Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
- Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are transforming coworking spaces by fostering collaboration, innovation, and community.
- VR and AR enhance meetings, training, relaxation, navigation, presentations, and creative design.
- By integrating these tools, coworking spaces can boost member engagement and attract new members, positioning themselves as industry leaders.
Ever feel like the line between the digital and physical worlds is getting blurrier? That’s not your imagination—it’s the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which is shaking up the way we work, connect, and create.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about how these game-changing technologies can take your coworking space to the next level.
And this isn’t just a passing trend. The global VR and AR market is projected to reach a staggering US$58.3bn by 2028, so it’s safe to say that immersive tech is here to stay.
Why? VR and AR are a natural fit for the coworking ethos. They’re all about collaboration, innovation, and community — the same things that make coworking spaces thrive. Imagine your members brainstorming in virtual meeting rooms, attending training sessions from across the globe, or even unwinding with a guided meditation in a peaceful virtual landscape.
Does this sound like science fiction? It’s not. Integrating VR and AR into your space is easier than you might think, and the benefits are huge, such as increased member engagement, a reputation for being cutting-edge, and a competitive edge that attracts new members in droves.
Here’s how VR and AR can be used to transform your coworking space into a truly immersive experience.
Understanding VR & AR in the Context of Coworking
Ever dreamed of offering your members a teleportation device? While we haven’t quite mastered Star Trek technology yet, VR comes pretty close. By simply strapping on a headset, your members can be whisked away to a whole new world. It’s a full sensory immersion that swaps their everyday surroundings for a computer-generated environment. Think of it like stepping into a hyper-realistic video game.
VR can revolutionize how work gets done in your coworking space.
To embark on these virtual adventures, your members will need a VR headset (like the popular Oculus Quest or the high-end HTC Vive) and sometimes hand controllers to interact with the virtual world.
But this isn’t just about fun and games; VR can revolutionize how work gets done in your coworking space.
Reimagine Meetings and Collaboration
Forget those tedious video calls where everyone stares blankly at a screen—VR allows your members to gather in virtual conference rooms with stunning backdrops, like a peaceful mountaintop or a bustling cityscape. You’re able to brainstorm sessions in a cozy virtual cabin, fostering creativity and connection in ways traditional video conferencing can’t.
These immersive experiences make remote collaboration feel less distant and far more engaging.
Elevate Training and Skill Development
VR is a game-changer for learning and development. Instead of passive lectures, your members can dive into interactive simulations that allow them to practice new skills in a safe, consequence-free environment.
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One example is a surgeon honing their technique on a virtual patient, or a customer service rep navigating challenging scenarios. Mistakes become valuable learning experiences, boosting confidence and competence.
Create a Haven for Relaxation and Well-being
Offering guided meditations or nature walks through VR could become a unique perk that sets your space apart.
In the hustle and bustle of the modern workplace, finding moments of tranquility is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being. Consider setting up a VR relaxation zone within your coworking space. Here, members can escape to calming virtual environments, like a serene beach or a peaceful forest, to recharge and de-stress. Offering guided meditations or nature walks through VR could become a unique perk that sets your space apart.
Augmented Reality (AR): Blending the Digital and Physical Worlds
Now, let’s shift to augmented reality (AR), which can be compared to a heads-up display for the real world, where your phone or tablet becomes a window into a world enriched with digital information. Remember the Pokémon Go craze? That’s a prime example of AR, but its applications extend far beyond catching virtual creatures.
One of AR’s beauties is its accessibility. Chances are, your members already have a powerful AR tool in their pockets—their smartphones. However, we’re also on the cusp of a new era of AR glasses, like Microsoft’s HoloLens, which will push the boundaries of what’s possible even further.
Simplify Navigation and Enhance Wayfinding
New members often wander around, lost in a maze of hallways and offices when they start in a new space. AR can create an interactive guide to eliminate confusion. With AR-enabled maps and directions overlaid on their smartphone screens, members can effortlessly navigate your coworking space, ensuring they reach their destination with ease and confidence.
Make Presentations Pop with Interactive Elements
AR injects excitement and interactivity into presentations, making them truly memorable.
Let’s be honest, presentations can be a bit dull. AR is the antidote to boring slideshows. Envision showcasing a product prototype in 3D, allowing your audience to examine it from every angle. Or picture historical figures appearing on stage to narrate their own stories. AR injects excitement and interactivity into presentations, making them truly memorable.
Unleash Collaborative Design Potential
For the architects, designers, and creative minds in your coworking community, AR is a game-changer. Brainstorming session ideas could quite literally take shape in mid-air. AR enables real-time collaborative design, allowing teams to sketch, manipulate, and refine concepts together as if they were working on a shared virtual canvas.
This may all might sound a bit futuristic, and you might have concerns about the practicality of integrating VR and AR into your coworking space—but the key is to embrace experimentation and adapt to your members’ needs.
With a little creativity and a willingness to explore the possibilities, you can leverage VR and AR to create a coworking space that truly stands out in the crowd — a space that not only meets the needs of today’s professionals but also anticipates the future of work.
Practical Guide to Implementation
The potential benefits of VR and AR are vast, but so is the confusion on how to get started. Follow these six steps to ensure a smooth and successful integration into your coworking space.
1. Define Your VR/AR Vision
Before employing this tech, take a moment to envision your ideal outcome. What’s the big picture? Are you looking to entice new members with cutting-edge amenities? Do you want to boost productivity and collaboration within your existing community? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of offering unique experiences that set your space apart from the competition. Clearly defining your goals will act as a compass, guiding your choices throughout this journey.
2. Resource Reality Check
Be honest about your resources budget; you don’t need to go all-in right away. Start small and scale up as you go. Assess your available space. Do you have an unused room that could be transformed into a VR haven? Or would you prefer integrating VR/AR stations within existing areas?
Consider the layout, acoustics, and lighting to create an optimal experience, and don’t forget about your team. Do you have tech-savvy staff members who can champion this initiative? If not, factor in training or consider bringing in some expertise.
3. The Tech Treasure Hunt
Researching the latest VR/AR gadgets is exciting, but remember, it’s about finding the right tools for your specific needs and budget. Do you want high-end headsets like the Oculus Quest or HTC Vive for fully immersive experiences? Or are you leaning towards more affordable options like smartphone-based AR?
Choose scalable and user-friendly tech, because you don’t want to invest in something that will quickly become obsolete or that your members find too difficult to use.
Don’t forget the software side of things — the content is what truly brings VR/AR to life. Explore platforms that offer a diverse range of experiences, from productivity tools and educational content to games and simulations. Tailor your choices to the interests and demographics of your members. For instance, if your community is filled with creatives, collaborative design tools might be a hit, while gamers might gravitate toward VR escape rooms.
Also, think long-term. Choose scalable and user-friendly tech, because you don’t want to invest in something that will quickly become obsolete or that your members find too difficult to use.
4. Design Immersive Spaces
Creating an environment that complements the VR/AR experience is essential, and if you have the luxury of space, dedicate a room to VR/AR. Use comfy seating, ambient lighting, and soundproofing for maximum immersion.
For smaller spaces, consider integrating VR/AR stations within existing areas. These could be cozy nooks in your lounge or dedicated workstations in meeting rooms. Always prioritize safety: Ensure ample space for movement to avoid any mishap, and consider using floor mats or barriers to define play areas.
5. Curate Unforgettable Experiences
The heart and soul of your VR/AR integration lies in the experiences you offer. This is your chance to get creative and wow your members. Partner with local VR/AR studios to develop custom experiences tailored to your community’s interests. Or, if you have the talent in-house, craft your own unique content that showcases your coworking space’s personality.
Variety is key—offer a mix of individual and group experiences to cater to different preferences. Virtual escape rooms, collaborative design challenges, and even virtual happy hours are just a few ideas to get you started.
6. Shout It From the Rooftops
Offer introductory workshops to familiarize everyone with the technology and have staff on hand to provide support and troubleshoot any issues.
Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. Promote your VR/AR offerings through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters. Host launch parties or demos to generate buzz and excitement among your members. Offer introductory workshops to familiarize everyone with the technology and have staff on hand to provide support and troubleshoot any issues.
By embracing VR and AR, you’re not just adding a few cool gadgets to your space; you’re investing in a more vibrant, productive, and future-proof environment. You’re giving your members access to cutting-edge tools that can spark creativity, enhance collaboration, and open up a world of new possibilities.
You’re positioning yourself as a leader in the coworking industry, attracting top talent and fostering a community that’s excited about the future of work.
Experiment, and discover the unique ways VR and AR can elevate your space. Start small, try out different experiences, and listen to your members’ feedback. With a bit of creativity and a dash of boldness, you can create a coworking space that truly embodies the spirit of innovation and community.
