A virtual tour is a simulation of an existing business or location. Most commonly comprised of a remarkably smooth sequence of videos or still images. They may also include other media elements such as 3D characters, video effects, music, and narration. Aside from the basic features, a virtual tour also provides emotional assets. For example, a virtual tour can put a layer of confidence in your business as clients and customers can view inside and see how and where your business operates. Additionally, in the heat of our changing world, imagine being able to virtually shop through the actual store layout and ask real-time questions. Or, for the students out there, having the ability to sit in a virtual auditorium rather than watch a PowerPoint presentation for your graduation ceremony. The potential is endless within virtual spaces, so what else could you do through a virtual space?
1. E-Commerce:
A study showed that an average of 69.82% of online shoppers abandon their cart at checkout. So, what does this prove? E-commerce needs to be more immersive that just posting your products on a website. This is where a virtual storefront can provide an invaluable bridge between online and physical stores. An addition of live chats, interactive questionnaires and even a social shopping with friends could provide shoppers with a more engaged experience. As a result, the gap between abandoned carts and successful purchases could close.
Aside from the customer experience, there is also a plethora of benefits for store owners. For example, store owners have the freedom to experience with optimal layouts without the time and expense that you would need in a physical store. There is also an opportunity to gather customer data that otherwise wouldn’t be available. For instance, a customer’s exact foot path, time spent in store, and even pinpoint exact reasons for an abandoned cart.
2. Learning Management Systems (LMS):
Learning Management Systems are the e-learning side of virtual spaces. Completely immerse yourself or your students through interactive quizzes with no change in material, just a change in delivery. For example, detect hazards in the operation room or find safety risks in a construction site. Immerse your workforce in hypothetical situations to prepare them. Virtual learning technology has found its way into almost every industry and subject. And for good reason, creating virtual learning simulations for training is; safer, less intrusive, more scalable than in-lab practice, and much more realistic than textbooks.
3. Municipal Trails:
Virtual tours of outdoors trails and hikes are beneficial for everyone. Want to be prepared for your hike? Take the virtual tour. Miss travelling and want to explore again? Take a virtual tour. And those are only for the hike lovers! Virtual trails offer an immersive experience no matter where you are. They allow someone who lives far from home to feel like they’re present or helps de-stress a busy mind. Alternatively, whether you prefer the treadmill or the trail, the virtual trail makes workouts enjoyable. With no people to dodge or whether conditions to predict hiking that trail virtually definitely has its perks.
4. Event Coverage:
Travel the world, immerse yourself in new culture, experience performances and workshops… all from your home. Thanks to technology, virtual event coverage has become more popular over the past year, and yet we have only scratched the surface to what is possible. For example, through Airbnb you can book “Virtual Experiences” which allows you to take cooking classes, art workshops and even a virtual visit to an animal sanctuary! Or you could host graduation ceremonies, memorials, virtual campus tours, the list is endless. Virtual events are not only great for abiding by pandemic restrictions, but also for people on a budget.
