Podcast Recap: VR spaces, the metaverse, and building with synthetic data

Virtual technology is continuously improving, making the futuristic dreams of accessing the metaverse a reality. Virtual spaces are educational learning tools used in classrooms, teleportation machines for international travel, rehabilitation centers for mental recovery, and so much more. Users today can step into virtual spaces for all sorts of experiences, and anyone can design and engage with their dream worlds all in the comfort of their home. Additionally, the advent of synthetic data propels virtual world creation while protecting users' data and privacy.

Tune in to Season 2 of the Pega podcast, Bold stories. Future focused., for unique insights and stories about how emotion and context impact virtual spaces, how synthetic data is protecting consumer privacy, and more.

In this podcast episode, James Dodkins (CX Evangelist, Pegasystems) talks with Dr. Jacquelyn Morie, (Senior Technical Advisor to the XPRIZE's ANA Avatar Prize) about the importance of context when creating virtual reality experiences. Entering a virtual world isn't only about putting on goggles and using your eyes to see something that's not really there. These experiences rely on emotion, culture representation, and context to successfully engage users.

For example, Dr. Morie talked about a virtual reality project aimed to support and engage combat veterans dealing with PTSD. The initial design for this space was a peaceful lodge where veterans could gather to talk or play games together. However, the veterans didn't like the space because it lacked context into their actual wants and needs. They wanted more of a combat experience via virtual reality. So, once their input was utilized, the virtual space was more effective and engaging.

"I saw the potential of not only putting you in a space but putting you in a space that had meaning. And that was what I thought was missing."

Tune in to hear more about virtual reality use cases with Dr. Jacquelyn Morie