These 3 Business Functions Could Be Transformed By VR

Is virtual reality (VR) finally going mainstream? The availability of affordable, consumer-friendly VR headsets like Oculus Go would certainly suggest so. But what I find really encouraging is the increasing use of VR outside the realms of gaming and entertainment. All types of businesses are enthusiastically embracing VR. For me, seeing businesses get behind a technology trend is a sure sign that it’s tipping over into the mainstream. 

As the world of gaming has shown us, VR can be used to create incredibly realistic digital encounters. For businesses, this offers the opportunity to create highly immersive experiences for customers and employees. To put it another way, VR gives businesses exciting new ways to connect with people, and this could be used to enhance a number of business processes.

Here are three business functions that could be optimized or even completely transformed through the use of VR.

1. Marketing

Good marketing is all about being able to communicate your product or service and connect with people. VR offers a chance to rethink how businesses do this. For example, when it comes to showcasing a product, we no longer need a physical showroom or demonstration in order to wow customers. By putting on a VR headset, a customer can be transported to a virtual showroom where they can interact with products and salespeople (whether digital representations of real company employees or AI-driven constructs).

Honda was an early adopter of VR marketing, creating VR experiences that allow car enthusiasts to view a new model and experience a virtual test drive – on a race track! VR is also making waves in the travel industry. Hospitality company St Giles Hotels has used VR to show potential guests the attractions and experiences they can find right on the doorstep of St Giles hotels around the world. This lets travelers immerse themselves in a new place (taking the guesswork out of whether a holiday destination is right for you), while cleverly underlining how ideally located St Giles properties are. In other words, why tell customers that your hotel is located just a few meters from the beach, when you can show them?

Read more: forbes