Choose The Right Immersive Technology For Your Business

Technology is revolutionising the way we look at the world. We’re speedily progressing towards an interactive world where we use immersive technology to have real world experiences. The question then stands before us – what is immersive technology? Immersive technology refers to an interactive environment which is created by various technological solutions such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and 360° video and audio, among others. To understand the impact immersive technology has on enterprises focusing on industrial training, learning and development, we need to understand each component of this field as well.

Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is an interactive experience created using computer generated environments. This can usually be experienced using a specialised headset known as a VR headset and creates a completely immersive experience.

Augmented Reality (AR)

AR is a mix of the real-world and technology where artificial images are juxtaposed on reality to create an enhanced digital experience. 

Mixed Reality (MR)

As the name suggests, this is a mix of AR and VR where participants in real-time interact with digital elements. It’s a seamless assimilation of real and digital elements.

360° Video & Audio 

While this is pretty self explanatory, these digital assets give the viewer an exhaustive view of the environment. These can be experienced using a VR headset or immersive platforms.

Haptic Feedback

To enhance the tactile experience to give the sense of touch is where we use Haptic Technology.

Extended Reality (XR)

The XR experience is one which combines the features of AR, VR and MR to create an extension of reality via a digital environment.

An immersive reality uses some of these technologies to give the user a wholesome digital experience. However, how can you gauge the business benefits of extended reality? Will a 360° video or XR technology better help in training your workforce?

360° Video and XR – How Are They Different?

There are 3 main differences between these two branches of immersive technology. The first is the mode of creation – while 360° videos are created using actual footage of the real world, XR is created using specialised tools which give you a fully interactive experience. 

Secondly, there’s a lack of freedom of movement when it comes to 360° videos. While you can immerse yourself in the digital, interactive environment of XR Technology, 360° videos restrict movement and interaction. 

Thirdly, the way in which you encounter and interact with the two technologies is completely different too. When it comes to 360° videos there’s a fixed narrative which takes the viewer through the video. With XR Technology, users have the freedom to explore themselves in an entirely interactive environment.

What is the Best Technology for a Business?

Given the technological boom which is taking the market by storm, it’s essential for enterprises to stay up to date with the technology being used, be it 360° videos or XR technology. So firstly, where does this fit into your business needs? While there are multiple applications of immersive technology depending on the needs of the enterprise, for training, learning and development, leveraging XR Technology will give your business a boost.

When it comes to technical or skill development for workers, an immersive environment is the better choice for a business. With hands-on training, skills are transferred better using advanced technology like AjnaVidya. AjnaVidya allows you to use the latest in XR technology to develop skills within half the time and double the efficiency. 

If you look at the Indian skill development industry, there is a surplus of labour and jobs, but a scarcity of skills. Platforms like AjnaVidya help workers get skilled in record time, thus reducing the gap between unskilled workers and learning with the help of XR technology.

While on the surface it looks like using XR technology is the better choice, it really comes down to your needs. If you’re interested in a passive experience, a 360° video could serve the purpose. However, for learning, training and development within the enterprise, an immersive XR experience is definitely the choice to go with.

In conclusion, we can say that when you are choosing a technology for your enterprise, you need to consider the business needs you’re trying to solve and reach out to the experts accordingly.

TL;DR

• Immersive technology in businesses is the latest trend and enterprises can use it to improve their training, learning and development.
• Immersive technology consists of different types like 360° videos, VR, AR and XR.
• The differences between XR and 360° videos are the way in which they are created with XR using various software to make an interactive environment. 360° videos use real-world footage.
• XR technology gives users freedom of movement to interact with the digital environment, 360° videos can be viewed passively.
• 360° videos have a fixed narrative while users of XR can fully immerse themselves and interact with their surroundings.
• For businesses focusing on training, learning and development, XR is the better choice since it promotes retention of information, saves time, improves efficiency and promotes real-life skill development.