The Evolution of Application Consulting in an AR/VR World
The worlds of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) were once realms reserved for the fantasies of science fiction enthusiasts. Now, they are a part of our everyday life, driving change in industries from gaming to healthcare, education, and even real estate. Amidst these transformative shifts, a profession has evolved in tandem: application consulting. Here’s a look at how application consulting has transformed in an AR/VR-dominated environment.
From Basics to Futuristic Realms
A few decades ago, application consulting revolved primarily around rudimentary software solutions, addressing simple business needs. Fast forward to today, and consultants are guiding companies through AR and VR complexities, ensuring businesses can thrive in an immersive digital landscape.
Demand Drives Specialization
With AR and VR solutions becoming mainstream, the demand for specialized consultants has surged. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill tech experts. They possess deep knowledge about creating 3D environments, optimizing user experiences in virtual realms, and leveraging AR for practical business solutions. With the market predicted to exceed $296 billion by 2024, it’s no wonder there’s a gold rush of expertise towards this specialization.
New Solutions for Traditional Industries
Industries once considered traditional or ‘low-tech’ are now seeking AR/VR application consulting. Imagine a real estate consultant giving virtual tours of properties across the globe, or a teacher transporting students to ancient Rome through VR. These applications are already making waves, and they necessitate a different approach to consulting.
For instance, in the healthcare industry, VR is being used for patient therapy and medical training. Consultants in this space now need to understand both the technical aspects of VR and the nuances of medical practices, thus bridging the gap between technology and domain-specific needs.
User Experience Takes the Front Seat
Previously, application consulting leaned heavily on the technical side of things – making a program run smoothly and efficiently. With the advent of AR and VR, user experience (UX) has gained monumental importance. A VR application might work flawlessly, but if users feel disoriented or uncomfortable within the virtual environment, it’s deemed a failure. Consultants, therefore, play a crucial role in refining UX, ensuring virtual and augmented spaces feel as intuitive as the physical world.
Security Concerns Amplify
In a world where AR glasses can overlay sensitive data onto the physical environment, security concerns are magnified. The blending of the digital and physical worlds introduces unique vulnerabilities. Application consultants are now as much guardians of data as they are innovators, ensuring that AR/VR solutions are not just engaging but also iron-clad in terms of data protection.
Future-forward Training and Collaboration
The training landscape for application consultants has seen a seismic shift. Previously focused on coding and program management, modern training programs now emphasize 3D modeling, virtual environment creation, and AR/VR-specific UX design. Furthermore, collaboration between industries and tech experts has become more intimate. It’s not uncommon to see a VR expert collaborating with educators, doctors, or architects to craft bespoke solutions.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The journey of application consulting in an AR/VR world has only just begun. The next frontier seems to be the realm of mixed reality (MR), where real and virtual worlds coalesce even more seamlessly. As haptic technology (touch feedback) and AI integration with AR/VR mature, consultants will find themselves navigating uncharted waters yet again.
For businesses, the message is clear: tapping into AR/VR without expert guidance is akin to sailing without a compass. Application consultants act as the much-needed navigators, steering enterprises towards opportunities and away from pitfalls in the immersive digital universe.
In conclusion, as we embrace this new AR/VR era, the role of application consultants becomes more pivotal than ever. They’re the bridge between fantastical possibilities and practical solutions, ensuring that businesses don’t just adopt new tech but thrive with it. The evolution is ongoing, and as technology continues its inexorable march forward, these consultants will be at the vanguard, guiding us all towards a more immersive future.
Contact Cyber Defense Advisors to learn more about our Modern Application Consulting solutions.
