Fireside Chat with Jon Snoddy (Walt Disney Imagineering) | TC Sessions AR/VR 2018

TL;DR

The speaker discusses the differences between previous waves of VR and the current state of the technology, highlighting the building blocks that now exist and the need for meaningful experiences in VR and AR.

Transcript

so we are certainly in a wave of innovation when it comes to VR but previously the previous wave of like hey maybe we can make VR work now you were there right you had founded a company called Sega game works you certainly worked at Disney a little bit on VR projects there so can you talk a little bit about what's different now between now in the l... Read More

Key Insights

• 💯 The building blocks for VR and AR now exist, but there is still a long way to go in terms of perfecting the technology.
• 🙊 Meaningful and emotionally engaging experiences are essential in VR and AR, and the focus should be on creating content that speaks to users on a deeper level.
• 🤩 Shared experiences and interactions are key in both VR and AR, allowing people to connect and engage with each other in virtual and augmented environments.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main differences between the previous wave of VR and the current state?

The main difference is that now the building blocks for VR and AR exist and things actually work, although they are still far from perfect. Previously, companies struggled to create functioning VR experiences. Additionally, there is now a sense of momentum and significant investment in the technology.

Q: Are the biggest hurdles in VR and AR still technical or are they more philosophical?

While there are technical challenges, such as the need for better resolution and tracking, the speaker emphasizes that the biggest hurdle is creating meaningful and emotionally engaging experiences. It is important to move beyond just the technology and focus on the ideas and storytelling tools in VR and AR.

Q: How can VR and AR be used to create shared experiences?

Shared experiences are important in VR and AR, and Disney aims to create experiences that allow people to interact and engage with each other. By providing opportunities for collaboration and personal connection, virtual and augmented environments can enhance experiences and make them more engaging.

Q: How can diversity and inclusivity be ensured in the development of VR and AR?

The speaker believes that diversity is crucial for creating truly inclusive and innovative experiences. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, organizations can produce more diverse and impactful content. It is important to design organizations and processes that allow everyone to contribute and feel a sense of agency.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The building blocks for VR and AR now exist, making it possible for companies to invest in the technology with a sense of momentum.

• The current hurdles for VR and AR include both technical and philosophical challenges, but the focus should ultimately be on creating meaningful and emotionally engaging experiences.

• Shared experiences and interactions are key in both VR and AR, and Disney aims to create experiences that allow people to connect and engage with each other in virtual and augmented environments.