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Strategize, Don’t Just Dive in: The Metaverse Conundrum

Is the metaverse the next digital frontier? Should businesses leap in or strategize? The key is Service Design and multi-modal Experiences. Dive into why strategy before immersion is vital. Prepare; don’t panic.

The metaverse, a universe of digital worlds, is causing ripples in the business ecosystem. The allure of reaching new customers, enhancing employee training, and boosting partner collaboration in these virtual realms is tantalizing.

The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.

Mark Zuckerberg

But should businesses dive headfirst into the metaverse? We suggest a more strategic approach focused on Service Design and multi-modal experiences. Here’s why:

Understanding the Metaverse

Much like the Internet in its early days, the metaverse is teeming with opportunities but also veiled in uncertainty. For instance, the fashion industry is already experimenting with virtual fashion shows and digital clothing. The promise is vast, but so is the learning curve. Businesses must understand the metaverse before formulating their digital strategy.
Service Design First

In the race to adopt the latest technology, core services should be noticed. If your online shopping platform is tricky to navigate or your customer service needs to improve, plunging into the metaverse won’t mask these issues. Consider a restaurant with inconsistent service—simply offering a virtual dining experience won’t rectify the fundamental problem. Excellent service design is a prerequisite, metaverse or not.
Multi-modal Experiences Matter

An omni-channel strategy isn’t just a plus—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s an eCommerce app seamlessly integrating with voice assistants for hands-free shopping or an educational platform offering interactive webinars, podcasts, and AR-powered virtual labs – providing multi-modal experiences enriches user engagement. A focus on multi-modal design will serve businesses well in the metaverse era.
Prepare, Don't Panic

The fear of missing out can prematurely drive businesses to adopt technologies. Rather than panicking, prepare. For instance, while some real estate companies rush to buy virtual land in the metaverse, others focus on enhancing their VR tours for existing online platforms, biding their time till the metaverse becomes mainstream.
Catching the Virality Wave

Knowing when to jump in is critical. Akin to the surge in popularity of TikTok, where businesses that leveraged its virality at the right time reaped substantial benefits, the metaverse will likely follow a similar pattern. With the imminent release of Apple’s Vision Pro Headset, being prepared allows businesses to ride this wave when it hits.

The metaverse is not just a buzzword; it’s potentially the next big digital revolution. But jumping in without a thoughtful strategy can lead to pitfalls. We recommend a service-design-focused and multi-modal approach, preparing for the metaverse while strengthening your digital capabilities.