During a recent XR one-day excursion at the University of California, the VR Lab team, myself included, had the opportunity to witness the potential of VR technology not just as a tool for innovation, but as a catalyst for genuine human connections. This event was guided by Tony Hwang, Darren Endo, and Jun Xiang, three VR experts from the Office of Enrollment Management whose roles were crucial in demonstrating the seamless blend of our digital and physical realities.
Our journey began in the Meta Workroom, where Tony introduced us to a collaborative virtual office space. This “Workroom,” a virtual collaborative space we explored, functions like a traditional office but is freed from the usual constraints of physical meetings. It allows participants to interact seamlessly, regardless of their physical location or language barriers. This environment promotes a flow of ideas and collaboration in ways that traditional settings often cannot.
“This environment,” Tony explained, “is designed to enhance how we interact, by unleashing the physical boundaries that often hinder collaboration.” Tony explained to me that he and his entire team have been fully remote since the COVID-19 pandemic. This became the impetus for him to explore alternative ways for his team to connect and engage virtually while remaining productive and effective. They have since found a way to successfully integrate XR technology into their normal workflow. It was serendipitous that several members of this team, including Tony, Darren, and Jun, are VR enthusiasts. With the vision and support of Tom Anriola, Chief Digital Officer at UCI, Tony and his team created a success story using VR as an imperative element to reimagine workspace. (You can learn more about his immersive teams on the “Work Reimagined 2.0” website.)
(Image credit:Tony’s VR headshot)
As avatars, we engaged freely, our interactions facilitated by the congenial and patient demeanor that the avatars naturally presented. This, as I observed, served as an excellent foundation for fostering inclusivity and reducing social anxieties associated with face-to-face interactions.
Darren and Tony then led us through the digital twin of our campus, an exact virtual replica of UCI. The concept of digital twins — virtual replicas of physical entities — further illustrated the depth and utility of VR. At UCI, this technology is not just a tool for research and development but a platform for real human interaction and connection. The digital twin of the campus allowed us to traverse geographical and temporal boundaries, enabling interactions that would be impossible in the physical world.
As we navigated through Paul Merage’s courtyard and lecture hall, Darren pointed out, “Even though we are here in a digital format, the sense of presence is real and palpable.” His observation not only highlighted the technical prowess of VR but also its practical applications in creating a global classroom where students from anywhere could feel a part of our community.
(Image credit: Darren’s VR headshot)
Back in Workroom, Tony and Darren also showed us the palpable connections in the virtual space by having us all do high-fives with each other.
The touch was palpable. The connections were real.
Jun was absent from the Workroom because he was practicing acts of kindness offline.
During the initial session, we encountered an unexpected challenge when one of the VR lab assistants struggled with UCI’s campus WiFi, which hampered their ability to log in and join us in the Workroom. Demonstrating exceptional kindness and patience, Jun shared his personal mobile number and volunteered to help our assistant troubleshoot the issue in real life. This act of support highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for navigating and resolving technical difficulties, ensuring everyone could participate fully.
(Image credit: Jun’s VR portrait)
Indeed, both the digital twin of our UCI campus and the broader Metaverse are impressive innovations that showcase the potential of VR to transcend physical boundaries. They enable anyone, anywhere in the world, to explore our facilities and engage with our community in real-time. However, these tools are not merely technological marvels; they are portals to genuine human connections, making distance and difference less formidable.
Personally speaking, this experience was not just about viewing new technology; it was an immersive experience of the genuine connections that can be formed through virtual means. It reinforced my conviction that virtual connections, facilitated by the innovative use of VR, are indeed real connections. They are vital tools for fostering global communication and understanding, proving once again that in the realm of virtual reality, we find new ways to connect deeply and meaningfully with others around the world.
The narrative of the day, woven through with Tony, Darren, and Jun’s demonstrations, showcased the tangible realities of virtual connections. Each expert, in their unique way, highlighted how these virtual spaces were extensions of our physical world, shaped and shared through communal efforts. Their patience and expertise not only made the technology approachable but also highlighted its potential to foster meaningful, real-world connections.
Special thinks to Tony Hwang, Executive Director; Darren Endo, CMP, Director of Administration; and Jun Xiang, Business Intelligent Analyst, Office of Enrollment Management. (Photos from left to right.)
