The metaverse was supposed to be your new office. You’re still on Zoom

Wired — 14 July 2024

Tech founders painted a vision of employees clocking into virtual workplaces. But the adoption of VR at work has been slow.

This WIRED article discusses the slow adoption of virtual reality (VR) for work purposes despite early predictions that it would revolutionize the workplace. Research in two major Swiss companies, a public/governmental entity and a large telecom provider, shows that while companies see potential in extended reality, few have invested in it. Dr. Anand van Zelderen, a researcher in technology at work at the University of Zurich, emphasizes that the metaverse needs to be designed to meet employees' needs, enhancing rather than replacing reality. van Zelderen highlights the importance of making virtual spaces more engaging and customizable to combat feelings of isolation that can arise in VR environments. He advocates for giving users more freedom to design their virtual workspaces to better fit their needs and preferences.

Despite some successful applications in training and specialized fields, such as engineering and retail, widespread VR adoption in the office is hampered by the discomfort of wearing headsets and the steep learning curve. Experts like Rolf Illenberger and J. P. Gownder point out that VR technology must improve significantly before it becomes commonplace. They suggest that more user-friendly hardware resembling eyeglasses might drive wider acceptance. Some, like attorney Madaline Zannes, have found value in the metaverse for networking and creating emotional connections, but these are exceptions rather than the norm. The article concludes that while the metaverse has potential, it needs further development to meet user needs effectively. Until then, traditional methods like Zoom calls and in-person meetings will likely remain dominant.

Article by Amanda Hoover