How mixed reality is transforming charity learning and training

Work Portfolio blog|13 Dec 2023|4-minute read|

13 Dec 2023|4-minute read

People meeting and greeting one another.

Understanding the basics

Before we dive in, let's clarify some terms. VR, or virtual reality, is a fully immersive experience, where users interact with a computer-generated environment. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world, while mixed reality (MR) combines elements of both. Together, VR, AR and MR are often referred to as XR, or extended reality. The metaverse, a well-known term these days, is a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of physical and virtual reality. It's a space where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users in real time. If you want to learn more, take a look at this free online course.

Why incorporate VR into your charity operations?

VR can enhance your charity operations in various ways. It can offer immersive training experiences for staff and volunteers, revolutionise learning and education for beneficiaries or supporters, and transform team meetings into collaborative virtual spaces. Additionally, VR can take fundraising and awareness campaigns to new heights by creating deeply engaging experiences around specific causes.

Getting started with VR

1. Identify your use case

The first step is to think about how VR could benefit your organisation. Here are some common use cases for charities:

Simulation training
Learning and development
Remote town halls and events
Immersive team meetings
Product/prototype design
Employee or beneficiary wellness
Raising awareness for your causes
Fundraising for your organisation

2. Pick your portal to mixed reality

To embark on your MR journey, you'll need to choose the right headset. Devices such as the Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 are among the top choices, offering advanced features and user-friendly interfaces to help you make the most of your virtual experiences.

3. Identify your software needs

Depending on your chosen use case, you'll need to select the appropriate software to drive your MR initiatives. There are numerous solutions available directly from software vendors that you can browse by visiting Meta's partners directory , or directly in the Meta Quest Store .

Those software solutions can cater for a variety of needs from training to product design. If you are interested in immersive team meetings, you can consider Meta's Horizon Workrooms , an immersive virtual office where you can meet teammates, which is currently in beta and free to use.

If your charity is considering the development of a bespoke immersive experience – perhaps to raise awareness about your cause or to enhance fundraising efforts – you might need to engage the services of a VR developer or a VR production agency. These professionals can help you design and create an experience that's tailored to your organisation's specific needs and goals, for example, by designing an interactive VR experience that engages donors in a unique and memorable way.

Remember that creating a custom VR experience is an investment, not only in terms of cost, but also time and resources. However, the potential to deeply engage your audience and create lasting impact could make it a worthwhile endeavour for your organisation.

If your organisation is considering the acquisition of multiple devices, it would be beneficial to get a Meta Quest for Business subscription. This specialised software solution is specifically designed to assist organisations in harnessing the full potential of MR. It simplifies the process of deploying, managing and scaling Meta Quest headsets within your organisation, making it an essential tool for charities looking to integrate MR into their operations on a larger scale.

Addressing common concerns and solutions

We understand that charities often face unique challenges when considering new technologies, such as budget constraints and limited IT support. However, we believe that these challenges should not prevent you from exploring the transformative potential of VR. At Meta, we're committed to making VR technology both affordable and accessible for all organisations, including charities. To support this, we've also launched the Quest for NPO Discount Pilot Programme, which offers special discounts for eligible organisations. This initiative is designed to help charities overcome financial barriers and start their VR journey. We also recognise that measuring the return on investment (ROI) of VR technology can seem complicated, especially when you're just starting out. However, the true value of VR lies in its ability to create unique, immersive experiences that can drive engagement, improve training outcomes and enhance fundraising efforts. These benefits can be quantified and used to demonstrate the ROI of your VR initiatives.

Conclusion

Stepping into the world of VR might seem like a giant leap, but the transformative potential that it holds for your charity is truly exhilarating. By grasping the basics, pinpointing your use case and crafting a thoughtful implementation strategy, you're not just adopting a new technology – you're opening a gateway to a whole new dimension of impact. Imagine creating immersive experiences that resonate deeply with your supporters, or training sessions that transport your team members into realistic scenarios. Picture your next team meeting in a virtual space that transcends geographical boundaries, fostering collaboration like never before. This is the power of VR and it's within your reach. So, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey? To explore new horizons and redefine what's possible for your charity? Your VR adventure starts now and we can't wait to see the incredible impact that you'll make.

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