Remote work’s growth has transformed how companies and teams function all over the world. While we see success with video conferencing and cloud-based tools which enable great distance collaboration, these still fall short in terms of in-depth, real-time group work. In step Mixed Reality (MR), a combination of the physical and digital which is to reshape remote collaboration in the years to come.
Understanding Mixed Reality
Mixed Reality is a combination of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) elements. What AR does is put digital info into the real world and what VR does is put you into a full virtual environment MR is what straddles between the two. In MR you can interact with both physical and virtual elements in real time. With this tech people are to play with 3D models, walk around in virtual settings, and work with digital info as if it is right in front of them.
Microsoft’s HoloLens and Magic Leap devices which have hit the market already present us with a look at what is possible in the world of MR and how it extends beyond entertainment and gaming into professional settings.
Enhancing Remote Collaboration
In the past remote work has been characterized by the use of screens, keyboards, and webcams which in turn has caused issues in the transmission and interpretation of info. Mixed Reality breaks in to that by presenting team members which may be in different locations an environment in which they may collaborate in a more natural and intuitive setting.
Imagine if engineers were to design and put together a virtual prototype which at the same time medical professionals were performing practice operations in a shared virtual operating room and also architects were to take clients through a built in model of a structure which isn’t even constructed yet all while in different parts of the world. MR is what makes that possible, it brings to life a better, more interactive remote collaboration.
Creating Immersive Workspaces
MR also has the feature of creating customized virtual work environments which are tailored to the task at hand. We see that instead of using flat screens or switching between tabs, employees are surrounded by interactive charts, real time documents, and 3D objects which they may interact with via hand gestures or voice.
This present environment which is very in depth for better data visualization, improves brainstorming sessions, and also we see that it brings out a greater sense of presence among team members which may be when they are not in the same physical space.
Breaking Down Geographical Barriers
Mixed Reality is going to transform the playfield in which we see geographical barriers. Businesses may now access global talent which is not restricted by location. Teams which may be in different time zones will feel as if they are in the same room which in turn will close the distance that remote work often brings.
As companies grow in to new world markets, MR can put in place a full scale solution for training, at which we also include webinars and in-person workshops also we will support social functions which in turn will cut down on travel and as a result lower expenses.
Challenges and Considerations
While there is great promise in MR we face several issues. Issues like hardware costs, network needs, and user adoption are large. Also we must put into practice which in which interfaces are easy to use but also don’t over complicate what the user is doing. Also we must pay attention to issues of data security and privacy in virtual settings.
As technology grows and we see improvement, we’re to see these barriers reduce which in turn will put MR within reach of all size businesses.
