XR adoption: 5 ways to overcome the novelty factor
How can you successfully implement an XR solution, overcome the novelty factor and make it work for your bottom line? Discover 5 steps you can take.
A new study from the University of Kansas looks at the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) in the classroom.
Augmented reality is an increasingly common form of extended reality (XR). It's everywhere from Snapchat filters to remote collaboration tools in the workplace.
The study wanted to know if students learned better with AR or with a traditional video. Half of the 44 participants watched a video about the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while the other half interacted with an AR model of the virus.
The results are interesting: they "suggest that while the AR model… was novel and more engaging, that novelty likely distracted from the information it was meant to convey".
It's not really surprising. We're all primed to be distracted by novelty, whether we feel positively or negatively about it.
Is this one-nil to video? Not necessarily: "While those in the video group learned more, that does not mean that AR is unsuitable for educational purposes… Researchers need to understand how it can be successfully adapted and used in classroom or distance-learning settings."
A similar story can be seen when enterprises deploy XR solutions. They're sold on the benefits – XR's transformative impact on problem-solving and remote collaboration, not to mention the cost savings that it reveals.
But too often, staff are like those students interacting with the 3D model of the virus. They're stimulated, for sure – but is it productive? Is this investment translating into outcomes?
The novelty factor is a barrier to successful XR adoption, but it's far from inevitable. Usually, it's the result of a lack of planning and thorough costing.
Without these, you're likely to end up with headsets or smart glasses gathering dust in the stock cupboard.
It doesn't have to be this way. Here are five ways you can overcome the novelty factor.
1. Align deployment with your business plan
This is a biggie. They say that if you can't explain a concept to a five-year-old, you don't understand it. Could you explain to a family member, passerby or local child how XR is going to help your business to grow?
If not, you're probably in thrall to the novelty of it all. That's understandable. Headsets and smart glasses are cool. But if you don't align their deployment with your business plan, you're going to have to clear out a room in your office for a shiny white elephant.
What are your use cases? How much will you save? How much will you
make? How will this solution help your bottom line?
If you can answer these questions, you're unlikely to find your team hampered by the novelty factor. You'll get the right gear for the job – and you'll implement it well. Which brings us to our next point…
2. Create an XR-friendly environment
We're living through a time of great change – digital transformation, as the phrase has it. But just because the industry is thriving doesn't mean your team will automatically get on board.
Every major technological innovation has been greeted in different ways. Remember when the iPhone came out? Not everyone was keen. Why would XR be any different?
Your team needs to be ready for the change – and that means they need to understand the "Why?" as well as the "How?".
You need to demonstrate to staff that you're not just jumping on a bandwagon. You're deploying this XR solution not for the sake of novelty, but of growth.
One way to achieve this is by putting on awareness-raising sessions. If staff feel engaged and listened to, they're less likely to accuse you – silently or out loud – of putting on the emperor's new headset.
You can also nominate or hire a dedicated XR mentor: someone who's the first port of call for all things XR.
This isn't about holding hands. It's about creating an XR-friendly workplace. Without this, your company will have all the gear but no idea.
3. Set the tempo
How quickly you want to roll out your XR solution will depend on various factors. Does your team need time to adjust and learn? Do you have project deadlines that need working around? Do shareholders need time to be convinced?
Deploying your solution in waves can build trust and allow you to adapt and improve. A slower tempo can give staff time to get past the novelty factor and see the benefits for themselves.
4. Go granular
So you're deploying an XR solution. Who for?
It might sound like a strange question, but you need to plan your deployment at the level of the individual.
It's not just a case of buying a load of gear and sitting back with a radiant smile as your staff get to grips with their new toys.
You have to establish who is going to use which device and for what. You have to know who needs training and how much. Essentially, you need to onboard with the same level of detail you apply to new recruits.
5. Get hardware and software that work for you
Whether you're going to use XR for remote collaboration or training, you need to pick the right combination of hardware and software.
Research is key. Reach out to vendors and ask for more information. Watch YouTube tutorials. Scroll down from the price tag and look at the tech spec.
The wrong solution isn't a solution at all. Take time choosing your hardware and software and you're increasing your chances of making XR work for you. The alternative is being lumbered with novelty gear of limited use.
The bottom line
XR can be transformative. But without proper planning and implementation, your team won't get past the novelty stage and you won't see the benefits. Follow these five steps and you'll be thanking us later.
At SimplyVideo, we provide an XR-enhanced
remote collaboration platform that works in low-bandwidth environments.
Sign up today for a free 30-day trial.
