On November 15th we were joined by guest speaker Luke Wilson, from ManageXR, who explored the best practices to launch and scale XR in your organization.

Luke Wilson graduated from Stanford University with a BS in computer science and has worked in XR since 2015.

In 2018, Luke founded Mighty Immersion with the intention of using immersive technologies to improve patient care while partnering with the Stanford CHARIOT Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.

While working to deploy thousands of headsets to over 200 children’s hospitals across the US, Luke realized there was a fundamental scale boundary in XR deployment. This problem led Luke to build ManageXR, an XR management tool for organizations, which launched in 2021.

Key takeaways

• Common Challenges in XR Implementation: Managing device setup logistics, updating diverse content, and securing device usage are recurrent hurdles.
• Trends in VR Adoption: Learning and Development dominate enterprise VR usage due to its unparalleled experiential learning potential. Enterprises are dividing VR applications into soft and hard skill training programs.

• Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Pilot with ManageXR: Beginning VR training involves defining use cases, exploring content via ManageXR's "DiscoverXR," and conducting pilots with varied content for diverse organizational segments.

• Guidance for Scaling VR Initiatives Beyond the Pilot Stage: Post-pilot, scaling necessitates gradual device deployment and internal marketing of the technology. 

• Recommended Resellers: ManageXR collaborates with various resellers like SHI, CDW, Insight (in the US), and Shanker (in the EU) offering expertise in selecting and procuring diverse headsets suitable for specific enterprise needs.

• Choosing the right headset: While Quests and Picos are common, the challenges with widespread Quest deployment, being a consumer headset, lead ManageXR to prefer Pico for easier setup and contro.

• Addressing Data Security Concerns for VR Headsets in Enterprises: ManageXR ensures device security, remote settings, and connectivity to enterprise networks while acknowledging diverse interpretations of data security across enterprise contexts.

• Common Misconceptions Surrounding VR During Small Pilots: Overcoming motion sickness fears, optimizing content, and limiting exposure time address common VR misconceptions, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

• Meta for Business: ManageXR distinguishes itself from first-party hardware solutions by offering deeper and scalable XR solutions based on extensive experience and knowledge.

Webinar Highlights

ManageXR originated from the challenges encountered during the deployment of XR in healthcare and has evolved as a comprehensive solution addressing the complexities of scaling XR initiatives.

At its core, ManageXR streamlines the intricate processes of managing multiple XR devices by automating setup, facilitating content updates, and ensuring secure device management.

It caters to the unique needs of enterprises seeking to leverage XR technology for training and development purposes. With a strategic approach to address common challenges faced during XR implementation, ManageXR empowers organizations to unlock the transformative potential of XR by simplifying device management, content distribution, and scaling initiatives.

Common Challenges in XR Implementation for Enterprises

Enterprise-level deployment of XR technology presents several recurring challenges:

Firstly, the logistical hurdle of setting up numerous XR devices at scale emerges as a primary concern. Setting up a large volume of headsets for immediate use by employees poses a significant time investment, with setup times averaging between 30 minutes to an hour per device. 

Secondly, the constant requirement for updating varied content in XR poses a complex challenge, given the intricacies involved in managing these updates. 

Another crucial challenge revolves around securing and directing device usage within an enterprise environment. ManageXR ensures a streamlined user experience by locking applications to approved content, ensuring employees directly access relevant training material upon headset usage. 

These challenges, along with content creation and program development hurdles, highlight the significance of a comprehensive solution like ManageXR in overcoming the complexities of XR implementation in organizations.

Trends in VR Adoption and Initiating VR Training in Enterprises

The adoption of VR within organizations predominantly leans towards Learning and Development (L&D).

It's no secret that there's often no better way to learn than through hands-on experience. VR, offering an immersive learning environment, perfectly aligns with this philosophy. Moreover, this adoption is divided into distinct categories of soft skills and hard skills training.

For those venturing into VR training, particularly in L&D, initiating the process can seem overwhelming. The key lies in breaking down the complexity. Start by defining your use case, understanding the operational framework, and identifying necessary devices and hardware. The recommended approach involves embarking on a bite-sized pilot – a practical strategy to gain insights into XR deployment dynamics. Begin by acquiring a single headset. Explore diverse content options available; platforms like ManageXR's "DiscoverXR" offer a comprehensive library of enterprise-targeted demo applications for this purpose. Engaging in these demos allows you to grasp the potential value for your company.

Subsequently, execute a pilot involving diverse staff members within your organization. Observe their interactions with VR experiences firsthand, taking notes, and actively engaging in discussions to understand their perspectives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Pilot with ManageXR

• Create an Account on ManageXR: Begin by accessing ManageXR, an intuitive Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. Sign up and create an account using your laptop or desktop.
• Connect Your Device: Plug your XR headset into your computer. ManageXR offers a device setup tool, guiding users seamlessly through the setup process.
• Explore the Content Library: Upon logging into ManageXR, access an extensive library of content relevant to your VR training needs. Navigate through this repository and select VirtualSpeech or any other desired content.
• Install Content on Your Headset: With a simple click, add the chosen content to your device. ManageXR efficiently installs the selected applications or demos directly into your headset.
• Device Setup Completion: In a matter of approximately 20 minutes, your device setup will be completed. You'll have VirtualSpeech and various demo apps ready for exploration.
• Experiment and Enjoy: Once the content is installed, dive into VirtualSpeech and other demos available. Test the functionalities, explore the training modules, and experience the VR environment firsthand.

Using ManageXR at this early phase not only simplifies the setup process but also offers valuable insights into managing XR at scale. It aids in overcoming initial hurdles by providing a seamless transition into piloting VR applications like VirtualSpeech.

Guidance for Scaling VR Initiatives Beyond the Pilot Stage

Having successfully completed a pilot and gained insights from the initial phase, scaling up your VR training program requires a strategic approach:

• Evaluate Device Requirements: Consider the number of devices needed for scaling your VR program. Work with ManageXR or a trusted reseller to efficiently set up multiple devices. Collaborating with professionals ensures a smooth transition from a pilot to a larger deployment.
• Centralized Management Console: ManageXR offers a centralized management console, allowing oversight of all devices in one place. This functionality empowers administrators to monitor and control usage, optimizing device management for enhanced efficiency.
• Steady and Strategic Scaling: Avoid a sudden leap from a single headset to a large-scale deployment. Opt for a gradual scaling approach to ensure a smoother process. Steady growth allows for better management and adjustment to the increasing number of devices.
• Internal Marketing and Accessibility: Allocate time and resources to internally market the VR training program. Educate employees on its potential, varied use cases, and the value it brings to their roles. Additionally, consider offering a browser-based version of the training to cater to users who may prefer alternative access methods or may not have VR-compatible devices.

Recommended Resellers

At ManageXR, they understand the importance of partnering with trusted resellers to procure VR hardware that aligns with the end user's specific needs.

In the United States, they have established collaborative relationships with industry-leading partners such as SHI, CDW, and Insight. 

For European clientele, Shanker and several other reputable partners are part of their network. 

These resellers are recognized for their expertise and proficiency in the field, offering invaluable guidance and assistance in purchasing various headsets.

Most importantly, these resellers operate agnostically, meaning they are adept at sourcing different VR hardware options, including Quests, Picos, and HTC, among others, tailored precisely to meet the organization's requirements.

Choosing the right headset

While Quest devices are prevalent in large-scale deployments alongside Pico headsets, some distinct challenges arise when considering Quest for widespread implementation. 

Primarily, the Quest series is designed as a consumer-oriented VR headset, leading to some challenges during the enrollment process. The setup involves creating individual user accounts, which, when multiplied across thousands of devices, intensifies the complexity and time-consuming nature of account management. 

This consumer-based approach contrasts sharply with the enterprise-level usage of VR, where multiple users typically utilize the same device. Although Quest is a commendable device, its management capability might be slightly less streamlined compared to enterprise-specific devices like the Pico. Pico devices, on the other hand, are notably easier to set up, making them a preferable choice in many scenarios.

While both Quest and Pico are prominent in the VR landscape, other potential options like HTC devices offer robust features. However, HTC devices might not be as commonly chosen due to their pricing. Therefore, despite Quest's popularity, its consumer-oriented structure might present hurdles in the efficient management and deployment required for enterprise-level use, making enterprise-focused devices such as Pico a more viable choice for larger-scale rollouts.

Addressing Data Security Concerns for VR Headsets in Enterprises

Data security within the context of VR headsets encompasses various facets. Firstly, it involves securing the device itself to prevent unauthorized access to deeper settings or non-work-related applications. ManageXR offers robust remote security settings, allowing administrators to lock down devices and prevent them from being connected or communicating with external computers. This feature helps ensure that headsets remain exclusively used for work-related purposes and deter unauthorized activities.

Besides, data security also refers to the information stored within the device. While enterprise-specific applications may involve user data, ManageXR primarily focuses on securing the headsets themselves. It ensures that sensitive data remains protected within the confines of the device by restricting external connectivity and unauthorized access, fostering a secure environment for enterprise VR usage.

In addition to device-level security, ManageXR collaborates with IT teams to facilitate secure connections of devices to the enterprise network. These discussions involve ensuring that devices comply with network security protocols, enhancing overall data integrity, and safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities.

The comprehensive approach taken by ManageXR addresses various layers of data security concerns associated with VR headsets in enterprises, safeguarding both the devices and the data within them.

Common Misconceptions Surrounding VR During Small Pilots

During the initial phases of small-scale VR pilots, certain misconceptions may arise among users that could impact their experiences. One of the most prevalent misconceptions is the fear of experiencing nausea or motion sickness while using VR. 

While this concern is valid for some individuals, it's essential to note that there are effective ways to mitigate this issue.

Strategies such as conducting VR experiences while sitting down, selecting appropriate content, and moderating the time spent in VR sessions can significantly reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.

These measures help users acclimate themselves to VR gradually and minimize discomfort during the pilot phase.

Meta for Business: An Exciting Development

The recent launch of Meta for Business brings a new dimension to the market, and ManageXR is eagerly anticipating the diverse applications this will introduce.

It's worth noting that hardware manufacturers often offer their first-party solutions, which serve as a convenient entry point into the VR landscape. However, these solutions typically provide basic device management without the depth needed for extensive XR implementation.

What sets ManageXR apart is their extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge, allowing them to guide you through the potential challenges that may arise along the path of XR deployment at scale. They offer a nuanced understanding that goes beyond mere device management, ensuring a more tailored and effective implementation strategy.