What are some of the most common misconceptions businesses have about the metaverse?
I’d say there are four main misconceptions about the metaverse: It’s only for gaming or entertainmentWhile gaming and entertainment were early adopters, the metaverse is now expanding into sectors like education, healthcare, and corporate training, with applications far beyond just entertainment.. It’s very expensive or requires a massive upfront investment
Many businesses assume they need to invest heavily to enter the metaverse. However, platforms like Hyperspace make it accessible, allowing companies to start small and scale over time without a huge initial cost. It’s not here to stay, that it’s just a passing trend
Some believe the metaverse is a temporary fad, but it’s actually the result of decades of technological development. Its integration into various industries is accelerating, and it’s becoming an essential part of the digital landscape. The metaverse is something entirely new
While it may seem new to many, the concepts and technologies behind the metaverse have been evolving for years. Having worked in this industry for over two decades, including creating the first web-based metaverse in 2006, I can attest that the metaverse is a natural progression of existing innovations, not a sudden novelty. In fact, sometimes I think that myself and others who have been in the industry for as long—or longer—than I have, have probably forgotten more than what is currently known about it!
The idea of entering the metaverse seems interesting but overwhelming to many companies. What are some practical tips for businesses that are just starting out?
It really depends on what you’re looking to do. When venturing into the metaverse, unless you have a clearly defined starter project, e.g. a virtual or hybrid event, or employee onboarding, it’s important for businesses to start small and scale gradually. At Hyperspace, we’ve designed the platform to move beyond traditional online experiences, making the metaverse accessible and practical for business operations of all sizes. The platform is easily accessible on any device through a simple URL, and it’s built on open standards to ensure broad compatibility and ease of use. For companies just starting out, we recommend focusing on creating engaging and interactive experiences that resonate with your audience. Begin by incorporating elements that are easy to implement, such as virtual meetings or basic training modules and experiences then build on that. As you become more comfortable with the technology, you can start integrating advanced features like virtual reality environments or AI-driven analytics to personalize the user experience. This phased approach allows teams to grow with the technology, ensuring a smooth transition into the metaverse while maximizing the impact on your operations.Are there any specific industries or types of businesses that you think are particularly well-suited for early adoption of metaverse strategies? Can you share examples of companies that have successfully started small and scaled over time?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the metaverse, but certain industries are particularly well-suited for early adoption—especially those requiring interactive, hands-on learning and training environments. In the education sector, Curtin University, which has partnered with Hyperspace for over 8 years, have leveraged Hyperspace to create immersive physiotherapy training simulations, such as virtual home and hospital visits. Their innovative Virtual Home Visit (VHV) Training Tool even earned the Teaching and Learning Award. Similarly, Washburn University has used Hyperspace for over 3 years to enhance psychiatric mental health education, using mainly the platform’s virtual reality features. These virtual environments allow students to practice complex procedures and decision-making in safe, controlled settings, significantly enhancing their learning experience and retention. The healthcare industry also benefits from the metaverse by providing medical professionals with simulated training scenarios that mirror real-life situations, improving skills and preparation for clinical environments. Corporate training is another area where the metaverse can make a significant impact. Companies can create customized training modules that adapt in real time to individual performance, making learning more engaging and effective. By incorporating gamification, interactive 3D environments, and AI-driven features, businesses can transform traditional training into dynamic, immersive experiences that foster deeper understanding and retention. Overall, industries requiring practical training, personalized learning, and interactive engagement are well-positioned to adopt metaverse strategies early. Hyperspace provides these industries with a platform to revolutionize their training and education, making them more effective and impactful.From your experience, what are some best practices for designing experiences that truly resonate with users?
Designing experiences that truly resonate with users starts with a deep understanding of their needs, preferences, and behaviors. At Hyperspace, we’ve identified several best practices that are essential for creating impactful and engaging experiences PersonalizationAs mentioned before, one size does not fit all when it comes to metaverse experiences and this absolutely applies to user experiences as well. The way we learn has to change; because we now have the means, the technology to support it.Tailoring content to individual user needs is crucial. Hyperspace leverages AI-driven adaptive learning to personalize each user’s journey, allowing adjustments based on actions and performance. This keeps users engaged and enhances learning outcomes. Interactivity
Passive experiences often fail to hold user attention. By incorporating interactive elements, such as simulations, branching narratives, and gamification, you can create an environment where users are active participants rather than mere observers. Hyperspace’s platform allows for the creation of these dynamic, hands-on experiences, which are key to engagement and retention. User-Centric Design
Always design with the end-user in mind. This means conducting thorough user research, gathering feedback, and iterating based on that feedback. Understanding the challenges and goals of your users will help you design experiences that are relevant, enjoyable and intuitive to navigate. Consistency and Simplicity
While innovation is key, it’s also important to maintain consistency and simplicity in the design. Users should be able to easily navigate the platform and access the content they need without unnecessary complexity. A clean, intuitive interface ensures that users can focus on the learning material rather than getting lost in the mechanics of the platform. Emotional Engagement
Experiences that connect on an emotional level are often the most memorable. Incorporate storytelling, relatable scenarios, and visual elements that evoke emotion to deepen the connection and reinforce learning.
How does Hyperspace’s approach differ from other platforms that rely on gaming engines?
Hyperspace takes a fundamentally different approach from platforms that rely on traditional engines used to build video games. Some key points are:- Accessibility and reach
- An open approach to diversity and inclusion
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Open standards, flexibility, performance, and optimization
- Cost-effectiveness
- Experience personalization
