That question has caused quite an uproar around our world, with people rushing to find out more information about its meaning as they search online, trying desperately not to be left behind in today's digital age where everything seems so fleeting anyway. Metaverse and the potentials for user experience (UX, UE) have been a hot topic since Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg first cited it.
The Metaverse is a universe where you can explore digital worlds in VR. It's similar to the Internet, but instead of just being able to browse websites from your computer at home or work - with metaverse technology, people are actually transported into these fantasy realms! It provides us with an immersive experience, unlike anything we've ever seen before: immersion without boundaries.
As announced in October 2021, it sounded pretty nice and attractive, but not many people have decided what to do next. Let's state outright that all the answers are not here. In any case, you will get on well once you can read up to the last paragraph of this blog post. So, if you have been surfing the net for clarity regarding the potentials that Metaverse brings, you are at the right place. So, sit back and welcome to Wescliff!
Coming from Zuckerberg himself, it is expected that the term "Metaverse" would assume a fresh curiosity balanced with scary virile proportions. The point is: each time there is a shift in the digital space, there is a refreshing ripple of possibilities that is felt across billions of Internet users. That is why Metaverse rings like the power that will change what we have ever known and experienced. But it is safe to set the record straight: Metaverse is not the brainchild of Facebook and its founders. The term was first used in the 1992 science fiction Snow Crash, but when Facebook took the first two syllables – Meta – and made them its name, the world stood up and noticed. So, first things first:
What is the Metaverse?
Metaverse is an immersive virtual environment where users can interact using computer-generated tools, assets and systems. These systems are built with the more standard digital technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (AR), 3D visualization, Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, NFTs etc. In other words, Metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds that prioritize interaction between users away from the realities of the user's physical environment, using avatars as a personalized virtual representation of the user.
Given this definition, let's quickly add that the Metaverse has the potential to traverse all human experiences in the digital space: social, education, business, entertainment, automobile, gaming, training, human capital development – it goes on and on. As utopian as this potential stage of the Internet seems to be at the moment, different giant corporations are already putting their money where their mouth is with their own development of the Metaverse. The various business models of corporations mean that they will have a unique metaverse, which enhances their values and ideas. Corporate entities will have different metaverses, each with individual business peculiarities that strengthen their values and visions. The Metaverse-ready brands or those who have the resource to initiate this evolution will tap more easily into the senses and emotions of the consumer. But it is still all in the future. For now, let's take a quick look at a couple of big corporations (and countries) already inserting their keys into the Metaverse.
Some giant corporations and countries are gearing up to launch the Metaverse
Nike has taken its first few steps into the Metaverse world, where they will sell virtual branded products and ensure that their consumers have fun in line with the brand's proposition. Facebook, as we know, has declared its intent, and expectations are pretty high. With a corporation like Microsoft, the prospect should be huge. Its CEO, Satya Nadella, has given more than a passing hint about what is booting from their end, calling it an 'enterprise metaverse'. The workplace will probably be a dominant feature of Microsoft's Metaverse. Countries of the world are not left out of this widening phenomenon. Barbados has flagged it off with the ambition to become the first nation with an embassy in the Metaverse; South Korea, with its Metaverse Seoul, has made incursions ahead of other countries on the Global Innovation Index list.
Before we bring the pieces together, let us take a glancing look at how the interactive possibilities of the Metaverse enhance user experience, and there is no other way to do this than to check out how digital technologies are already helping brands.
User experience (UX or UE) and the businesses of today
In recent years, with the increasing popularity of new digital technologies, the eCommerce space has gradually adopted the integration of AR, VR, and 3D visualizations on websites, enhancing visitors' loyalty, perceptions, and experience. Come to think of it: the company website and other digital touchpoints have played critical roles in building a positive UX. Online shopping has become the rave of the moment, and shoppers are highly excited to be engaged differently in their shopping journey. It is an experience integrated into a brand's value proposition.
UX and social media in the Metaverse
There is no doubt that Meta – formerly Facebook – will drive the revolution of the Metaverse in the social media space. But how does that impact a platform that already thrills billions of its users who per second are sharing pictures, music, videos, news, views and experiences and more? These activities highlight Facebook's mission: to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. The Metaverse is here to push the limits of being' closer together', and in this sense, Meta Quest (formerly Facebook Horizon) will be a perfect forerunner. Brands will then be able to take user experience a notch higher in the social media Metaverse space, with the potential to throw more light on brands' unique propositions.
The Metaverse and eCommerce
Let us refresh our minds. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the like are already changing online shopping experiences, especially with try-on solutions. Try-on solutions enable shoppers to try products like glasses, furniture, dresses, shoes, home appliances etc., through mobile or other devices equipped with a camera without visiting the physical store. That is already a thrilling experience, so what Metaverse will make of eCommerce is left to the imagination. This experience will help users explore, socialize and shop with one another in a more immersive virtual environment. Yes, Gill and Yvonne are friends who love shopping together. They can do so now without leaving their homes, with the possibility created via the Metaverse, as holographic display technology will enable them to virtually sit or stand next to each other and shop and do stuff together.
The Metaverse and the world of gaming
Gaming comes naturally in virtual conversations. And if user activities in the Metaverse are to be projected, gaming will be up there. What Roblox, an online game and game creation platform, is already doing in this space shows that it is a game for whatever the Metaverse turns out to become. They are helping users, and big enterprises connect to the Metaverse's reality. Games will present exciting opportunities to deliver a highly enriching experience for gamers and gaming enthusiasts. Brands will leverage the opportunity to advertise and tap into the emotions of their target audience.
Is the Metaverse already with us or still an emerging phenomenon?
These are questions that do not have definite answers yet. But Metaverse is not new, and the point has been made that certain technologies have adequately prepared the grounds for the digital phenomenon. Big corporations are breaking new grounds and making strategic investments. The pieces will eventually fall into their proper places, but at this stage, it is still a phenomenal virtual vision that is already pulling everything into its whirlpool.
Wescliff is here for the brave new world of the Metaverse
All said and done; the Metaverse is a brave new world of digital experience, bigger and more immersive than what we have ever known. Internet users are still anticipating its landfall amidst the rising ambiguities. What is certain is that when it is eventually here, the user experience will be practically out of this world. If AR, VR, AI, cryptocurrency seem to be delivering the goods, the Metaverse will be the tour de force.
At Wescliff, we are here for strategic disruption in the digital space, and the Metaverse presents more than a mounting challenge. We will help businesses understand what is rolling over the digital world from a high knowledge point. So? Stick around!
by Wesley Obi