In the fast-paced corporate world, communication is the cornerstone of success. The ability to engage your audience, convey your message effectively, and leave a lasting impression has never been more critical. One technology that's turning heads and revolutionizing the corporate communication landscape is Extended Reality (xR). Imagine a realm where the boundaries between the real and the virtual blur seamlessly, creating immersive and captivating experiences for your audience. This technology isn't science fiction; it's a game-changer in corporate storytelling. 

In this article, we'll explore the world of xR stages, demystify their potential, and provide essential insights for corporate experience directors and professionals interested in elevating their communication strategies.

Defining xR Technology in the virtual production space

What is xR technology and how is it different from virtual production? 

An xR workflow employs augmented reality methods to bridge the gap between the virtual and the physical realms. While conventional virtual production LED workflows are typically constrained within the boundaries of an LED Volume, extended reality production LED workflows break free from the confines of the LED canvas. Through the use of augmented reality graphics and set extension techniques, the virtual set seamlessly expands beyond the LED stage, blurring the lines between the tangible world and the virtual one. Additionally, xR workflows can incorporate augmented reality graphics as foreground elements in front of individuals or objects, adding depth to the scene. The outcome is an immersive experience meticulously choreographed with precise camera tracking.

When to use xR vs virtual production?

The xR workflow excels in expanding and enhancing the depth of virtual environments. Not everyone possesses the space or resources to construct a vast 20,000 sq. ft. LED Volume. Thankfully, set extension empowers creators with smaller LED stages to boundlessly extend their virtual worlds, allowing for a clever expansion of the canvas in virtual production. It can also be used for broadcasting live event settings where physical and digital settings within the live event are extended virtually through the camera. Our work on the Karate Combat series is an example of this.

Augmented reality graphics come into play for extending content into the foreground, positioned in front of objects or people. Foreground AR graphics not only enhance scene depth but also serve as effective visual tools, illustrating key points or conveying additional information and statistics with finesse.

The xR Revolution: Transforming Corporate Communication

In the corporate world, xR technology is not just a futuristic concept; it's a reality that's driving profound change. The applications are vast: from creating captivating customer experiences to driving sales to enhancing commercial productions, the potential for xR and virtual productions is as diverse as the corporate landscape itself. xR has the potential to strengthen relationships, boost engagement, and unlock new opportunities for companies wanting to expand the reach of their brand.

The Power of Immersion: A Case for xR Stages

Consider the following scenario: You're tasked with delivering a critical presentation to your stakeholders, clients, or employees. You could opt for traditional PowerPoint slides and charts, or you could transport your audience to a virtual world where your message comes to life. This is precisely what xR stages offer – the power of immersion.

The immersive experience allows you to:

• Create a memorable experience: xR stages can turn a mundane presentation into an unforgettable journey. 

• Enhance engagement: When your audience is captivated by immersive visuals and interactions, their engagement skyrockets.

• Simplify complex information: xR stages provide a unique platform for breaking down complex data or concepts, making them easier to understand.

• Strengthen your brand: Leave a lasting impression on your audience by showcasing your commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology.

• Create customized experiences: Virtual environments can be highly customized to your clients - instead of calling from another meeting room, call them from their very own virtually recreated factory.

• Explore hybrid avenues: When you’re not using the xR stage for broadcasting or productions, think about other ways of enhancing the in-person experience. Craft customized content featuring your client's logos, and elevate its impact by incorporating audio or touch-responsive elements that captivate passersby.

11 Key Considerations for Building an xR Stage

Before embarking on the xR journey, here are some critical considerations for utilizing an xR stage for corporate communication:  

1) Define Your Objectives: Your journey begins by setting clear communication objectives. Identify what you want to achieve with your xR stage. Whether it's enhancing customer engagement, improving sales, or creating immersive experiences, having a clear objective is paramount.

2) Experiment and Innovate: xR technology offers boundless opportunities. Don't shy away from experimenting and pushing boundaries. Adapt xR experiences that resonate with your audience, explore possibilities, and be open to creative innovation. Don't be afraid to try different approaches and be open to learning from your experiments.

3) Maintain Focus: While experimenting and innovating, always maintain a focus on your core objectives. Use technology as an enabler to achieve your business goals.

4) Stay Customer-Centric: The ultimate goal is to provide value to your customers. Engage with your audience, understand their needs, and involve them in the narrative. Your customers' expectations should shape your XR journey.

5) Collaborate with Experts: Consider partnering with experts in xR technology who have experience in integrating the technology seamlessly. Collaborative efforts will help ensure a successful project.

6) Plan for Versatility: Design your xR stage with versatility in mind. Ensure that the technology and setup can adapt to different use cases and scenarios. This flexibility will allow you to make the most of your investment.

7) Stay Informed About Emerging Tech: XR technology is rapidly evolving. Stay informed about the latest developments, such as new hardware, software, and emerging trends, to remain at the forefront of the XR industry.

8) Consider Integration: Think about how XR technology integrates with your existing systems and workflows. An efficient integration with your current operations can save time and resources.

9) Learn from Real-World Examples: Take inspiration from real-world examples like the xR stage at PTC’s Corporate Experience Center. Study their journey, challenges, and solutions for insights into what worked and what didn't.

10) Don't Hesitate to Seek Guidance: The XR community is a valuable resource. Reach out to professionals who have experience in xR technology to seek guidance and insights. Collaborating with others in the field can help you avoid common pitfalls and benefit from best practices.

11) Commit to the Journey: Implementing xR technology can be a complex process, but persistence pays off. Commit to the journey, even if it involves challenges and setbacks. Over time, you'll refine your approach and realize your vision.

Real-World Application

The PTC Corporate Experience Center

Over half of PTC’s customers were based in APAC and EMEA regions, however 91% of the visits they had to its Boston-based Corporate Experience Center were North American customers. This presented a huge missed opportunity to connect with clients, build relationships and accelerate sales cycles globally.

Being at the forefront of computer technology, PTC wanted an innovative way to do something different. The solution was a one-of-a-kind extended reality (xR) wall that transported customers anywhere from a factory floor in Germany to an office space in Shanghai. With an LED wall at its center, the wall and a custom-built mobile robot pedestal system allowed for easy face-to-face interaction. 

Thanks to the xR wall, PTC can do tailored product demos for individual prospects. Additionally, the xR wall can deliver more sophisticated events that can reach many customers at once for conferences and virtual events. For an automotive conference in Europe, PTC invited fifteen customers to a call hosted by the xR wall in the CXC. They have also hosted customers from Japan, China, and the US simultaneously. During the one-hour session, they connected people in Japan, China and America. The English speakers could even be translated to Chinese and Japanese, all in real-time with multiple channels.

Read the entire case study here and watch the webinar with PTC, disguise & Mepti below.

Flexible Solutions for infinite possibilities 

The true beauty of LED Volumes lies in their remarkable adaptability, offering a spectrum of options to cater to a wide range of needs. These stages come in diverse shapes and sizes, allowing for customization that can align perfectly with your specific operational requirements. From compact setups ideal for smaller corporate spaces to expansive configurations for grand presentations, the flexibility in LED Volume dimensions ensures that there are solutions available for different price points, space restrictions, and production prerequisites. This adaptability empowers businesses to harness the potential of XR technology regardless of their scale, without compromising on creativity or quality. Whether it's a cost-effective solution for a startup or a grand stage for a global enterprise, LED Volumes provide the ideal platform for bringing your immersive visions to life, making infinite possibilities achievable within your unique corporate setting. Learn more about the different setups and use cases for various LED Volume constellations in our Ultimate Educational Guide on LED Volumes.

The future of xR for big business

As the corporate landscape evolves, so must your communication strategies. 

By harnessing the power of Extended Reality (xR) stages for corporate communication, you are tapping into its transformative potential – from creating immersive customer experiences to improving sales and enhancing commercial productions.

To succeed in the xR journey, you should define clear objectives, experiment, maintain focus, stay customer-centric, collaborate with experts, and plan for versatility. Real-world examples like PTC's Corporate Experience Center show the power of xR in connecting with clients globally. Flexible LED Volumes provide adaptable solutions for various corporate needs, ensuring that xR technology is accessible and impactful for businesses of all sizes.

The future is here, and we invite you to be part of this dynamic revolution. Get in touch with our LED Volume Install team today!