What Makes Someone Put on the Headset Twice?
Andy Fidel ?
Creative XR Producer & Speaker ? The Future of Social is Spatial ? Women of Future's Top 100 in Emerging Tech ? Meta Creator Partner ? Newsletter (7K)
It’s not the specs. It’s not the sleek design.
It’s the content.
Without engaging, meaningful experiences, even the most advanced hardware is just another gadget collecting dust. Content is what sparks curiosity and keeps users exploring.
Hardware is just hardware—it doesn’t create connection. And a virtual space? Without purpose, it’s just an empty shell.
The magic lies in creating experiences that entertain, educate, or solve real problems—giving virtual spaces purpose and keeping users coming back.
Here’s the challenge:
It’s not just about what you build—it’s about the impact it has on people.
So how do we get it right?
1. Make it emotional
Great VR content should make users feel something—whether it’s excitement, wonder, or connection.
Pro Tip: Build anticipation and let users uncover surprises as they explore.
2. Focus on quality
One well-designed experience is far more impactful than a collection of mediocre ones. Every interaction should feel natural and immersive.
Pro Tip: Update regularly and use community feedback to improve the experience.
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3. Keep it accessible
Easy onboarding, cross-platform compatibility, and thoughtful design ensure VR is welcoming for everyone, not just tech enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Design tutorials that guide without overwhelming first-time users.
4. Encourage creativity
Allowing users to contribute and shape their own experiences builds engaged, invested communities.
Pro Tip: Provide simple tools or templates to empower user creation.
5. Solve real problems
Beyond entertainment, VR can address real-world challenges like training, therapy, education, or even loneliness. The best content doesn’t just engage—it improves lives.
Pro Tip: Explore existing spaces to identify gaps or stories you can expand and build upon.
Looking ahead
New technologies like mixed reality and AI are changing how we connect and engage. Mixed reality combines the real and virtual, while AI has the potential to adapt experiences based on user behavior.
Social VR its about the stories we tell, the problems we solve, and the connections we create.
What will you build? Will it spark curiosity, create connection, or solve real problems?
Design experiences that people won’t just use—but remember!
*visual generated with Tatiana Tsiguleva prompts ??
Ex-Microsoft UX Lead & PM | AI/XR Tech Ambassador ? Helping BigTech & Startup companies with Digital Transformation and Strategy for the AIXR & Spatial Computing era.
1 个月Twice? How about 3-4 times each evening? ?? My friends and me are going as a squad almost each evening on Contractors Exfil Zone or Ghosts of Tabor, and all grown-ups, military veterans, CEOs of companies, etc. Oh, and sometimes it's in addition to my XR Design (UX/UI) and Product Management routine helping companies and organizations with XR in my country. Doesn't matter if it's for work or fun, when you have a good experience in XR, for fun or work, you'll keep putting the headset. ??
Director, Software Engineering | Tech Innovation | Los Angeles+Sunnyvale | ex-Amazon | AWS Certified Architect | Speaker | VR/AR
1 个月So true. My AVP is collecting dust right now!
Research Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
1 个月I put on the headset everyday for one simple reason: To see (and exercise with) my friends.
Great article! Totally agree that content is key. ?? Looking back, what types of events have you enjoyed the most, and why? Was it the social connection, experiencing awe and wonder with a group, or something else?