Mixed Reality (MR) headsets are surging into the spotlight, attracting customers and business leaders alike. In the past, creating a true “mixed reality” experience was complex, meaning virtual reality devices and smart glasses consumed a larger portion of the XR market.
However, countless vendors, from Microsoft to Meta, Varjo, and even Apple, have shown just how valuable mixed reality solutions can be. The MR headsets space is growing faster than ever. According to Mordor Intelligence, it’s accelerating at a phenomenal CAGR of 45.3%.
Unfortunately, countless organizations are unsure why they should invest in mixed reality technology. Based on our research into industry case studies, work with MR vendors, and knowledge of the market, here’s why we think every company should join the MR revolution.
1. MR Headsets Transform Employee Training
We’ve seen plenty of evidence in recent years that immersive technologies, such as AR/VR headsets, can transform training outcomes. PWC’s study even found employees completed training in immersive environments four times faster than they would in a classroom.
Since MR headsets combine the best of both virtual and augmented reality experiences, it only makes sense that they’d be an incredible resource for onboarding, training, and skill development. With mixed reality, companies can build highly engaging training experiences that give employees flexible control over their level of immersion.
Using mixed reality, companies can guide their team members step-by-step through training modules, overlaying training information, content, and even instructions from holographic team members on top of real-world environments. This can help employees grow accustomed to actually using and working with the tools they’re going to access in the workplace.
With solutions like the Microsoft HoloLens or Apple Vision Pro, companies can create collaborative 3D environments with “Immersive Spaces”, where teams can train and interact with content simultaneously.
2. Improve Collaboration and Communication
Just like VR headsets, smart glasses, and AR apps, MR headsets can help companies create truly immersive collaborative experiences for their employees. In an age where employees are often distributed across various environments, these tools can bring teams together, fostering feelings of inclusion and equity and enhancing creativity.
For instance, with Microsoft Mesh and Microsoft Teams Immsersive Spaces, companies can design environments where team members can connect and share ideas in a variety of different ways. Teams can either enter virtual spaces with custom avatars, or use cutting-edge technology to create holographic representations of team members and content to display in a physical space.
MR headsets can even help employees access step-by-step guidance from subject matter experts and supervisors in real time wherever they are. HoloLens headsets and similar solutions can include access to remote assistance tools. These allow colleagues to share video and images in real time, similar to the latest AR glasses and apps.
3. MR Headsets Boost Productivity
The right MR headsets can also have a direct impact on how efficient and productive your teams are in any environment. They offer staff members an incredible way to access key information and content when needed most, often during the flow of work.
Leading healthcare organizations have already begun adopting tools like the Apple Vision Pro to ensure they can access surgical logistics and resources during surgeries. These headsets even allow employees to organize all the tools and software they use daily into an ever-scalable digital workplace, which they can access with virtual keyboards and gesture-based interactions.
Some mixed reality headsets, like the Meta Quest 3, even allow users to control their level immersion to optimize productivity. For instance, employees could immerse themselves fully in a virtual reality environment when they need to focus, then step into mixed reality when collaborating with in-office colleagues.
4. Enhance Product Design and Manufacturing
One major benefit we’ve seen among many companies investing in all kinds of XR headsets, from VR visors to AR glasses, is the opportunity to enhance product design. MR headsets, just like VR and AR solutions, can accelerate decision-making and development processes with immersive visualizations.
They provide companies with access to a truly flexible environment where they can experiment with prototypes, visualize different materials for products, and even run tests with digital twins. These digital twins offer a cost-effective and intuitive way to perfect new designs before they’re created.
Some major companies have already begun using MR headsets in their manufacturing processes. For instance, Airbus was one of the early adopters of the Microsoft HoloLens technology, and it continues to use MR solutions to accelerate product development today.
Working with MR tools can even reduce the risks associated with manufacturing and product development by exposing fewer employees to dangerous machinery.
5. MR Headsets Optimize Customer Experiences
We believe extended reality technologies represent a new era for customer service. AR solutions already offer customers amazing “try before you buy” experiences in retail. Companies are also stepping into the metaverse and creating virtual environments for sales presentations, demos, and onboarding.
Now vendors are beginning to experiment with MR headsets to enhance customer experiences too. With mixed reality, companies can create compelling client presentations and immersive experiences, showcasing designs and products in a dynamic, interactive format.
They can provide organizations with more intuitive try-before-you-buy experiences. Fashion companies can create virtual dressing rooms for customers to experiment with, allowing them to rapidly build outfits and choose products without the need to physically try anything on.
Automotive companies can provide customers with immersive ways to customize their cars or even enjoy exciting test-drive experiences wherever they are. The potential for innovation is limitless.
Is It Time to Invest in MR Headsets?
Compared to virtual and augmented reality solutions, MR headsets might still seem to be in their early stages. We’ve only recently started to see companies in the XR landscape going all-in on mixed reality and AR/VR solutions. However, as innovators continue to show us what these flexible devices are capable of, adoption will likely grow.
If you’re looking for a way to unlock the power of immersion for your company, and you want to combine the best of the virtual and augmented reality landscapes, now could be the time to invest in MR headsets for your team.
