How Virtual Reality Is Increasing Efficiency in Distributed Teams

If we were forced to choose a solution at gunpoint, face-to-face communication would be the best option. However, I wonder if working remotely poses any challenges.

As technology continues to advance, virtual reality is being increasingly recognized as a highly effective solution for remote hiring and labor challenges. Virtual and augmented reality are gaining immense popularity in the human resources sector, providing a novel and efficient way to address the difficulties of remote working. This groundbreaking technology is considered by many to be the closest equivalent to teleportation technology and is revolutionizing the modern workplace.

As such, we are currently investigating the potential impact that virtual reality may have on these sites. It is worth noting that this is simply a possibility, and if you require immediate assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Distinguishing Between VR, AR, and MR

There is frequently confusion between these two notions, but this is incorrect. Instead, they can be placed on a continuum.

  • Real-World Augmentations:

    This method involves overlaying a digital or virtual object onto a real-world item. BMW’s AR film is an example of this approach, depicting an engineer being assisted by augmented reality elements. Augmented reality items, such as filters, are also commonly used by popular social media app Snapchat.
  • Reality Blending:

    This technique involves seamlessly integrating digital and physical objects. With Mixed Reality (MR), users can interact with their virtual pet by throwing a real ball. The VRcoaster video showcases how riders can enjoy a conventional roller coaster experience while being fully immersed in a computer-generated environment – no real-world elements are utilized in the creation of this world. All activities within this virtual environment are self-contained. Furthermore, users can manipulate video controls to observe Lewis Hamilton competing in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Extra: XR, short for Extended Reality, is an innovative and thrilling concept that has the potential to create realistic virtual experiences that seamlessly blend with the real world. It lies at the intersection of three unique fields: virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. To gain a better understanding of how XR functions and what it can achieve, watch this Solidworks tutorial video showcasing the experience of “crawling inside your design” using XR.

Shall we get down to business?

Why Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality Are Ideal for Remote Work

Moviegoers who watched the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy may have been envious of the POV pistol, which transmitted the user’s perspective to others. Such a tool would be immensely beneficial in a team setting. We encourage those with the necessary expertise to take action towards making this a reality.

Virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) are, however, bringing us very close.

Virtual reality can provide remote workers with a valuable sense of urgency and perceived danger.

A geographically dispersed team’s capability to comprehend a client’s brief, convey requirements, or collaborate in real-time is unhindered.

Geographically dispersed teams can now easily collaborate in real-time using either virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) platforms, simply by pointing, displaying, and extracting the items they are discussing. This simplifies working together on projects, knowledge sharing, or brainstorming.

The Potential of Virtual Reality for Remote Work

According to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the market value for virtual reality and augmented reality is predicted to reach USD150 billion by 2023.

General Electric and Toyota were among the first companies to adopt virtual reality, utilizing it to showcase the operations of nuclear power stations to new engineers and provide virtual tours of their campuses to new employees.

Here are a few examples of how virtual reality and augmented reality could benefit your company.

  • Conducting simulated in-person interviews with remote candidates can yield comparable results.

    Video alone is inadequate for capturing nonverbal cues, such as body language. However, VR can overcome this obstacle.
  • Use virtual reality to highlight your company and attract high-quality talent.

    To attract the best developers, companies may improve their brand recognition by utilizing virtual reality.
  • Offer a virtual tour of the workplace to potential and remote employees:

    Providing a 360-degree video of your workplace can help remote employees feel more involved in the team and give potential prospects an insight into the company.
  • Preserve and communicate the values and culture of your company.

    Virtual reality (VR) can capture the essence of this transient yet critical part of the hiring process.
  • Revise your evaluation criteria for assessing remote developers.

    By having the candidates observe the resolution of a real-world issue in person, their coding abilities, manual dexterity, creative thinking, and communication skills can be evaluated in a single session. This methodology is similar to that used by the British military, which employs the Oculus Rift to train new recruits for real-world combat situations.
  • Revamp your new-hire orientation:

    To enhance engagement and retention among new hires, virtual reality (VR) and gaming may be incorporated into the onboarding process.
  • Train your new remote employees on your products or services:

    Your service map will be readily identifiable, even to inexperienced eyes.
  • Simplified Coding with XR

    XR technology enables multiple programmers working on the same code project from remote locations to collaborate simultaneously.
  • Bridge the gap and foster a sense of presence with your remote team.

    Virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions, peer reviews, and classes can be attended by all remote workers concurrently.

Tools and Applications for Virtual Reality

A few widely used virtual reality/augmented reality technologies are:

Collaboration Tools

  • MeetinVR offers a groundbreaking platform for distant teams to team up in a virtual reality setting. This inventive solution enables teams to quickly accomplish tasks like mind mapping, sketching, and prototyping, enabling them to achieve intricate goals in a fraction of the time it takes with conventional methods.
  • Once you step into the realm of Dream, a virtual reality location, you become fully engrossed.
  • Rumii 2.0 is an application for collaborative learning and teamwork that simplifies the use of digital resources.

Devices

In addition to head-mounted displays (HMDs) such as Facebook’s Oculus Rift and HTC’s Vive, there is a plethora of virtual reality (VR) devices available.

  • The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is an exhilarating next-generation of augmented reality eyewear, crafted with a lightweight and sleek form factor that represents a significant leap in the augmented reality industry.
  • HaptX Gloves are light haptic controller gloves that enable you to manipulate virtual objects using your hands, streamlining the design iteration process.

Tools for Developing Virtual Reality Applications

  • ARKit is Apple’s framework for augmented reality development for iOS devices.
  • Google ARCore is a leading augmented reality (AR) platform that provides exceptional functionality.
  • By using JavaScript and WebGL, 8th Wall empowers users to create augmented reality (AR) objects for iOS and Android alike.
  • Helios Interactive’s primary objective is to design extended reality (XR) experiences for retail stores, with the goal of enhancing customer engagement with brands.

Completely Engaging Video Game Applications

Producing a 360-degree movie can be a thrilling and distinctive approach to capturing your surroundings and presenting it in an inventive way. If you plan to experiment with creating a 360 video, why not discover the numerous applications available to assist you in getting imaginative with your project? Downloading one of the numerous apps designed specifically for this goal is an excellent way to commence your initiative.

  • 360-Degree Perspective
  • Splash
  • Spherical Panoramic Photography

Frequent Challenges with VR Technology

Below are some common challenges encountered by users of VR technology:

Comfort: Prolonged usage of VR headsets has been reported to cause nausea and discomfort.

Setup: Virtual reality necessitates a larger space, or at least a dedicated area, to function effectively.

Quality: Virtual reality images are distorted both horizontally and vertically to fit the user’s field of view, in order to deliver an immersive experience. However, owing to the restricted field of vision provided by the majority of Head Mounted Displays (HMDs), the experience is frequently below average.

Information Security: Potential issues with virtual reality include cyber attacks, viruses, data monitoring, impersonation, and management of AR equipment.

Cost: The price of a mid-range virtual reality device, often around $200, might make it difficult for smaller businesses to provide this type of technology to new remote employees they have recently hired.

Do you recall Nintendo from the mid-1990s? That’s about where virtual reality technology is at this point in time.

Despite any initial hurdles, implementing new technologies in the workplace provides opportunities for innovative approaches to training and collaboration that could potentially boost interaction, engagement, and productivity.

Human Resource (HR) professionals frequently express concerns about the possible drawbacks of having a distributed team, where employees are not physically together while collaborating. Nonetheless, with the introduction of virtual reality technology, these concerns can be alleviated, enabling the successful adoption of telecommuting.

At Works, we recognise the advantages of having efficient remote employees who are virtually present in the workplace. We are committed to assisting our clients in maximising this approach, and we are thrilled to offer our support in this regard. If you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will be pleased to assist you.

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