You're collaborating with external vendors on a VR project. How do you ensure expectations are met remotely?

Think of setting goals with external vendors for your VR project as laying down a shared vision on a canvas. Each defined milestone and deliverable acts like brushstrokes, shaping a collaborative masterpiece. By articulating the project scope and expectations clearly from the outset, you’re not just outlining tasks; you’re co-creating a roadmap that ensures everyone paints towards the same striking and successful VR experience.

Llevo desde el 2015 en el desarrollo de Realidad Virutal, con mi empresa hemos desarrollado desde experiencias de marketing hasta simuladores militares. Lo que te puedo asegurar es que empezar haciendo un Gantt con hitos es lo mejor, usar alguna metodología de desarrollo también es recomendable, en nuestro caso (la empresa) usamos Scrumm.

Setting clear goals with external vendors is essential for steering a VR project in the right direction. Defining the scope, milestones, and deliverables upfront ensures everyone is on the same page and working towards a shared vision. It minimizes the risk of misunderstandings and keeps the project on track, which is vital when collaborating remotely.

View your communication with vendors as weaving a tapestry of collaboration in the virtual realm. Each scheduled video call or VR meeting serves as a thread that binds progress updates, resolves concerns, and fine-tunes the project’s course. By immersing in these interactions, you not only foster a strong working relationship but also synchronize efforts towards a shared vision. Employing project management tools adds transparency, weaving a fabric of shared understanding that enhances efficiency and ensures every stitch contributes to the tapestry of success.

En el desarrollo de software tenemos que estar actualizando las versiones ante cualquier cambio y registrarlo. Puede sonar cliché, pero el orden es muy necesario. Tener objetivos claros, reuniones cortas pero que nutran a todo el equipo, todo esto es necesario, pero, no dejar de saber que estamos en este rubro por que nos apasiona algo, divertirse también es importante.

Think of detailed specifications as the navigator in your remote VR journey, guiding both your team and vendors through uncharted territories with precision. Just as a navigator provides clear directions and coordinates, detailed documentation on hardware, software, and design aspects acts as your compass. This ensures everyone stays aligned with your vision, minimizing deviations and maximizing efficiency. By meticulously outlining every detail, you not only mitigate risks of misunderstandings but also set the stage for a smooth and successful voyage into virtual realms.

Providing detailed specs is critical in remote collaborations, especially for VR projects. Comprehensive documentation acts as a blueprint, ensuring vendors fully grasp both the technical and creative expectations. This level of clarity helps prevent costly misunderstandings and ensures the final product aligns with your vision.

Think of feedback loops as the heartbeat of your VR project, pulsing with continuous improvement. Just as a heartbeat signifies life and vitality, structured feedback cycles breathe energy into collaboration with vendors. Encourage open dialogue where insights and suggestions flow freely, nurturing an environment where every voice shapes refinement. By reciprocating with constructive feedback on deliverables, you not only steer the project towards excellence but also fortify relationships based on mutual growth. These iterative cycles act as a stabilizing force, ensuring that your VR experience evolves dynamically, staying resilient and responsive throughout its lifecycle.

Consider risk management as sculpting resilience in the virtual realm. Just as a sculptor anticipates challenges in shaping their masterpiece, identifying potential risks early allows you to carve out contingency plans with vendors. Discussing scenarios like technical hiccups or scope changes not only prepares you for unforeseen challenges but also forges a collaborative strategy to navigate them. By proactively sculpting these strategies, you mold a project that withstands turbulence, ensuring that every twist and turn in the virtual landscape becomes an opportunity to showcase resilience and achieve success.

Approach final testing as the unveiling moment for your VR creation, where meticulous scrutiny ensures it shines flawlessly. Just as an artist meticulously inspects every brushstroke before revealing their masterpiece, conducting comprehensive tests with vendors ensures every aspect meets your exacting standards. From stress tests to user acceptance trials and performance evaluations, each phase polishes your project to perfection. Embrace this phase not just as a validation of functionality but as a celebration of readiness, marking the transition from development to an immersive experience ready to captivate its audience.

Las pruebas son una fase muy necesaria y la más importante, en esta fase nos daremos cuenta de que si todo el esfuerzo en realidad va dar sus frutos. Recordemos que nuestro desarrollo tiene una meta y esta tiene que cumplirse. Yo recomiendo siempre hacer muchas pruebas con distintos tipos de personas y personalidades, esto nos ayudara a ver cosas que a lo mejor no nos damos cuenta. Amigos, familiares, vecinos, yo utilizo de todo para esta fase y siempre hablen de su proyecto, a lo mejor se van a encontrar con la persona que se da cuenta de algo que ustedes aún no han logrado ver.

Another key consideration is establishing a strong communication protocol. Regular check-ins and updates, paired with an open channel for feedback, can make a significant difference. Sharing past experiences or examples of what worked well (or didn’t) in previous projects can also provide valuable context for vendors. Building a solid relationship based on transparency and trust often goes a long way in ensuring a project's success, even when working remotely.