Platform on architecture, interior design and landscape architecture
Integrating Digital Reality: Mixed Reality in the Office

Integrating digital reality: Mixed Reality in the office

In a blog series for ArchiComm, Colliers creative director Geoffrey Timmer discusses current themes and issues that affect the process and culture within which designs are created. He sees the workplace and work environment as the terrain in which current themes quickly become visible or have a chance to unfold. The fourth contribution focuses on the integration of digital reality.

Technologies like VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) have been entrenched in our world for some time. As these technologies become more sophisticated and MR (Mixed Reality), as a possibly even more realistic version of AR, seems to fit even better with the hybrid society, it is time to seriously consider how MR can best be used in a work environment.

I write "work environment" here on purpose because this blog is about the deployment of MR technology on a professional level. In fact, we need to move beyond the gadget status of VR and AR to take the professional step to Mixed Reality in the work environment. VR and AR are interesting tools for gaming and moving around in public spaces with an extra layer of information. However, the Google Glasses and also the newer Apple Vision Pro are not only very expensive (and therefore not interesting for the general public) but also so eye-catching in design that it is questionable whether they will find mass sales. To convince the general public, smart glasses must be both affordable and not too different from the norm. Ray-Ban, in collaboration with Meta, recently launched an affordable eyewear line launched that may well accelerate the implementation of mixed realities in our daily lives (as a precursor to even more compact technology like contact reading).

An understaffed office is uncanny

The Ray-Ban Meta, in my opinion, as an idea, is a promising direction that will consign the uncomfortably isolated experience of closed and eye-catching eyewear to the history books. As a creative director at Colliers, I am fortunate to be able to engage in the transition that is already coming, when it comes to implementing Mixed Reality in the office. It is interesting to see how current office principles are still based on the pre-covid situation. By that I am referring especially to the predictability of staff attendance, something that was turned upside down considerably during and after the pandemic. Office buildings functioned well at full occupancy but, the way they are designed today, are often unattractive places to be at low occupancy.

Generation Z as pioneers

That people are different from each other and do not form a uniform and homogeneous group even in the office is increasingly accepted. Generation Z is also called the social media and smartphone generation. They are so-called "digital natives," accustomed to using Internet-linked technologies and assessing them at new value. And it is the generation that embraces the theme of diversity and inclusiveness (the theme of my first Archicomm blog) is highly valued. I believe that this generation, which is also looking for meaning in life and is critical of the professional mores of their predecessors, Generation X, is best suited to create new connections and does not shy away from innovative ways to perform tasks or change processes.

Meaningfulness as a driver of MR

By linking MR to meaning and designing office environments accordingly, technology will integrate best in the workplace. Because Mixed Reality offers profound educational potential and can foster a better understanding of cultures and generations by sharing immersive learning, therapeutic applications and multicultural rituals among employees. So even though employees will meet virtually more often, the connection they build and the contact they make will be perceived as more intense and meaningful through the use of MR.

MR will transform training and learning methods, promote inclusivity in the workplace and provide customizable interfaces for employees with disabilities, for example. Electro-vibration and audio (e.g., immersive during a presentation, soothing during a meeting break) will intensify the sensory experience, influence cognitive processes and promote engagement. Hybrid working will feel like being together in the same space. Mixed reality zones in the workplace can stimulate creativity and experimentation. This leads to inclusive, innovative and efficient workplaces, giving organizations a competitive advantage in the globalized business landscape.

At Colliers, we are ready to advise and assist organizations in this exciting transition to Mixed Reality in the workplace.

"*" indicates required fields

Send us a message

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Wij gebruiken cookies. Daarmee analyseren we het gebruik van de website en verbeteren we het gebruiksgemak.

Details

Kunnen we je helpen met zoeken?

Bekijk alle resultaten