Users in the Enterprise Metaverse Embrace Simplified Digital Avatars Instead of Hyper-Realistic Ones

Through Virtual Reality (VR), users can explore imaginative worlds and engage with their surroundings, with avatars serving as their digital stand-ins and enhancing these experiences.

Avatars are essential in amplifying these immersive moments, as they not only provide a sense of presence but also cultivate a user’s identity in the digital realm. In community spaces like the metaverse, avatars significantly influence social interactions, helping users establish a distinct identity while bridging the gap between their physical and digital experiences.

In the expansive universe of the metaverse, avatars have gained tremendous importance, transforming social dynamics and allowing individuals to express themselves in unique ways as they connect with others and navigate virtual spaces.

However, accurately representing human forms within virtual realms demands intricate physics and graphics applications. The relationship between avatars and their surroundings has always been crucial, offering myriad styles—from lifelike replicas to more stylized figures—allowing users to craft a distinct digital persona, akin to unique digital fingerprints.

Recently, there has been a notable shift, with users showing a preference for simpler, less human-like avatars. This trend invites contemplation about whether achieving realism still remains the top priority in the VR landscape.

A Paradigm Shift in the Enterprise Metaverse

Frankie Cavanagh, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at an enterprise metaverse platform, shared insights with Metaverse Post indicating that an increasing number of clients are leaning towards simpler, less detailed humanoid figures to replace traditional lifelike avatars. Gemba Gemba’s advanced VR training platform is being utilized by prominent companies worldwide, including Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Nike, Adidas, Dell, Volvo, Roche, and others.

“We have recently observed a fascinating shift in preference. In the past, our focus was primarily on stylized robotic avatars. While many users still appreciate our more lifelike designs, we've noticed a growing interest in the return of our original, less lifelike avatars,” Cavanagh mentioned to Metaverse Post. “The new realistic avatars have made some users uneasy, and perhaps the most noteworthy revelation is users' desire for their avatars to be neutral—free from associations with gender or race. In training scenarios, this neutrality can promote unbiased interactions, allowing a sole focus on learning materials rather than avatar appearances.”

Cavanagh explained that beyond alleviating unconscious biases, these simplified avatars introduce a sense of uniformity, which can be valuable. In enterprise training contexts, they keep participants focused on the content, undistracted by the complexities of realistic avatars.

“This levels the playing field, enabling all attendees, irrespective of their real-life identities, to participate on common ground. It's an effective driver for promoting unbiased contributions and teamwork,” he added.

The current trend embodies both advances in technology and shifts within society. Ideally, the metaverse should foster a range of identities, championing inclusivity. However, in professional settings where training and collaboration occur, the need for concentration, neutrality, and unbiased engagement has created a preference for simpler, less hyper-realistic avatars.

Cavanagh relayed to Metaverse Post that while the company examined various digital avatar styles, it was the mannequin-inspired, simplified designs that were most appealing to their clients.

“These avatars look like clay models, undergoing constant refinement until only the most basic, universally recognized traits remain,” he remarked. “Such designs hold vast potential in metaverse workplaces, achieving harmony between individuality and standardization.”

Cavanagh is confident that the metaverse provides adaptable solutions, enabling firms, individuals, and communities to find the perfect equilibrium tailored to their unique contexts or needs.

Nevertheless, he acknowledges that realistic avatars offer crucial non-verbal communication cues that add depth to interactions. As technology evolves, like Apple’s innovative vision tech, closing this gap becomes more achievable.

“We face the challenge of the uncanny valley, but advancements in the field make it a hurdle we're ready to overcome. In virtual workplaces, striking a balance between realism needed for communication and stylization required for neutrality will be essential,” said Cavanagh from Gemba.

He foresees ultra-realistic avatars playing a significant role in the future of VR, but allowing users the freedom to choose their avatar type will be equally important.

“In the metaverse workspace, the focus will shift towards avatars that enhance communication while minimizing distractions,” Cavanagh shared with Metaverse Post. “Technologies that support customization while retaining vital communicative cues will be critical as we advance in VR.”

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