What a week! We just wrapped up the inaugural SXSW Sydney conference, and we wanted to share some highlights and insights we gathered from our time in the Breakthrough Zone.
Keynote Highlights: The Evolution of Spatial Computing
On the first day of SXSW Sydney, our CEO and co-founder, Zac, took center stage and delivered an inspiring keynote that illuminated the evolving landscape of spatial computing. Zac's insights provided a unique perspective on how the fusion of Augmented Reality, 3D, and VR technologies is paving the way for a groundbreaking computing paradigm, seen most prominently with the recent launch of the Apple Vision Pro.
Zac emphasized the power of this fusion in bridging digital knowledge with the tangible world in more intuitive ways, underpinned by the concept of “Embodied Cognition”. It's not just a technological fad; it's a “collaborative dance of cognition” that mirrors how we naturally understand reality. This shift turns passive observers into active participants, fundamentally transforming the way we interact with technology.
The real-world outcomes are tangible, with complex manufactured products seeing their sales cycles reduced from 6 months to just 6 weeks, demonstrating the profound impact of spatial computing on the business landscape. Zac's keynote was a pivotal moment at SXSW Sydney, shedding light on the future of computing and inspiring all of us to embrace this transformative journey.
Expo Insights: Distinct and practical use cases
As a startup creating groundbreaking augmented reality and 3D presentation software, we were thrilled to demonstrate the evolving landscape of AR and 3D technology. We ran a booth centered around our core value; making the hard to explain, hard to forget.
The Shift Towards Practical Use of AR and 3D
One of the major trends we observed at SXSW Sydney was the shift from using AR and 3D solely for brand enhancement to practical problem-solving tools. In the current era of hybrid work, efficiency, environmental sustainability, and cost-saving are paramount. Companies are seeking quicker, easier, and more scalable ways to present their complex products, both internally and externally.
To illustrate this, we had the pleasure of chatting with a Metal Facility Manager who expressed his excitement about our technology. He highlighted the potential of using JigSpace for improving training and safety procedures, as well as streamlining complex workflows. It’s this shift towards practicality that is unmistakably changing the game.
Driving Factors for Transformation
Two prominent, driving factors behind increased uptake of spatial computing emerged from our conversations.
- Remote Collaboration: Mixed reality solutions are bridging geographical gaps, enabling comprehensive training and remote teamwork. Our technology is at the forefront of this transformation, and is used asynchronously by teams with their customers via our Universal AR technology.
- Product Development: AR and 3D are accelerating product development cycles through digital prototyping. This is a game-changer for advanced manufacturers, dramatically reducing feedback loops from customers, investors, and production partners.
Distinct Roles of Mixed Reality Technologies
It also became evident that mixed reality technologies, such as VR and AR, play distinct but complementary roles.
VR/Headsets for Immersive Training: Ideal for hands-on training, VR offers comprehensive, immersive learning experiences. It's a game-winning strategy for training scenarios.
AR/3D for Marketing and Beyond: Our technology enhances marketing with interactive 3D elements. It's embeddable in websites and can be placed in physical environments, making it a powerful tool for engaging customers.
A B2B sales customer looking to scale their efforts shared their experience with us, emphasizing how JigSpace's interactive capabilities allow them to engage a broader audience. With JigSpace, they can reach hundreds of potential customers a day asynchronously instead of just 3 times when selling face to face. This kind of interactive marketing is a game-changing strategy to move prospects further down the sales funnel with less hand-holding.
In conclusion, SXSW Sydney 2023 has reaffirmed the transformative power of AR and 3D technologies in the world of business. We're excited to be at the forefront of this change, helping advanced manufacturers improve their B2B sales, marketing, and product training. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from JigSpace as we continue to shape the future of business.