Spatial computing and the future of workplace learning

Spatial computing technologies help to bridge the virtual and physical worlds and are redefining the way people and organizations learn, collaborate, create, problem-solve and engage with digital information. From complex medical procedures involving doctors in multiple locations to experiential architectural design, virtual smart factories and immersive training simulations for high-risk tasks, spatial computing capabilities are enabling people to transcend physical boundaries and work together in new, exciting and transformative ways. 

As organizations increasingly integrate spatial computing into their technology roadmaps, helping workplace learners successfully navigate the evolution from primarily physical to virtual or hybrid working environments is becoming a strategic imperative for many organizations. Understanding how early adopters are using spatial computing can assist workplace learning practitioners as they consider the integration of these technologies into their future-of-work strategies and plans.

This article describes the evolving spatial computing adoption landscape across multiple industries, sectors and business functions and provides key insights into the benefits of spatial computing capabilities to organizations. It also offers practical strategies for leaders who are considering exploring these technologies as well as those who have already begun experimentation.

The next stage of digital transformation

Spatial computing transforms how we perceive and interact with our environment, integrating real-time digital information across digital and physical realms. It encompasses various technologies including augmented reality or AR (digital overlays over real-world images), virtual reality or VR (immersive experiences in three-dimensional simulated environments) and mixed reality or MR (where physical and virtual objects can interact).

The key differences between AR, MR and VR can be illustrated as a user experience spectrum that ranges from simple data overlays using AR glasses or heads-up displays to complete immersion using VR headsets that take the user into a completely digitally generated world. Both AR and MR interfaces provide users with composite views of real and virtual elements, however, MR enables greater interplay between the two.

Supporting AR, VR and MR are 3D engines (which generate three-dimensional images to interact with in real-time), photogrammetry (which creates three-dimensional models from two-dimensional images like photographs to capture real-world data) and world sensing (where data is gathered from the physical environment using sensors and cameras to enable interaction). Artificial intelligence, computer-aided design and Web 3 are also incorporated into spatial computing infrastructure to enhance the user experience, generate images and objects, and facilitate collaboration.

The origins of what we now call spatial computing have focused on both workplace and consumer applications, stemming from early innovations in aerospace engineering as well as electronic gaming and entertainment. The aerospace industry created flight simulators for pilot training, followed by the development of critical interfaces for navigation, spatial awareness, and human factor design to support the pilot experience in flight. The gaming and entertainment industries have been leaders in the development of 3D graphics, immersion technologies and social interaction features in virtual environments. As a result of these advancements, today there are many different spatial computing applications and hardware available for both commercial and consumer use.

Given the complexity of these technologies and their continued evolution, a consensus has yet to be reached regarding market potential and adoption rates. That said, based on 2023 data, several experts have estimated the spatial computing market size to range between 100 to 120 billion dollars, growing at a rate of 20 percent per year over the next 10 years. The development of consumer-oriented headsets and AR, MR and VR software at more affordable price points has raised awareness and spurred adoption. Increasingly, many organizations are making spatial computing an integral part of their technology roadmaps and their next phase of digital transformation.

Spatial computing adoption landscape

Spatial computing technologies enable individuals and teams to accomplish tasks and engage in activities that are either highly experiential, costly, complex, dangerous or even impossible in the physical world. Leading organizations across various industries and sectors are leveraging spatial computing to facilitate new levels of immersive learning, data visualization, remote collaboration, product design, testing, safety, productivity and cost-effectiveness.

As organizations recognize the enormous potential of these technologies to transform the workplace experience and drive innovation, prototyping and experimentation are on the rise. While some organizations are just beginning to incorporate AR, MR and VR technologies into their digital transformation plans, several industries have been at the forefront of spatial computing development and implementation:

• Health care. This sector has been among the most avid early adopters of spatial computing applications across multiple practice areas including surgical planning and simulation, medical consultation, physical therapy, pain management, medical imaging and patient education. Detailed 3D visualizations of anatomical models along with spatial mapping facilitate collaborative physician consultations, enabling them to overlay data onto the patient’s body during procedures with precision. AR enables enhanced patient care by providing real-time information during medical procedures, while VR plays a vital role in medical training, allowing students to practice surgeries and procedures in a risk-free environment.
• Design, engineering and manufacturing. The migration toward smart factories and the industrial metaverse leveraging spatial computing is transforming manufacturing. The digital twin concept (virtual replicas of physical equipment and assets) is becoming increasingly important for factory planning and optimization, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring and control. AR is used to assist technicians and maintenance teams by overlaying instructions on machinery or parts, improving production and reducing equipment downtime. VR is being used for product design, prototyping and assembly processes, enabling multi-national teams to collaborate on 3D models remotely. 
• Architecture and construction. Architects and engineers use VR to visualize buildings, products, and prototypes, enabling them to walk through virtual spaces, identify design flaws and iterate quickly. VR has enabled collaborative design sessions to become more productive and efficient by enabling architects and developers to explore proposed structures in immersive 3D, even doing so remotely. AR can be used to overlay architectural plans onto construction sites to assist building teams and inspectors in powerful new ways.
• Entertainment. While the entertainment industry has long used spatial computing elements to create dynamic customer experiences, these technologies are also being applied in their workplaces. Spatial computing enables virtual production techniques that blend physical sets with digital environments, reducing the need for extensive post-production work as well as training simulations, design, prototyping, and testing.

Benefits of spatial computing applications in the workplace

Organizations in these and other industries are discovering that the unique technological characteristics of spatial computing offer important benefits that have helped them to identify specific use cases, prioritize investment and target implementations. The key benefits of spatial computing include:

• Design and prototyping. Spatial computing technologies enable designers and engineers to create and test different concepts, materials, and layouts in real time, leading to more informed design decisions and allowing teams to visualize and manipulate 3D models in virtual environments, facilitating rapid prototyping and iteration. 
• Enhanced collaboration. Immersive technologies enable geographically dispersed teams to collaborate in shared virtual spaces, fostering real-time communication and interaction in new experiential ways. Team members using spatial computing-enabled tools can work together on experience-based projects, soliciting feedback and generating ideas across physical locations.
• Improved productivity. Spatial computing enables technicians to access interactive digital manuals and guides overlaid onto physical equipment, facilitating maintenance and repair tasks by providing real-time guidance and troubleshooting assistance. Immersive interactive tools for data visualization, communication and task management can streamline complex workflows and reduce time-consuming tasks. 
• Experiential training, onboarding and skill development. VR, AR and MR-based training programs enhance learning retention and engagement by providing hands-on experiences that mimic real-world situations. Immersive technologies provide realistic simulations for training purposes, allowing employees to practice tasks and scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
• Powerful data visualization and analysis capabilities. Spatial technologies transform data and complex information by presenting it in immersive, interactive formats that can be analyzed in new ways. Teams can explore datasets in 3D spaces, uncover new patterns and gain insights that may not be apparent in traditional charts or graphs, improving decision-making and strategy development.
• Increased safety in hazardous environments. Spatial computing can be used to simulate hazardous work environments, allowing employees to undergo experiential training in safe virtual settings, helping reduce accidents and injuries. Employees can practice emergency procedures, such as fire drills or first aid in realistic virtual environments, improving their readiness and response in actual emergencies.

Path forward for spatial computing in your organization

Benefits notwithstanding, spatial computing technologies can be quite complex, with a range of costs and continue to evolve, making it difficult for many organizations to rationalize large-scale implementation at this stage of its development. As organizational leaders explore the integration of spatial computing into business strategies, digital transformation roadmaps, and workforce planning, there are some key steps to take to determine the best way forward. Consider each of these steps in turn with your colleagues and advisors:

• Identify relevant use cases. Explore specific applications of spatial computing and immersive technologies within your business, industry, or sector. Consider ways to leverage immersive technologies by focusing on the types of work in your organization that are either highly experiential, costly, risky, or complex.
• Determine ways to optimize the experience. Consider ways immersive technologies can enhance the business, employee, or customer experience. Review gaps or pain points that currently exist and identify aspects, features, and functions to enhance.
• Prototype and pilot. Work with internal or external technology teams or organizations to develop solutions to meet the needs of your audiences. Pilot and collect feedback to help iterate the solutions and prepare for broader launches.
• Calibrate with business objectives and technology roadmap. Based on pilot results, ensure the adoption of spatial computing aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. Identify specific areas where these technologies can create value and drive competitive advantage.
• Iterate and expand. In the first iteration, you likely won’t be able to design all tooling or user interaction elements perfectly or incorporate all the ways users want to use the system, so you will need to learn and incorporate improvements to prepare for wider launches and broader use cases.
• Stay agile and adaptive. Embrace a culture of agility and adaptability to navigate the evolving landscape of spatial computing technologies. Stay informed about emerging trends, advancements, use cases, and lessons learned from others to continuously innovate and iterate your strategies.

The ability to bridge physical and digital spaces and physically interact with digital objects will revolutionize how teams collaborate, learn, and perform tasks. By harnessing the potential of spatial computing and immersive technologies, organizations have the opportunity to drive innovation, enhance productivity and create powerful learning experiences.