ZEISS virtual space

As part of a Proof of Concept (PoC), ZEISS, together with in2reality and Torsten Fell from the Institute of Immersive Learning, designed and technically implemented a concept for a virtual learning and working environment in Microsoft Mesh.

The visual design was aligned with ZEISS’s corporate design and provided insights for design specifications for future virtual worlds. Each virtual space was conceived to exemplify various use cases and make them experienceable through interactive possibilities.

The environment comprises three rooms in total:

• The “Social Room”
• The “Moon Room”
• The “Product Show & Collaboration Room”

The “Social Room” is intended for meetings, workshops, onboarding sessions, and social gatherings. From here, users can access the “Moon Room,” which is located on a virtual lunar surface. This gamified space is suitable for team-building activities: teams can search together for hidden objects from the Apollo 11 mission (e.g., ZEISS lenses) on the virtual moon, or gather for meetings. Finally, in the “Product Show & Collaboration Room,” products can be presented interactively, trade show booths can be simulated, and workshops can be held. Through targeted interaction, new perspectives and better product understanding are promoted here.

Alexander Fuchs, Project Manager and Service Owner of Microsoft Mesh at ZEISS, emphasizes that it was important for the project team to create an environment that conveys a connection to the brand for test participants and future users, even in the immersive environment, while enabling new experiences in a largely familiar setting. Essential was the creation of an environment that demonstrates various use cases and conveys an idea of what can be implemented with Microsoft Mesh in principle.

Another advantage of the implemented spatial concept is that the investment and the spaces created in the project can continue to be used in the future. Users have access to a large environment and each room as its own environment.

Through the collaboration with in2reality and Torsten Fell, ZEISS was able to achieve the goals of the PoC and will pursue further steps regarding technical integration into a service portfolio and user acceptance.