The metaverse appeared in 1992 in the novel "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson, and is now a reality! The fairies of digitalization have already bent over the cradle of this technology, predicting a bright future. Improving digital objects, creating new functions, features worthy of science fiction movies... Internet users will now be able to live a parallel life in a world entirely in 3D. If this evolution does not sound the death knell of websites as we know them today, companies will have to include the metaverse in their digital strategy. This is to offer an immersive user experience, in line with the new technologies.
But what is metaverse?
The media have naturally and happily appropriated the term "metaverse". But do we really know what it is? For the time being, the concept is still vague... A bit like the Internet at its beginning.
But the metaverse is not just the final stage of online communication. Much more complex, this concept mixes online space, physical reality, augmented reality and virtual reality. A universe in which humans become avatars and navigate between the material and virtual worlds. Most importantly, it has features that can erase social, physical, economic and collaborative barriers.
According to Oxford Languages, the metaverse is "a virtual reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users."
The metaverse uses cutting-edge methods and technology to do this. We're referring to the Internet of Things, augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies (IoT). To use an idiom, the metaverse would be like a damp squib without these foundations.
Consequently, the access to the metaverse for companies must be done through experienced web developers and designers, for a better management of privacy control and identity authentication.
Why is the metaverse set up to last?
Metaverse has distinctive characteristics that are similar to those of early-stage internet:
- Interoperability - in the metaverse, users can make a plethora of tools communicate with each other.
- Synchronicity - all interactions occur in real time, so much so that it is no longer necessary to differentiate between virtual and real life.
- Profit-making economy - companies can trade with people by selling them goods and services of real value.
- No limitations - the metaverse has no limit on the number of users.
- A true, living universe, the resources of the metaverses are independent of time and space, and the universe continues to function even when a user logs out of a session.
How will the metaverse become a key element of web development and design?
Standards are constantly changing in the digital sector. It is already safe to say that meta-versions will become a natural part of web development best practices. But it is now that companies must take this evolution into consideration.
We are already seeing the ease with which people are adopting new practices, for example, online shopping, virtual concerts, remote work with international teams.
Web developers and designers are in the front line to assist, but above all to apply these changes step by step. They are already starting to evolve their own VR/AR skills, to slowly take over the new technology stack. If the metaverse is still in its infancy, it is certain that traditional approaches will gradually turn away from the creation of websites and applications accessible on the Internet, in favor of interactive and immersive experiences.
Why do businesses need to be concerned with the metaverse?
The days when brands used web marketing, social networks or smart speakers to engage and trade with their customers are changing.
Companies need to start thinking about metaverse now. This is to determine exactly how the concept can help them create new business opportunities, to generate value! With its unlimited potential, this universe, which manages to blur the boundary between virtual and real, will undeniably change and increase connections, engagement and interaction with customers.
As long as you go in the right direction, offer the right features and develop a personalized space that reflects your company's image!
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