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“The Metaverse is not just a digital space, but a new dimension for human interaction, collaboration, and creativity that transcends physical boundaries.”
Editor’s Editor’s
XR Metaverse Mavericks
TheXR(ExtendedReality)Metaverseiswellentrenchedasoneofthemosttransformational
technologicalforcesof2024-animmersivehybridoftheworldsvirtualandphysical,forming newexperiences,opportunities,andwaystointeractwithinthedigitalworld.Whetheringaming andsocializing,learningandcollaboration,orsimplyenjoyinglifeorwork,Metaverseistransforming thewayhumanbeingslive,work,andplay Withtherapidgrowthofvirtual,augmentedandmixed realitytechnologies,Metaverseisreadytotransformentertainment,healthcare,education,andmany otherindustries.
InsightsSuccessfeaturestheenthrallingstoriesofThe10LeadersLeadingtheXRMetaverse Revolutionin2024.Theseentrepreneursareembracingthesetechnologiesandcontributingtoshaping theirprogressanddevelopmenttomakeMetaversemoreaccessible,engaging,andimpactfulforits audience.Whilecreatingnewstandardsinnewsectorsforbothhardwareandsoftwareapplicationsand standardsetting,thesevisionariesredefinethescopeofpossibilityofvirtualenvironments.
Theleadersfeaturedherearebreakingbarriersinvariousfields,fromcreatingrealisticvirtualworldsto developingsolutionsforremotework,interactivelearning,andsocialconnectivity Theirleadershipis steeringtheMetaversetowardafuturewherehumanexperiencesareenrichedbyseamlessdigitallayers, transcendingtraditionalboundaries.TheyarenotonlyadvancingXRtechnologybutalsofocusingon creatingethical,inclusive,andsustainableenvironmentsthatwillallowMetaversetothriveinthelong term.
Exploretheprofilesoftheseleaders,whichrevealhowtheyhavecreatedsomethingspecialandthe contributionitwillmaketoacceleratingthegrowthoftheXRMetaverse.Fortheirindustriesworldwide, thisshowstheunlimitedpotentialofthisecosystem,theconvergenceofinnovation,collaborationand creativity—tochangerealityasweknowit.
WehopethisfeatureinspiresyoutoimaginenewhorizonsfortheXRMetaverseandmotivatesyouto engagewiththeleadersshapingitsfuturein2024andbeyond.
PrestonBannister
Tiago H. Falk
Advancing
Adrian Rashad Driscoll
Revolutionizing Storytelling with Vision, Inclusion and Innovation
Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández
Breaking Barriers in XR through Technological Convergence
Santeri Saarinen
Transforming Communication and Collaboration through XR
Pioneering a Sustainable Future in Architecture and BIM
The Visionary Journey of Yafei Zhang
Editor-in-Chief
Merry D'Souza
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AdrianDriscoll ChiefExecutiveOfficer
AndrewBrokaw
VirtualandAugmented RealitySimulation Manager
BenThompson VisualizationProjects Engineer
CarlosJ.OchoaFernández
FounderandAdvisor
ONEDigitalConsulting
NielsBartels
ProfessorfürDigitales PlanenundBauen
SanteriSaarinen R&DLead HelsinkiXRCenter /Metropolia
SofiaFracaro EngineeringLead AR/VR
TiagoFalk
ProfessorandDirector oftheMultisensory Analysis andEnhancement (MuSAE)
Lab;Co-directorofthe INRS-UQO JointResearchUniton Cybersecurity
TrevorGreene
LeadofSurface Designand Visualization
Collimation collimation.tv
CNH cnh.com
Boeing boeing.com
ONEDigitalConsulting onedigital.com
AdrianDriscollisanaccomplishedandvisionaryChief ExecutiveOfficer,widelyrecognizedforhisabilitytodrive organizationalsuccessthroughstrategicleadership,innovation, andoperationalexcellence.
AndrewBrokawisaninnovativeandexperiencedVirtualand AugmentedReality(VR/AR)SimulationManager,specializing inthedesign,development,andimplementationofimmersive simulationsfordiverseapplications.
BenThompsonisaskilledandinnovativeVisualization ProjectsEngineer,specializinginthedesignand implementationofcutting-edgevisualizationsolutionsfor complexengineeringandtechnicalprojects.
Carlosisresponsibleforevaluatingthequalityandoutcomesof proposals,ensuringtheymeetthehighstandardssetbythe EuropeanCommission.
YafeiZhang RegionalLead
CologneUniversityof AppliedSciences mygermanuniversity.com
UniversityofApplied Sciences web.ue-germany.com
MerckLifeScience sigmaaldrich.com
Nielsspecializesintheintegrationofdigitaltechnologiesinto theplanning,design,andconstructionprocesses,helpingto shapethefutureofthebuiltenvironment.
Santerileadsresearchanddevelopmentinitiatives,exploring newfrontiersinXRapplicationsacrossdiversesectors, includinghealthcare,education,andentertainment.
Withastrongbackgroundinimmersivetechnologies,Sofiais responsibleforoverseeingthedevelopmentand implementationofcutting-edgeAR/VRsolutionsthatenhance userexperiencesacrossvariousindustries,fromgamingand educationtohealthcareandindustrialapplications.
Institutnationaldela recherchescientifique inrs.ca
Tiagoleadseducationalinitiatives,developscutting-edge research,andmentorsstudentsandyoungprofessionalsto fosterthenextgenerationofexperts.
Rivian rivian.com
WomeninBIM womeninbim.org
AstheLeadofSurfaceDesignandVisualization,Trevoris responsibleforoverseeingthedevelopmentandexecutionof designconceptsthatblendaestheticappealwithtechnical precision.
Yafeiisdedicatedtoensuringthattheorganization’sgoalsare metthrougheffectiveregionalstrategiesandseamless execution.
Tiago H. Falk Professor and Director of the Mul sensory Signal Analysis and Enhancement (MuSAE) Lab; Co-director of the INRS-UQO Joint Research Unit on Cybersecurity Ins tut na onal de la recherche scien fique, University of Québec
Photo CreditEmily Chiu.
Tiago H. Falk
Advancing Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation
O V E R S T O R Y
“
He currently leads a team of two postdoctoral fellows, eight PhD students, one MSc student, and an undergraduate intern.”
Enhancing Human-Machine Interaction!
Thefieldofhuman-machineinteraction(HMI)has
undergoneremarkableadvancements,drivenbythe continuousevolutionofsensortechnologies,signal processing,andmachinelearningalgorithms.Theindustry hasbroadeneditsscopetoencompassvarioustypesof interfaces,suchasbrain-computerinterfaces(BCI)and virtual/augmented/mixedreality(xR)interfaces,hence pavingthewayforinnovativetechnologiesthatenhance communicationanduserexperiences.Asresearchpushes theboundariesofartificialintelligence(AI),the applicationswithinthefieldofHMIcontinuetogrow,with implicationsrangingfromhealthcaretocybersecurity Researchersarenowexploringhowtheseadvancements canimpactmultisensoryexperiences,bridgingthegap betweenvirtualandphysicalrealms,whichholdsgreat potentialforthefutureofimmersivetechnologiesandthe metaverse.
TiagoH.Falk,aprominentfigureinthefieldofHMI,has demonstratedexceptionalleadershipinshapingthe directionofaffectiveHMIsbyleveragingkeyinnovations inBCIs,xR,andexplainableandtrustworthyAI.Asa ProfessorandDirector,hisinnovativeapproachhas helpedredefinehowmachinesinteractwithhumansenses andvice-versa.Tiago'svisionandstrategicthinkinghave influencedhisteamandthewiderresearchcommunity.His abilitytobringdiverseperspectivestogethercultivates advancedresearch,drivingprogressinappliedAI,signal processing,andmultisensoryapplications.
AttheInstitutnationaldelarecherchescientifique (INRS),partoftheUniversityofQuébec,Tiagoleadsthe MultisensorySignalAnalysisandEnhancement (MuSAE)Lab Thislabfocusesondevelopingmodern technologiesthatintegratemultiplesensestoimprove virtualreality,healthcare,telecommunications,andAI applications.Theinstitutehasbuiltastrongreputationfor producingworld-classresearchinengineeringand telecommunications,collaboratingwithmultinational companiestoaddresssocietalchallenges.Throughtheir innovativework,INRSandtheMuSAELabareatthehead ofinnovation,contributingtosignificantadvancementsin academicresearchandpracticalapplicationsinthetech industry
Let’s explore Tiago’s inventive approach in HMI research:
AdvancementsinAffectiveHMIs
TiagoobtainedhisBScdegreeinElectricalandComputer EngineeringfromtheFederalUniversityofPernambuco, Brazil,in2002.Soonaftergraduation,hemovedtoCanada forgraduatestudiesatQueen’sUniversityinKingston, Ontario.Bytheendof2008,hehadobtainedhisMScand PhDinthetopicofspeechqualitymeasurement,wherea modelofhowhumansperceivethequalityofaspeech signal(e.g.,inaphonecallorwhengivingverbal commandstoavoiceinterface,suchasSiri)wasdeveloped.
Upongraduating,hestartedapostdoctoralfellowshipatthe UniversityofToronto’sHollandBloorviewChildren’s RehabilitationHospital,developingassistivetechnologies fornon-verbalchildrenwithmultipleseveredisabilities. Thisiswhenheventuredintoneurotechnologiesand neuroengineeringtodevelopBCIs,bothasacontrol modalitytogivekidsavoice,butalsoasanaffective interfacetomonitortheuser’smental,cognitiveand affectivestate.
In2010,hewashiredattheInstitutnationaldelarecherche scientifique(INRS),agraduate-leveluniversity,partofthe UniversityofQuebecnetwork,asanAssistantProfessor. Hisgoalwastocombineneuroengineering,signal processing,AI,andtelecommunicationstodevelopnextgenerationhuman-machineinterfacetools.
As a Professor and Director, his innovative approach has helped redene how machines interact with human senses.”
Photo Credit- Laetitia Photographe
HefoundedtheMultimodal/MultimediaSignalAnalysis andEnhancement(MuSAE)Labtoachievethisgoal. Fourteenyearslater,heisnowaFullProfessorandcodirectoroftheINRS-UQOJointResearchUniton Cybersecurity TheMuSAELabwasrebrandedasthe MultisensorySignalAnalysisandEnhancementLabin 2018toalignwithemergingresearchinterestsinvirtual reality,metaverse,and,morerecently,theInternetofSenses (IoS).
LeadingaDiverseResearchTeam
Hecurrentlyleadsateamoftwopostdoctoralfellows,eight PhDstudents,oneMScstudent,andanundergraduate intern.Eachmemberisworkingonaseparateproject, usuallyinpartnershipwithCanadianand/ormultinational companies,toaddressissuesofrelevancetosociety.
Theseprojectsrangefromusingedgecomputing,machine learning,responsibleAI,andsignalprocessingfordifferent applications,suchasautomatedbeehivemonitoring, deepfakedetection,multisensoryexperiencesfornextgenerationgamingandhealthcare,authenticationand accesscontrolmethodsforthemetaverse,andsecureand robustspeechapplications,amongothers.
AsaProfessor,Tiagoisalsoinvolvedinteachingvarious graduatecoursesfocusingonvulnerabilitiesofAIsystems, multimodalhuman-machineinterfaces,andsignal processingforbiomedicalapplications.Additionally,his roleinvolvesdeliveringservicestotheuniversityandthe researchcommunityingeneral.Theseservicesinclude sittingoncommittees,organizingconferences,servingon editorialboards,andreviewingpapers.Forexample,hehas co-chairedsince2018theIEEEBrain-MachineInterface SystemsWorkshop,whichbringsexpertsfromaroundthe worldtodiscussthelatestinnovationsinneurotechnologies andBCIs.
EffectiveTimeManagementStrategies
TiagobelievesbalancingdualrolesasaProfessorandcodirectoreffectivelyrequiresdiscipline.Whilemanyrolesas aco-directorarealignedwiththerolesofaprofessor(such assearchingforpartnershipswithcompaniesand internationaluniversities,writinggrantproposals, publishing,andshowcasingtheworkofstudents), administrativetaskscantakeasignificantchunkofhistime. Forthis,heallocatesseveralblocksinhiscalendarduring theweektofocus100%onthesetasks.Stickingtothis routinehasbeenessentialinbalancingbothroles.
“
His ability to bring diverse perspectives together cultivates advanced research, driving progress in applied AI, signal processing, and multisensory applications.”
EncouragingDiversePerspectivesinResearch
Histeamisveryinterdisciplinary,comprisingindividuals withbackgroundsinengineering,computerscience, psychology,biomedicalengineering,andphysics,justto nameafew Thesediverseexperiencesallowfordifferent viewsandideastobebroughttothetable.Whenleading variousprojects,heensureseveryonehasthetimeand spacetosharetheirideasanddiscusstheirpotential usefulnessfortheproject.
Forexample,itiscustomarytohaveweekly,biweekly,or monthlymeetingswhereeveryonediscussestheirprogress andchallengesandsharesideasonhowtoovercomethem. Theseinteractionsteachstudentshowtomakedecisions independently,beopentodifferentideas,andintegrate conceptsfromotherfieldsintotheirownwork.Theseare essentialelementsinbecomingindependentresearchersand scientists,benefitingeveryoneinvolved.
IntheMuSAELab,theyhaveworkedwiththesame partnersformanyyears.Inonecase,theyhavebeen collaboratingwiththesamepartnerforoveradecadeand havebeenawardednumerousprizestogether,including morerecently,the2024NationalScienceandEngineer ResearchCouncilofCanadaSynergyAwardforInnovation.
FundingandPartnershipStrategies
Tiagofindsthatchallengesinresearchevolvebasedonthe academic’scareerlevel.Asayoungerprofessor,hismain challengewasattractingfundingandpartnershipstocarry outtheresearch.Today,thegreatestchallengeisstudent recruitmenttocarryoutthefundedresearch.
WorkinginareassuchasappliedAI,metaverse,and cybersecuritymeanscompetingwiththegiantsofthe world—Google,Meta,IBM,andMicrosoft—withmuch deeperpocketsthanacademia.Recruitinglocalstudentshas becomeextremelychallenging.Inthepast,international studentswereattracted,butwithremoteworkenabledby thepandemic,manyhavealsobeendrawnbytheattractive paychecksfromindustry.
Overcomingthischallengeisstillaworkinprogress,and hehastriedseveralstrategies,suchasraisingstudent scholarshipamounts,givingbonusesbasedonproductivity, helpingstudentsobtainsummerinternshipsatthese corporations,andgoingon“missions”todifferentcountries anduniversitiestosetuppartnerships.Alltheseeffortshave helpedsomewhat,buttheproblemisgeneralizedand global.
EffectiveWork-LifeBalanceStrategies
Hemanageswork-lifebalancewiththesamediscipline usedtomanagemultipleroles.Tiagoreliesheavilyonhis calendar,allocatingdedicatedslotsforweeklymeetings withstudents,administrativetasks,meetingswithindustry partners,servicetothecommunityandtheuniversity,and familyactivities.Unlessthereisanimportantimminent deadline,hisweekendsarededicatedtofamily,asarehis evenings,atleastuntilthekids’bedtimes.
StayingUpdatedwithAppliedAIandSignalProcessing
Tiagoemploysseveralstrategiestostayupdatedwiththe latestdevelopmentsinappliedAIandsignalprocessing, including:
Ÿ Heattendsseveralkeyconferencesthroughouttheyear tolearnfirst-handfromthedevelopersaboutthese developments.
Ÿ Throughhisclassesandweeklymeetingswithhis students,hereceivesfirsthandfeedbackfromthemon thelatestinnovationstheyhaveencountered.
Ÿ HeactivelyusesLinkedInandXtofollowkey
“
The last thing we want to do is destroy our planet while trying to make a digital version of it.”
individualsinhisfieldsofinteresttostayinformed abouttheiractivities.
EssentialAdviceforAspiringAIResearchers
Headvisesaspiringresearchersandprofessionalsinthe fieldofappliedAItoavoidmerelyapplyingothers’codes foundonline.Heobservesthatmanystudentsand researchersfallintothispractice.Whileopencodes, datasets,andtoolslikelargelanguagemodels(LLMs)and ChatGPThavedemocratizedresearch,theyhavealsoledto afocusonmarginalperformanceimprovementswithout understandingtheunderlyingprinciples.
TosucceedinappliedAI,onemustpossessdomain knowledgeanduseittoenhanceavailableopen-source codes.Thisrequiresasolidunderstandingofthefieldand ofkeyprinciplesinmachinelearning,signalprocessing, andstatistics.AppliedAIisinherentlychallenging,with noisydataandnoisylabels.Itiscrucialtolearnhowto examine,understand,andcleanthedatabeforestartingwith theanalysis.
Prof.Falksharesanexamplefromhisrecentresearch, wheredatawascollectedoverseveralweeksfromhundreds ofnursesusingwearabledevicestopredictnurseburnout. Initialattemptstousealargedeepneuralnetworkonthis “bigdata”yieldedresultsnobetterthanchance.However, byimprovingdataquality,extractingcontextfromthedata
Photo CreditLaetitia Photographe
withdomainknowledge,andusingrelevantparametersthat servedasinputtoaclassicalmachinelearningalgorithm, theperformanceimprovedmarkedly.Masteringtheseskills willhelpindividualsstandoutinthefieldofappliedAI.
ExpandingtheMetaverseBeyondAudioandVisual
Tiagostatesthatthemetaversetodayismostlylimitedto audioandvisualexperiencesviaahead-mounteddisplay andheadphones.Tocreateexperiencesthatseamlessly blendrealandvirtualelements,itisnecessarytostimulate othersenses,includingolfactory,haptic,andtaste.The InternetofSenses(IoS)aimstodevelopthetechnologies neededtocreate,transmit,andrendermultiplesensesin realtime,providinguserswithanimprovedexperience.
IntheMuSAELab,effortsareunderwaytodevelopIoS applicationsforthebettermentofhumankind.Forexample, IoS-enablednaturewalkshavebeenshowntoalleviate stressinnurses,reducesymptomsofpost-traumaticstress disorder,andaidintheneurorehabilitationofpost-stroke patients.Ingaming,IoSisbeingexploredasatoolto reducecybersicknessandenhancethegamingexperience.
Fortraining,incorporatingsmellsandheatmayimprovethe trainingoffirstresponders,suchaspoliceofficersand firefighters.Inurbanplanning,IoScouldhelpbuildmore empathicneighborhoods.Additionally,theIoSisbeing exploredtoassistwiththesocializationofseniorsin
nursinghomes,enablingthemtobe“present”ateventslike Thanksgivingdinnerswiththeirlovedones.Thereismuch worktobedonewhenitcomestotheIoS,thusitwill remainaresearchfocusformanyyearstocome.
FutureResearchGoalsfortheInternetofSenses
Tiagooutlineshisresearchgoalsforthenext10years.He aimstodevelopthenecessarysignalprocessing,machine learning,andcybersecuritytoolstoenablethesecure widespreaddeploymentoftheInternetofSenses(IoS).
ThiswillalsorequireinnovationsinAImodelcompression, edgecomputing,andgreenandsustainableAItoensure equitableaccessforeveryone.Ashestates“thelastthing wewanttodoisdestroyourplanetwhiletryingtomakea digitalversionofit.”
Collaborationswithcolleaguesinphotonicshavealready begun,resultinginthedevelopmentofanall-opticalneural networkcapableofachievingpromisingresultswithjusta fractionoftheenergyneededcomparedtoitsGPU counterpartandwithadditionalcybersecuritybenefits,such asrobustnesstoadversarialattacks.
“The
Metaverse is a living, breathing digital world. XR brings it to life, creating immersive experiences that redene how we experience reality.”
AdrianRashadDriscoll Collimation CEO
Revolutionizing Storytelling with Vision, Inclusion and Innovation
Theentertainmentindustryhaslongbeenacreative
hub,offeringawiderangeofopportunitiesfor storytellerstoengageaudiencesuniquely.As technologyadvances,immersivestorytellinghasemerged asapowerfultoolforbringingnarrativestolife,enabling creatorstocraftmoreengagingandinteractiveexperiences. Thisinnovationreshapeshowstoriesaretold,moving beyondtraditionalmediaandallowingfordeeperaudience interaction.Immersivestorytellingcantransformtheway storiesarepresentedandtheconnectionbetweenthecreator andtheaudience.
AdrianRashadDriscoll,theCEO,hasmadesignificant stridesintheentertainmentspace.Withabackgroundthat blendsactingandstorytelling,hehasbeendedicatedto developingnarrative-drivenexperiencesthatpushthe boundariesofimmersivetechnology.Drivenbyamission topromotediversity,Adriancreatesopportunitiesfor underrepresentedgroups,especiallywithintheBIPOC community.Hisleadershipstylefocusesonservice, curiosity,andcollaboration,aimingtoempowerothers whilestayingtruetothecraftofstorytelling.
Collimation,aforward-thinkingcompanyintheimmersive storytellingindustry,benefitsfromAdrian’svisionand commitmenttoinclusion.Thecompanyleverages innovativetechnologiesandcreativepartnershipsto enhancenarrativeexperiences,prioritizingstorytellingover technology Withafocusoncollaboration,itfostersa community-orientedapproachtocreatingimpactful, immersivecontentthatresonateswithdiverseaudiences andempowerscreatorstobringtheirvisionstolife.
Driscoll
Let’s delve in to learn more:
FromActingtoImmersiveStorytelling
Evenbeforehefullyrealizedit,Adrianhashadalifelong connectiontotheentertainmentindustry Atsix,hebegan actingathischurch,whichfeltnatural.Ashegrewolder,he continuedtobookrolesinschoolplaysandstartedwriting fanepisodesforshowslike Martin and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.Thispassionforstorytellingcontinuedthroughout hiscollegeyearsasahobby,eventuallypropellinghim towardhismovetoLosAngelesin2010.
Initially,Adrian’sgoalwastopursueacareerasanactor However,hequicklylearnedthatHollywooddidnotplace muchvalueontheatre,leadinghimtostarthisown productioncompany.Despitethechallengesofnotmaking enoughtocoverhisexpenses,hesupplementedhisincome bydoingpromotionalmodeling.Duringoneofthesegigs foracompanycalledOculus,Adriandiscoveredhispassion forimmersivestorytelling.Thisexperiencesparkedadeep interestinexploringnewwaystoengageaudiences,and sincethen,hehasbeencommittedtothecraftofcreating immersive,narrative-drivenexperiences.
CreatingOpportunitiesandPromotingDiversityinthe Industry
Adrianhasbeengivennumerousopportunitiesthroughout hiscareer,allofwhichhehasearnedthroughhardwork anddedication.Understandingthatevenwhenopportunities areearned,theyarenotalwaysreadilyavailable,hehas madeithismissiontocreateasmanyopportunitiesas
possible,particularlyforBlackindividuals.Hiseffortsare primarilyfocusedonincreasingtherepresentationof BIPOCindividualsintheindustry,recognizingthelackof opportunitiesandrepresentationforthesegroups.Whilehe collaborateswithall,hiscoremissionremainstopromote diversityandinclusionwithinthespace.
PrioritizingServiceandCuriosityinLeadership
Adrianbelievesthatthehighestlevelonecanachieveinlife isthroughservice.Asaleader,hisprimarygoalistoserve thosewhorelyonhimforguidance.Herecognizesthe importanceofstayingcuriousabouttheindustrytoprovide thebestpossibleresourcesforhisteam.Bydoingso,hecan distinguishbetweenmerelytrendytechnologyandthetools thattrulyenhancestorytelling.
Even
when opportunities are earned, they are not always readily available, so my mission is to create as many opportunities as possible, particularly for Black individuals.
CommitmenttoWorkandProfessionalDedication
Adrianmaintainsarigorousworkschedule,dedicating16 hoursdaily,sixdaysaweek,tohisresponsibilities.Hehas nottakenavacationin20years,fullycommittinghimself tohisprofessionalpursuits.
PrioritizingStorytellingOverTechnologyinStrategy
Adrianprioritizesstorytellingovertechnologyinhiswork. Whilerecognizingtheappealofinnovativetechnology,he focusesonitspotentialtoenhancestorytellingratherthan simplyshowcasingthetechnologyitself.Hisapproach centersonensuringthatallstrategiesaredesignedtotella compellingstory,believingthatbystayingtruetothiscore principle,thecompanywillnaturallyexploreand incorporatethelatestandmostcreativemethodsfor storytelling.
FromSelf-ReliancetoCollaborativeSucces
WhenCollimationwasfounded,Adrianinitiallystruggled withdelegation.Hespentthousandsofhourslearning Unity,thoughheconsideredhimselfmediocre.Afterbeing introducedtoCause(partoftheCause+Christigroup),they assistedwithseveralofthecompany’sbuilds.Driscoll realizedthathisearlierbeliefthatonlyhecouldcreate somethingimpactfulwaslimiting,andhefailedtofully engagehiscommunity.Overtime,theteamlearnedthe importanceofcollaborationandrecognizedtheircoregroup ofpartners.Theyfollowa"HappyMadison"approach, bringingtheirpartnersintoeveryproject.
Narrative is everything. If you focus on the tech first, the best you can make is a commercial.
KeyLessonsonLeadership,Value,andPersonal Growth
Adrianshareskeylessonshebelieveswouldhave acceleratedhisprogressifhehadknownthemearlier.He highlightsseveralprincipleshestrivestoliveby:
1.Don’ttakeyourselftooseriously–Thismindsethelps ensureoneremainsopentohelpingothers.
2.Don’tstriveforperfectionatthecostofmissing presentopportunities–It’seasytogetcaughtinthetrap ofwantingeverythingtobeflawless,whichcanhinder leadershipandgrowth.
3.Understandthedistinctionbetweenmoneyandvalue –Heemphasizeslearninghowtogivevaluebefore expectingfinancialcompensation.Whilemoneyis temporary,valuehasalong-lastingimpact.Byfocusingon addingvalue,onecanopendoorstoincredible opportunitiesthatmightinitiallyseemunderpaid.
EmpoweringCreatorsandSharingInsightson ImmersiveStorytelling
Adrianstronglydesirestoleadanotherimpactfulprogram similartoScaleUpImmersive,recognizingitssignificance inprovidingdiversecreatorswithopportunities.Healso aimstodeliveraTEDtalktosharehisperspectiveonusing immersivetechnologytocraftpowerfulnarratives. Additionally,Driscollenvisionsstartingacreator'sfundto empowercreatorstoproducetheirdreamcontentwithout beingrestrictedbyfinancialconstraints.
CarlosJ.OchoaFernández
Breaking Barriers in XR through Technological Convergence
CarlosJ.OchoaFernández FounderandAdvisor
Extendedreality(XR)andimmersivetechnologies havebeenreshapinghowweinteractwithdigital andphysicalworlds,offeringlimitless opportunitiesforenhancingeducation,culturalexperiences, andsocialinteraction.XR'simportanceliesinitsabilityto createmulti-layered,sensory-richenvironmentsandits potentialtochangehowweexperienceeverydaylife.The industrycontinuestoexpandbeyondtraditionaluses, integratingwithsectorssuchashealthcare,art,and entertainmenttocreateinteractive,personalized experiences.XR’stransformationisdrivenbythe convergenceoftechnologieslikeartificialintelligence, geospatialdata,andphotogrammetry,whichcollectively pushtheboundariesofhowimmersiveexperiencescanbe moreengagingandaccessible.
CarlosJ.OchoaFernández,FounderandAdvisor,has beenaprominentleaderinexploringtheexpansive possibilitiesofXR.Knownforhishands-onapproachto innovation,hehasshapedthesectorwithadvanced applicationsthatblendtechnicalexpertisewithartistic vision.HisjourneyfromanengineertoavisionaryinXRis fueledbyarelentlesscuriosityandcommitmenttopushing theboundariesofhumanexperiencethroughtechnology. CarlosJ.isparticularlypassionateaboutmentorship, guidinghisteamstodevelopsolutionsthatarenotonly technicallyadvancedbutalsoculturallyandsocially impactful.Hisleadershipfocusesoninclusivity,ethical considerations,andcreativity,positioninghimasakey figureintheXRcommunity
ONEDigitalConsulting
ONEDigitalConsultingisattheheadofdeveloping immersivesolutionsthatalignwithhuman-centeredvalues. Thecompanyexcelsinproducingeducationalandcultural XRexperiencesthatenhancelearning,deepen understanding,andinspirecuriosityacrossvarious domains.Bymergingtechnologywithartandinteractivity, ONEDigitalConsultingaimstoredefineXR’ssocietalrole, nurturinganecosystemthatprioritizesaccessibility, innovation,andsocialresponsibility.Withadedicatedteam andstrongcollaborations,theorganizationcontinuesto contributetransformativeexperiencesinXR,pavingthe wayforamoreconnectedandenrichedfuture.
Let’s explore Carlos J.'s vision for an interactive XR future:
CreatingMultisensoryWorldswithXRTechnology
CarlosJ.'sjourneyinXRandimmersiveexperienceshas beendrivenbyadeepfascinationwithhowtechnologycan bridgethegapbetweenthephysicalanddigitalworlds. Fromthebeginning,hewasdrawntoXR’spotentialto enrichhumanexperiencesandmaketheimpossible possible—whetherthroughstorytelling,enhancing education,orcreatingnewavenuesforculturalandartistic expression.
HisinterestinXRandthemetaversegrewnaturallyover time,inspiredbyapowerfulblendofcuriosityand creativity.Startinghiscareerasanengineer,hisbackground andexperienceingeodesy,photogrammetry,remote sensing,andgeographicinformationsystemsallowedhim torecognizehowtechnologicalconvergenceandits developmentcouldachievefarmorethanjust entertainment.
Itcouldtransformthewaywelearn,connect,and experiencereality Thisdriveforcontinuousinnovation motivatedhimtoexplorethemanywaysXRcouldshape notjustindividualexperiencesbutalsosocialtrendsand educationalparadigms.
Overtheyears,CarlosJ.hasbeenincrediblyfortunateto gainextensiveexperiencethroughdiverse,iconic,and intricateprojects—rangingfromengineering,systems integration,andplatformdevelopmenttoimmersive educationaltoolsandvirtualrealityexperiencesappliedto culturalheritage,art,andculture.
Thisjourneyhasenabledhimtocreateholistic, multisensoryworldsthatblendart,technology,and interactivity,inspiringpeopletoperceiverealityfromanew
perspective.AsXRandthemetaversecontinuetodevelop, sotoodoeshisvisionfortheirfuture—alwaysfocusedon breakingdownbarriers,makingexperiencesaccessible,and leavingalastingimpactthroughmeaningfulinnovation.
MentoringandEmpoweringTeamsinXR
Inhisroleasaleader,CarlosJ.seeshisresponsibilityas goingbeyondsimplyimplementingadvancedtechnologies; it’saboutbuildingasharedvisionofthefuturewhereXR technologytrulyenhancespeople’slives.Hisgoalisto developanenvironmentwhereinnovationand experimentationarekey,ensuringthattheirimmersive solutionsarenotonlytechnicallyrobustbutalsoaccessible, sustainable,andalignedwithhumanvalues.
Toachievethis,it’sessentialtocreateaninnovation ecosystem,activelylistentousers,andshareexperiences withpartnersandteammembers,understandingtheirneeds andanticipatingfuturetrends.Heworkscloselywith outstandingmultidisciplinaryteams,fromdesignersand developerstoeducatorsandartists,tocreateexperiences thatcaptivateandleaveapositiveandlastingimpact.
Hisapproachalsoincludesmentoring,educating,and empoweringtheteam,organizations,startups,andthe industry.Hestrivestocultivateacultureofcontinuous learning,whereimmersivetechnologiesareseennotjustas toolsbutasvehiclesforcollaboration,creativity,and change.Hebelievesthatempoweringhisteamandtheir communityisshapingthefutureofXR,makingtechnology moreaccessible,ethical,andinclusiveforeveryone.
PushingBoundariesinImmersiveTechnology
Hisleadershipstyleisrootedincollaboration,teamwork, experimentation,andcreatinganenvironmentwhereevery teammemberfeelsempoweredtocontributeinnovative ideas.CarlosJ.firmlybelievesthatinnovationinXRand themetaversedoesnotcomefromoneindividualbutfrom thesynergyofdiverseperspectivesandskills.Hestrivesto createaworkculturethatvaluescuriosity,creativity, excellence,andcontinuouslearning.
Giventhattheyoperateinaconstantlychangingfield,he encourageshisteamtoexplorenewideaswithoutthefear ofmakingmistakes—toignitetheirimaginationand curiosityaboutwhattheycanachievebeyondthelimitsof theircurrentunderstanding.
Heseeshimselfasafacilitatorwhoprovidesthetoolsand supportnecessaryfortheteamtoexperimentandpushthe boundariesofwhat’spossible.Hisgoalistobuildaspace wherepeoplecanquestion,propose,andco-create experiencesthatkeepthemattheleadingedgeofthe industry
Additionally,heiscommittedtoatypeofleadershipthat drivestechnologicaladvancementandremainsmindfulof theethicalandhumanimpactoftheircreations.Hewants theirinnovationsinXRtomakeadifferencenotonlyona technicallevelbutalsotobringrealvalueandbesocially responsible.Withthisphilosophy,heaimstonotonly advancetechnologybutalsotoexplorehowtechnologycan bestservesociety
CultivatingaCultureofInnovationinXR
AccordingtoCarlosJ.,inanindustryaschallengingasXR andthemetaverse,stayingaheadofthecurverequiresa combinationofconstantcuriosity,adaptability,andstrategic thinking.OneofCarlosJ.'scorestrategiesismaintaininga continuouslearningmindset,notonlyforhimselfbutalso forhisteam.Hestrivestoensurethattheyallhaveaccess totraining,resources,andeventsthatkeepthemuptodate, suchasinternationalconferences,workshops,and collaborationswithotherindustryleaders.
Thisnetworkofconnectionsiscrucialforgainingaclear viewofwherethesectorisheadingandidentifying emerginginnovations.Overtheyears,hehasbelongedto andcollaboratedwithnumerousinternationalorganizations andassociations,whichhasallowedhimtobuildstrong professionalandpersonalrelationshipsthathaveendured overtime.
Additionally,hededicatestimetodeeplyresearchingnew technologiesandanalyzinghowtheycouldbeintegrated intotheirprojectsorenhancetheircurrentcapabilities.It’s notjustaboutimplementingeverynewtoolortrendbut criticallyevaluatingwhatwillbringrealvalueandbest alignwiththeirlong-termvision.Forthis,heappliesa strategyof“exploreandevaluate”:theyexperimentwith emergingtechnologiesonasmallscale,testingtheir effectivenessandsustainabilitybeforeintegratingtheminto largerprojects.
Anotherkeystrategyismaintainingacultureofinnovation withintheorganization.Heencourageshisteamto experimentandproposefreshideas,givingthemthe freedomtoexploreandtestnewconcepts.Hebelievesthat
genuineinnovationcomesfrompassionateandcreative peoplewhofeelempoweredtoexplorewithoutfearof makingmistakes.
Lastly,hekeepsacloseeyeontheircompetitorsandthe globalXRandmetaverseecosystem.Heanalyzestheir developments,butratherthansimplyreplicatingthem,he usesthisinformationtoidentifyopportunities,learnasa criticaluser,reflectontheimpact,anddifferentiatetheir ownofferings.Theyfocusondeliveringuniqueexperiences thatreflecttheiridentityandpurposeratherthanmerely followingtrends.Intheend,hebelievesthatauthenticity andqualityarethebesttoolstostandoutandleadinthe sector
MentoringandEmpoweringXRProfessionals
Withoutintendingto—perhapsevenintentionally—hehas hadtheprivilegeofmentoringandempoweringa significantnumberofprofessionalsovertheyears.Heis genuinelyproudofthem,andheowesmuchofwhereheis today,bothpersonallyandprofessionally(forbetteror worse),tothem.
TothoseaspiringtoleadintheXRindustry,CarlosJ. suggeststhatthemostimportantqualitiesareamindsetof continuouslearning,anopenmind,imagination,theability tobuildexcellentteams,andaninsatiablecuriosity.The technologyandpossibilitiesinthisfieldarechangingatan incrediblyfastpace,soit’sessentialtostayinformedand remainopentonewideas.It’snotjustaboutknowingthe latesttoolsoradvancementsbutdeeplyunderstandinghow theseinnovationscanimpactpeople’slivesandtransform entireindustries.
Anotherkeypieceofadviceisresilience.TheXRand immersivetechnologyindustriesarenotwithouttheir challenges—fromtechnologicallimitationstothelackof standardization.Often,thepathtosuccessinvolves overcomingnumerousobstacles.Maintainingapositive, somewhatvisionaryattitudewhilemeasuringriskswith real,evidence-basedindicators(notjustemotions),being adaptable,andlearningfromeveryexperiencearecrucialto makingprogressandachievingameaningfulimpact.
Additionally,heencouragesfutureleaderstofocuson buildingauthenticconnectionsandcollaboratingwith others.InnovationinXRrarelyhappensinisolation;it’sthe
resultofbrilliantmindsworkingtogether,exchanging ideas,andchallengingeachother.Strongconnections,both withotherindustryprofessionalsandwithinyourown team,canopendoorsandcreatesynergiesthatcanamplify anyproject.
Lastly,CarlosJ.remindsthemthatleadershipisnotjust aboutvisionortechnicalskillsbutalsoaboutempathyand purpose.Understandingthehumanimpactoftheircreations iscrucial. “If you aspire to be a leader in this sector, work with the conviction that you can contribute to a more inclusive and accessible future for everyone. Stay true to your values, listen to those around you, and never lose sight of the “why” behind what you are creating,” hequoted.
MentoringtheNextGenerationofXRTalent
Inthecomingyears,oneofCarlosJ.'smainobjectivesisto continuedevelopingXRexperiencesthathavea meaningfulandlastingimpact,especiallyineducation,art, andculture.Heaimstocontributetoprojectsthatallow peopletoconnectmoredeeplywiththemeslikemusic, nature,andlearningbycreatingexperiencesthattranscend physicalbarriersandtapintotheemotionalandhumanside. Hehopestheseexperiencescaninspirepeople,helping themdiscovernewperspectivesandperhapsseetheworld differently
Fromaprofessionalstandpoint,CarlosJ.aspirestoexpand hisorganization'sreachbyexploringnewstrategic partnershipsandglobalcollaborationstobringhissolutions toawideraudience.Additionally,hewouldliketo contributetothedevelopmentofindustrystandardsand bestpractices,helpingtoguidethegrowthofXRandthe metaverseinanethical,sustainable,andaccessibleway
Onapersonallevel,hewantstodedicatemoretimeto mentoringthenextgenerationofXRtalent.Heis passionateaboutseeinghowthisindustrycontinuesto attractcreativeandtechnicalminds,andhewantstoshare hisknowledgeandexperiencestohelpthembuildtheir careersand,perhaps,achievetheirowngoalswithinthis space.
Ultimately,hisvisionistobuildanindustrywhereXR technologyandthemetaversearenotjusttoolsbutvehicles fortransforminglives,connectingpeople,andmakingthe worldamoreenrichingandaccessibleplace.Hewillwork towardsthesegoalswithdedication,knowingthateachstep forwardcontributestomeaningfulandpositivechangein thefutureofthisindustry
How Immersive Technology is Shaping the Future?
Thisnowcomesunderthebigtermknownas
extendedreality,orXR,wherevirtual,augmented, andmixedrealityarecovered.Gonearethedays whenthiswasgamingorevenentertainment;ithasrather emergedtobecomethenewforceshapingpeople'swaysof work,socialization,andinteractingwithdigital environments.Atitscore,thereisanXRmetaverse;thatis tosay,avirtuallyinfiniteinterconnectedworldofvirtual realitythatharmoniouslyputsthephysicalandthedigital togetherinseamlessseamlessness.
UnderstandingtheXRMetaverse
TheXRmetaverseisdefinedasthesharedvirtualspacethat isgeneratedbythefusionofphysicalandvirtualreality throughtheuseoftheXRtechnologies.Unlikethedigital platforms,themetaversewillallowuserstobeimmersed fullyandinrealtimewith3Denvironmentsandother participants.
Thisisthemetaversethatpresentsastringofinterlinked spaces,whichwillbeaccessiblefromthecomfortof devicessuchasVRheadsetsorARglassesoreven smartphone.Thinkvirtualofficesorimmersiveclassrooms, simulatedtravel,anddigitalartgalleries.Itwouldhelpto rethinkallthesemundanethings.
BuildingBlocksoftheXRMetaverse
TheXRmetaverseisbeingdriventhroughmany technologicalbreakthroughs,including:
1.VirtualReality:ThishasthereforeemergedwithVirtual Reality,whereforexample,objectscanbeinteractedwith asparticipantswouldiftheywerethereinsuch environments.
2.AugmentedReality:Inaugmentedreality,however, digitalcontentoverlaysovertherealworldandimproves
real-worldphysicalsurroundingsthroughinteracting elements.
3.MixedReality:Thisconnectsphysicalandvirtualworlds forinteractioninreal-time.
4.AI:AIallowsrealismbycreatingreactiveenvironments andavatarswithpredictivenessthatlookalmostlifelike.
5.Blockchain:Distributedledgersarefacilitatedforthe metaverseforownership,transaction,andidentity verifications.
6.5GandEdgeComputing:Ubiquitousandedge computingallowsforimmediateexperienceswithhelp fromfastnetworks.
ImpactfulUseCasesfortheXRMetaverse
IndustrieschangedbecauseofXRtechnology-unthinkable justashortwhileago.Forexample:
MetaverseClassroom
TheMetaverseprovidesanimmersivespacewherelearners cantakehistorytoplaces,producechemistryexperiments inthevirtual,orimmersethemselvesdeepintotheoceanallfromtheirdesks.Theseimmersionconditionswith learnersimprovethelevelofunderstandingandretention.
CollaborativeWorkplace
TheXRmetaverserevolutionizestheremoteworking experience.Workerscanconnecttocolleaguesandclients through3Dvirtualoffices.Toolssuchasvirtual whiteboards,sharedenvironments,andtoolsofthatnature canenablethetransitionsbetweenphysicalanddigital collaborativespacestobeimprovedintermsofcreativity andproductivity.
Healthcare
DoctorsandsurgeonsuseXRtotrainandsimulate surgeries.Virtualoperatingrooms,interactiveanatomy lessons,andAR-assistedsurgeriesareusedtoimprove medicaloutcomesandminimizerisks.
RetailandE-commerce
VirtualstorefrontsoftheXRmetaversecanbeshopped fromhome,whereonecantryonandbuytheproduct. Augmentedrealityallowspeopletoseeexactlyhow furniturelooksathomeorhowclothesfitordrapeona personinreal-time.
EntertainmentandSocialInteraction
Virtualconcerts,immersivefilms,andsocialVRplatforms aresomeofthewaysthemetaverseischangingthe entertainmentspace.
Familyandfriendsarecloserthanever.Inanut,distance hasstopped;nolongerrequireone.Nowconnectupin virtualspacethroughgames,filmwatching,orlisteningtoa performance.
EconomicsoftheMetaverse
TheXRmetaverseisopeningneweconomicopportunities and,thereby,a"metaverseeconomy."Valuableassets includedigitalrealestate,virtualgoods,andNFTsornonfungibletokens.Brandsandcreatorscanmonetizevirtual experiences;businessesfindnewrevenuestreamsin immersiveadvertisingandbrandedenvironments.
EaseEthicalandPracticalIssues
ThepotentialoftheXRmetaverseisenormous,butwithits emergencecomesomeissuesthatmustberesolved:
• PrivacyandSecurity:Protectuserdataanddigital identityinimmersivespaces.
• Accessibility:Ensurethatmetaversetechnologiesare accessibleandinexpensivetoallusers.
• DigitalAddiction:Harmonizetheamountoftimespent invirtualspaceswiththenumberofinteractionsinthe realworld.
• EnvironmentalImpact:Reducetheenergyintakeof serversanddevicesthatwillrunthemetaverse.
• RegulationandGovernance:Introducelawsonethics, intellectualpropertyrights,andthesafetyoftheonline environmentwithinthemetaverse.
Conclusion
ThismeanstheXRmetaverseismoreanexperienceanda newparadigmtowardperceivingandengagingin interactionwithourworldthanjustanothertechnological trend.Theemergencebetweenthephysicalanddigital worldsisopeningspaceforinnovations,cooperation,and creativitythatneverexistedbefore.Now,asmuchaswe acknowledgethisnewfoundperspective,westillhaveto pursuethedreamofanaccessibleandsustainablefuture where,withtheuseofimmersivetechnologies,lifewill becomemoreconvenienttogetacrosstooneanother'sway oflivingclosertotheverybestthatoneneeds.
SanteriSaarinen
R&DLead
HelsinkiXRCenter/Metropolia
UniversityofAppliedSciences
ESanteri Saarinen Santeri Saarinen
Transforming Communication and Collaboration through XR
xtendedreality(XR)isreshapinghowindividuals interactwithdigitalenvironments,mergingthe physicalandvirtualworldsintoimmersive experiences.Thistransformativetechnologyismorethana toolforentertainment;it’sbecomingacoreofindustries likeeducation,healthcare,andurbanplanning.By integratingaugmented,virtual,andmixedrealities,XR providesinnovativewaystocommunicate,collaborate,and solveintricateproblems.AsXRcontinuestomature,its applicationsdiversify,offeringsolutionstailoredtovarious societalneedswhileredefiningthelimitsofinteractionand engagementinthedigitalsphere.
SanteriSaarinen,avisionaryleaderintheXRdomain,is redefininghowresearchandinnovationshapethisfield.As anR&DLead,heiscommittedtoexploringthevast potentialofemergingtechnologies,combiningapragmatic approachwithaforward-thinkingmindset.Hisleadershipis characterizedbyadeepunderstandingoftechnological advancementsandhuman-centricinnovation,ensuringthat solutionsaremeaningfulandimpactful.Focusingon blendingtheoreticalknowledgewithhands-on experimentation,Santeriinspiresanewgenerationof thinkersandcreatorsintheXRspace.
UndertheMetropoliaUniversityofAppliedSciences,the HelsinkiXRCenterisahubofinnovationand collaboration,drivingtheexplorationofXRtechnologies andtheirapplications.Dedicatedtoadvancingthe metaverseandimmersivetechnologies,thecentersupports groundbreakingresearchandcultivatesacommunityof industryprofessionals,academics,andenthusiasts. Throughitsinnovativeinitiatives,thecentercontinues tomakemajorstridesinenrichingtheXRecosystem andcreatingopportunitiesfortransformative advancements.
Let’s explore Santeri’s innovative leadership approach in extended reality (XR):
TransitioningtoResearchinEmergingTechnologies
SanteristudiedInteractiveTechnologyatTampere University.Duringhisstudies,heexperiencedearly versionsofvirtualandaugmentedreality,whichseemed interestingbutnotcompellingenoughtofullydedicate himselftothem.Hewasmoreinterestedingaming, particularlycollaborativemultiplayergamesand educationalsolutions,andcompletedhismaster’sthesison socialinteractioninMMOgames.
Duringthesameperiod,hestartedworkingasaresearcher (initiallyasaresearchassistant)intheSpeechand PervasiveInteractionGroup,oneoffiveresearchgroupsin TAUCHI(TampereUnitforComputer-HumanInteraction). Whilethere,hedevelopedsolutionsutilizingawiderange oftechnologies,includingspeechandgestureinteraction, interactive360-degreecontent,mobilesolutions,andvirtual reality
Thisexperienceledhimtorealizethatthesetechnologies arenotseparatebutcanbeselectedbasedontheneedsof thecase,aconceptnowreferredtoastheMetaverse, thoughatthetime,itwasknownasmultimodalinteraction. Theopportunitiesprovidedbydifferenttechnologies showedhimthatthiswashisfuturepath.
In2017,SanterimovedtoMetropoliatoleada developmentteamincollaborationwiththeCityofVantaa, creatingsmallpilotsolutionsforthecityinvarious contexts,suchasurbanplanninginvirtualrealityand supportingyouthdecision-makingwithimmersivevideo content.Thiscollaborationendedinthesummerof2018, leadinghimtotheteamplanningthesetupoftheHelsinki XRCenter.Operationsbeganatthestartof2019,with Santeriasthetechnologyspecialistoftheteam.
Astheteamgrew,collaborationextended,andthenumber ofresearchprojectsincreased,heorganicallytransitionedto hiscurrentpositionofleadingallresearchactivitiesinthe fieldoftheMetaverseandemergingtechnologies.Through
hisresearch,hehasbecomeincreasinglyinterestedin variousaspectsoftheMetaverse,includingtechnological solutions,thesemanticsaroundthetopic,thehistoryof convergence,andphilosophicalmusingsonthesubject.
IdentifyingFutureResearchPriorities
Inhisrole,Santerihastheopportunityandresponsibilityto selectandformulatetheexacttopicsofresearchtopursue. Incollaborationwiththerestofhisteam,theyfacethe challengingtaskofidentifyingwhichtopicswillbe importantinthecomingyears.Theireffortsaimtoensure theyremainleadersinthefieldwhilesimultaneously supportingtheentireecosystem.
EvaluatingTechnologicalConvergencewithCaution
Heconsidershimselfabalancedindividual.Insteadof constantlyjumpingonthelatesthypetrain,helooks backwardandlearnsfromthefield'spioneers.Bynot repeatingpastmistakes,Santeribelievesabetterfuturecan bereached.
Whiletheconvergenceoftechnologiesandthesudden impactofnewsolutionsarealwayspresent,theyshouldbe takenwithagrainofsalt.Anotheraspecthehighlightsis thefocusonthehumanaspectofinnovation.Itisimportant nottobeblindedbytechnologybuttoalwaysconsiderthe latestadvancesfromtheend-user'spointofviewtoseethe effecttechnologyhasonpeople,companies,andsocietyat large.
BalancingWorkandFamilyLife
AccordingtoSanteri,maintainingahealthywork-life balanceissometimesachallenge,especiallywitha daughtertotakecareof.Hefeelsfortunatetohaveagreat employer.Remoteworkhasbeenextremelyimportant. Whilehiscalendarisalwaysfullybooked,thelackofdaily traveltotheofficeallowshimtospreadresponsibilities throughoutthedayandcareforhisfamilyatthesametime.
Anotherequallyimportantaspectistheskilltosayno, thoughheadmitsthisissomethinghestillneedsto improve.Theteamisconstantlyaskedtoparticipateinnew researchprojects,collaborations,events,orothermeetings. Withsuchasmallcoreteam,theycannotdoeverything,no matterhowinterestingtheopportunitiesare.Therefore, prioritizationoftasksbecomesextremelyimportant.
As an R&D Lead, Santeri is committed to exploring the vast potential of emerging technologies, combining a pragmatic approach with a forwardthinking mindset.
Hands-OnApproachtoNewTechnologies
Hebelievesfollowingthenewsinthefield,reading researcharticles,andreadingbooksisveryimportant. However,thatisnotsufficientinthisfield.Santerithinks onecanonlytrulyunderstandextendedrealitybytryingit out.Thespatialexperienceisimpossibletofeelthrougha 2Dvideo.
Therefore,visitingdifferentevents,expos,andconferences isveryimportant.Duringthese,onecanmeetwiththe creators,tryoutnewtechnology,andseewhichdirection thefieldismovingin.Itisalsothebestopportunityto engageindiscussionsaboutthefieldwithotherexperts.
EspeciallyinEurope,wherethefieldisstillfairlysmall, oneoftenmeetsthesamepeopleatdifferenteventsandcan catchupwiththelatestnewsandcontinueprevious discussions.Hebelievesthisisveryimportanttostayupto date,asitallowsfordeeperdiscussionsinsteadofrepeating thesameintroductions.Anotherimportantfactorhe mentionsistryingoutthetechnology
NewSDKs,libraries,andhardwarearereleasedallthe time.Totrulyunderstandtheircapabilities,onemusttry themoutinpractice.Thisiswhy,intheirdevelopment,they lookfornewsolutions,newpipelines,andtoolswhenever theystartanewproject,justtotrythemoutandsharethe knowledgewiththerestoftheecosystem.Otherwise,they wouldjustbestickingwiththesameoldwayofdoing thingswhiletherestofthefieldadvanceswithnew systems.
BalancingInnovationwithReliableTools
OneofthebiggestissuesthatSanteri’steamhashadto tackleseveraltimesislinkedtothehabitoftryingoutnew technologiesandtools.Sometimes,theyfacethefactthata certaintoolcouldbeutilizedintheirsolution,butitisstilla workinprogress.
Somefunctionalitymightbemissing,someAPIsarenot complete,andsupportforacertainplatformisnotfinished yet.This,ofcourse,causesissuesforthemasanexternal party.Often,theonlyoptionistowaitandseeifthe developerbringsouttheupdatestheyneed.
Thetimelinefortheseupdatesmightbetooslow,especially whendealingwithbiggerplayersintheindustrylikeMeta orEpic.Thismeansthateventhoughitischallenging, sometimestheyneedtocompletelypivottheirsolutionand gobacktoother,potentiallyoldertoolsthattheyknowcan handlethesituationathand.
AdviceforAspiringXRandMetaverseLeaders
Santeriadvisesaspiringleaderswhowanttomakeamark intheXRandmetaverseindustrytolookfornew discussionsandcollaborationopportunities.Whileit’sgreat
Focusing
on blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experimentation, Santeri inspires a new generation of thinkers and creators in the XR space.
tohavethegoalofmakingamarkintheindustry,it’snot abouttheindividual.It’saboutthewholecommunityand ecosystemaroundtheindustry
Furthermore,hestates, “Putting yourself forward without any weight behind the name leads nowhere. So, you should start by building something yourself, showcasing it to people, talking with them, and being interested in what they do.”
Hehighlightsthattheecosystemisstillsmall.Becauseof this,one’sreputationwillmovefasterthanonecan.Being abletoofferanewviewpoint,newtechnology,ornewideas tothefieldisthemostvaluableoffering.
AmbitiontoReleaseaBookonMetaverseConcepts
Santeri’sbiggestdreamistoreleaseabookonthesubject, concentratingontheconvergenceoftechnologiestowards theMetaverse.Hehasplannedthisforsometime,butit remainstobeseenhowandwhentheplanwillmove forward.
IPioneering a Sustainable Future in Architecture and BIM
The Visionary Journey of Yafei Zhang
ntoday’sworld,wheretherealmsofarchitecture,
technology,andsustainabilityconverge,few professionalsstandattheintersectionofthese disciplineswiththevisionaryzealandpracticalprowessof YafeiZhang.Asanarchitect,BIMleader,educator,and advocateforgenderdiversity,Yafeihasforgedaninspiring careerthatbridgesthetraditionalandtheinnovative,the human-centeredandthehigh-tech,theartisticandthe functional.Hercareerhasbeenmarkedbyacommitmentto blendingthehuman-centeredwiththehigh-tech,theartistic withthefunctional,andthesustainablewiththescalable. ThroughherleadershipinBuildingInformationModeling (BIM)andherdedicationtosustainabledesign,shehas playedapivotalroleinshapingthefutureofarchitecture.
AVisionRootedinDesignandTechnology
FromherearlyeducationatUCLA’sGraduateSchoolof ArchitectureandUrbanDesign,YafeiZhanghasalways seenarchitectureasameanstoshapenotjustbuildingsbut societies.Herdesignethosemphasizesthecriticalrole architectureplaysincreatingsustainable,inclusive,and technologicallyadvancedspacesthatmeetthedemandsof modernliving.Sheiscommittedtocreatingenvironments thatnotonlyfulfillimmediateneedsbutalsoanticipate futuretrends,balancinginnovationwithtimelessaesthetic principles.
Thisphilosophywasbroughttolifeinaward-winning projectssuchas White Pine Serenity.Theseprojects exemplifyherabilitytoharmonizethenaturalenvironment withthebuiltonewhileemployingcutting-edgeBIM technology.Bydoingso,shepushestheboundariesofwhat architecturecanachieve,ensuringthatherdesignsarenot onlybeautifulbutalsoenvironmentallyresponsibleand future-proof.Throughherwork,Yafeihassetanew standardforhowarchitecturecanbalanceaestheticswith sustainabilitydesignandcutting-edgeBIMtechnology.
LeadershipinBIMandBeyond
AsanAssociatePrincipalandBIMLeadatKohnPedersen Fox(KPF),Yafeihaschampionedtheintegrationof
advanceddigitaltoolstorevolutionizedesignand constructionprocesses.Yafeihasledthetechnical executionofprojectsfromconceptthroughcompletion, notablytheBundFosunCenterinWuhan,China.Her masteryofBIMhasenabledhertorevolutionizehow designandconstructionprocessesarehandled.By introducingadvancedautomationtools,shehasmadeBIM apowerfulforceinstreamliningworkflowsandincreasing efficiency
Withhercriticalknowledge,YafeihasledBIM technologiesintheMetaOfficeRenovationinManhattan, NewYork,andtheUniversityofMichiganCenterfor Innovation.Inbothprojects,Yafeiappliedher groundbreakingall-in-onetoolthatautomaticallycalculates plumbingfixture&egressoccupantloadinbuildingdesign, significantlyreducingtimeandincreasingaccuracyduring thedesignphase.
About the Leader
Yafei Zhang is the BIM Lead and Associate Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), one of the world’s preeminent architecture firms. She also serves as the Regional Lead of Women in BIM (WIB), leading efforts to promote gender diversity in BIM and organizing ini a ves to empower women professionals through mentorship, networking events, and advocacy in the AEC industry. She is an adjunct professor at Kean University, Impar ng prac cal knowledge and real-world insights to the aspiring next genera on of architects and helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the professional architecture and BIM industry.
Thisinnovationnotonlyadvancedthetechnicalexecution butalsomadetheconstructionprocessmoresustainableby reducingresourcewasteandoptimizinglaborefforts.Her expertiseinBIMallowshertobringinterdisciplinaryteams together,ensuringthehigheststandardsinprojectoutcomes whileminimizingtheenvironmentalfootprintofeachbuild.
AdvancingSustainabilityandEfficiency
Yafei’sintegrationofBIMtechnologydoesn’tstopat automation.Sheisattheforefrontofutilizingdata-driven designtoenhancesustainability Throughherinnovative leadershipinenergyandenvironmentaldesign(LEED),she ensuresthateachprojectreduceswaste,optimizes materials,andimprovesoverallenergyefficiency.Herwork inBIMhasledtothedevelopmentofsolutionsthatarenow beingusedindustry-widetostreamlinebuildingoperations andreduceconstruction-relatedemissions.This contributionhascementedherasapioneerinthedrive towardsamoresustainableconstructionindustry
ByintroducingBIM-LEEDassessmentsystemsformaterial andfixtureselection,Yafeihasalsosetanewbenchmarkin architecture.Thesetoolshavebeenadoptedbyvarious projects,suchastheaward-winningprojectModuleCube, showingthatherinnovationsnotonlyimprovearchitectural practicesbutalsoinfluencebroaderurbandevelopment strategies,ensuringthatcitiesbecomesmarter,greener,and morelivable.
ChampioningDiversityandInclusionintheBIMSector
Beyondhertechnicalexpertise,YafeiZhangisadedicated advocateforgenderdiversityandinclusioninthe constructionandtechnologysectors.AstheRegionalLead ofWomeninBIM,shehasspearheadedinitiativesthat providenetworking,mentoring,andcareerdevelopment opportunitiesforwomenprofessionals.Recognizingthe genderimbalanceintheseindustries,Yafeihasmadeither missiontocreatepathwaysforwomentoenterandthrivein theworldofBIMandarchitecture.
Throughacombinationofleadershipandadvocacy,shehas workedtodismantlethebarriersthatpreventwomenfrom achievingequalrepresentationinconstructiontechnology roles.Byorganizingevents,workshops,andmentorship programs,Yafeihascultivatedasupportivecommunitythat empowerswomentoleadandinnovateintheindustry.Her leadershipinthisspacehasbeenrecognizedwidely,andshe continuestoinspirethenextgenerationoffemale professionalstopursuecareersinarchitectureandBIM.
AnEducatorCommittedtotheFutureofArchitecture
Inadditiontoherprofessionalachievements,YafeiZhangis anadjunctprofessoratKeanUniversity,wheresheimparts herextensiveknowledgeofarchitectureandBIMtothe nextgenerationofarchitects.Herteachingstyleiscentered onreal-worldapplications,encouragingstudentstothink criticallyabouthowtechnologycansolvethepressing challengesfacedbythebuiltenvironment,suchasclimate change,urbanization,andresourcescarcity.
AtKeanUniversity,Yafeiemphasizestheimportanceof interdisciplinarylearning,teachingstudentstocollaborate acrossfieldsandpushtheboundariesoftraditional architecturalpractice.Hercoursesaredesignedtobe dynamic,reflectingtherapidlyevolvinglandscapeofthe architectureandconstructionindustries.Studentsbenefit notonlyfromherexpertisebutalsofromhernetwork, gainingaccesstoindustryprofessionalsandopportunities thatextendbeyondtheclassroom.
TheFutureofArchitectureandBIM
Asthearchitectureindustrymovestowardsafuturedriven bydata,sustainability,andinclusivity,YafeiZhangremains attheforefrontofthesedevelopments.Herworkcontinues topushtheboundariesofwhatispossibleindesignand construction,whileheradvocacyensuresthatthisfutureis onewhereeveryone—regardlessofgender—hasthe opportunitytocontributeandsucceed.
Throughherpioneeringprojects,innovativeleadershipin BIM,andunwaveringcommitmenttogenderdiversity, YafeiZhangembodiesthefutureofarchitecture.HerBIM innovationsinautomatedassessmentofegressand electricity/plumbingfixtureshavebeenproventheleading technologyintheindustry,appliedinurbanarchitectures. Andhergroundbreakinginnovationtoutilizedata-driven designtoenhancesustainabilityshowshercriticalleadsin theindustry.Asshecontinuestoleadtransformative initiativesthatmergedesignandtechnology,sheinspires professionalsaroundtheworldtoembracethepossibilities ofwhatthebuiltenvironmentcanbecome.Herjourneyis notjustacareer;it’samovementthatisshapingthecities andcommunitiesoftomorrow
“XR technologies are pushing the limits of what's possible in the digital realm, bringing us closer to the Metaverse-a space where imagination knows no bounds.”
Key Technologies Powering the Digital Revolution
Metaverseisoftendefinedasthenextlevelofthe
internet,fusingthedigitalandphysicalworld intoanimmersive,interactiveenvironment.The coretechnologyinthemakingandcreationofthisis extendedreality,artificialintelligence,blockchain,and5G. Allofthesehavebeenthepillarsthatwouldmakethis virtualuniversesmooth,interactive,anddynamic.Allof thesearenotonlychangingentertainment,gaming,and socialmediabutpromisetochangehealthcare,education, andbusinessaswell.
ExtendedReality(XR)
ExtendedReality(XR)isthefoundationoftheMetaverse, whichintegratesvirtualreality(VR),augmentedreality (AR),andmixedreality(MR)intooneexperience.VR totallyimmersestheuserinacompletelydigitalworld;AR overlaysdigitalcontentontotherealworld.MRisthe combinationofbothtocreateaninteractiveenvironment thatisbothrealandvirtual.Withdevelopment,theXR technologieskeepbecomingmoreimmersiveand interactivetoreallyengagewithvirtualenvironmentsin realtime.Theycouldeitherbetoplaygamesoreven virtuallyholdmeetingswithclientsandevenindesigns.
Advancesinhardware,suchasVRheadsets,ARglasses, andmotionsensors,haveleapedandboundedforward concerningresolution,processingpower,andportability Oculus(Meta),HTC,andMicrosoftwiththeHoloLensare atthespearheadofdevelopingXRhardwarewhiletryingto bringexperiencesclosertoreallife.
ArtificialIntelligence
ThishassignificantlyhelpedAItogrowincreatingthe Metaverse;itenablesintelligentbehaviorandinteraction insidevirtualenvironments.AIalgorithmscandrive creationdynamicavatars,virtualassistants,andlifelike NPCsresponsivetousers'actions,wheremodelsof
machinelearninghelpinsimulatingcomplexhuman behaviorsothatbetterinteractionsandricher,more customizedexperiencesareensured.
Beyondthis,AIencouragestherealizationofreal-life simulationsandenvironmentsforvirtualworldstobe responsivetodataandreal-worldsituations.Forinstance, throughAI,userscandesignapersonalvirtualspace,while othertechniquesimprovetheefficiencyofthevirtual environmenttomaintainsmoothoperations.
AIismakingthecontentgenerationtoolsoefficientthat peoplecandevelophugeinteractivevirtualworldswith minimummanualinputsonmostofthedetails.
BlockchainTechnology
Blockchaintechnologywillformthebackboneof decentralizedapplicationsintheMetaverse,whichwill ensuretransparency,security,andownership.The blockchainwillenableuserstoowndigitalassetssuchas virtualrealestate,collectibles,andNFTsintheMetaverse. Sinceblockchainisdecentralized,assetsarenotownedbya singleentity;thus,itisanidealsolutionforcreatinga virtualeconomywheredigitalownershipisauthenticated.
Besidessecuringtransactions,userscanbemoreincontrol oftheirdataanddigitalidentitieswiththehelpof blockchain.Further,astheMetaversegrows,blockchain willcertainlyplayahugerole,makingdigitaleconomies possibleforusersandbuildingtrustacrossusers.
5GandEdgeComputing
5Gtechnologyisoneofthemostcriticalenablersofthe Metaverse,offeringhigh-speedconnectivityandlowlatencyrequirementsforreal-timeinteractioninimmersive environments.Contrarytotraditionalnetworks,5G promisesfasterdownloadspeeds,alowerlatency,and higherreliability:allnecessarywhendeliveringhighqualityXRexperiencesthatdemandconstantdata streaming.
CloudComputingandDataInfrastructure
Cloudcomputingwillenablethestorageandmanagement ofenormousamountsofdatanecessaryintheMetaverse. Buildingandmaintaininglargevirtualworldsdemands enormousstorageandcomputingcapabilities,whichare deliveredthroughcloudplatformssuchasAmazonWeb Services(AWS),GoogleCloud,andMicrosoftAzure.Such enablesthescalabilityoftheMetaversebyprovidingondemandcomputingresourcessothatthevirtualuniverse expandswithouthardwarelimitsthatcouldcheckit.
Additionally,cloudcomputingsharesresourcesacrossthe world.ThatmeansusersgettheMetaversefromanyglobal location,atanyhouroftheday,andwiththeleasthardware needed.Andwithincreasingcomplexityinvirtualspaces, thecloudinfrastructureiscertainlysomethingthatthe Metaverseisboundtogrowon.
ACombinationofInnovation
TheMetaverseonlybecomespossibleasarealdigital revolutionwiththeintegrationoftechnologiessuchasXR, AI,blockchain,5G,andcloudcomputing.Together,allof theseworkinacollaboratedwaytocreateanimmersed experiencethroughwhichusersmightinteractwithdigital environmentswithpossibilitiesunimaginableearlieron.
Itpresentsopportunityandchallengetobusinessesand developers.SuccessintheseMetaverseexperienceswillnot besolelydeterminedbymasteringthetechnologybut knowinghowtoharnessittodeliverseamlessexperienceto theuser.Fromentertainmentandretail,educationand more,allofthesetechnologieswillredefinetheindustries, openingupnewwaystoconnecttocustomers,employees, andotherstakeholders.
Edgecomputingwillcomplement5Gbyprocessingdata locally,closertotheuser,ratherthanrelyingoncentral cloud-basedservers.Itreducesthelatencyandbandwidth issuesnecessarytosupportlarge-scalevirtualenvironments thatareinteractiveinnature.Hence,edgecomputing reducesdistancebetweentheuserandhiscomputing resourcesandimprovesMetaversespeedand responsivenessthroughreal-timeinteractionwiththevirtual worldwithoutdelay.
Therefore,inconclusion,Metaverseisthatjumpintothe digitallandscape,empoweredbysomeofthebest technologiesaround,thatwereabletopushboundariesat whatcanbeachievedvirtuallyandvirtually.Itcanbevery likelythatinthecomingfuture,thisMetaversewill continuebeingatthecoreofone'swayofliving-through work,play,orsocialrelationships.Byembracingsuch progress,companiescanstandattheveryforefrontofthe digitalrevolutionandshapethefutureoftheMetaverse.
“In the Metaverse, the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. XR is the tool that turns those limitless dreams into reality.”
