By Kimberly Cooper, Spatialand
It’s no secret that over the past few years virtual reality (VR) has become increasingly influential across countless industries. Most recently, VR has emerged as a game-changer in the retail sphere, modifying and improving the consumer experience even as it enhances what brands already offer.
Gravity Sketch is a case-in-point example of the ways that VR will continue to innovate retail possibilities. This new tool allows users to create designs in a three-dimensional VR space, as opposed to the limited two-dimensional capabilities of a traditional monitor. With the help of motion tracking controllers, users can choose from an array of different brushes and tools to craft their art. Plus, three-dimensional immersion allows users to manipulate, examine and alter their creations in ways that would be impossible or unwieldy on a screen. The creative freedom is truly endless. Anyone can see how Gravity Sketch opens new doors for professional designers to create products thoroughly, efficiently and precisely. Then, once these products are ready to hit the market, our team here at Spatialand offers a unique content authoring, analytics and engagement platform designed to amplify and accelerate the creation of VR destinations for enterprises and brands.
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Another trailblazer in the virtual reality arena is HP, one of America’s leading software and hardware companies. They recently announced an original VR product of their own that is bound to dramatically alter the retail industry from both consumer and corporate perspectives. The HP Z VR Backpack PC will allow users to remain completely mobile while wearing a head mounted display (HMD), eliminating any potential hazard of tripping over cables or wires. HP developed the VR backpack specifically for those in fields that typically utilize on-the-ground training, from retail to healthcare to entertainment. Utilizing virtual environments, job training will be both conveniently shortened and strengthened due to an immersive experience that can recreate real-life scenarios anytime, anywhere. Additionally, the Z VR Backpack PC has an instant mobile connection with any desktop source, allowing users to effortlessly transfer data (such as important designs) from their pack to their workstation, speeding up production and improving retail flow.
The future of retail is transforming every day due to the exponential incorporation of virtual reality technology. But as evidenced by the above, retail is only one of the first sectors to undergo this shift; soon, not only will product design be heavily influenced by immersive tech, but consumers will also begin to directly reap the rewards as well. With companies like IKEA, Lowe’s and TOMS leading the charge, consumers are already experiencing v-commerce, and are eager to continue exploring what this technology can deliver.
Kimberly Cooper is the CEO and co-founder of Spatialand, a revolutionary VR design platform and toolset for enterprise, brands and consumers to create immersive content destinations. She currently leads the company’s operations and business development efforts in expanding its design and technology solutions. Prior to Spatialand, Kimberly founded Prologue with Kyle Cooper in 2003, as well as Prologue Immersive in 2015. Under Kimberly’s guidance, both Prologue and Prologue Immersive have developed groundbreaking VR / AR / MR techniques in storytelling, design and technology, establishing the company as a creative powerhouse and trendsetter in the VR and entertainment space.
