The Future Of UX Design In The Metaverse

In the ever-growing landscape of virtual evolution, propelled by advancements in VR/AR technologies that are reshaping the online realm, the significance of user experience has taken center stage.

What is Metaverse?

The term "metaverse" has become ubiquitous in discussions on tech platforms and gained attention during Mark Zuckerberg's Meta announcement. However, what implications does it hold for UX designers tasked with charting the course for the future of online marketing?

In the modern-day, the Influencer Marketing Hub defines the metaverse as “something that is always active, exists in real-time, players have individual agency, it’s a self-contained and fully functioning universe and contains user-generated content.”

Metaverse is an online environment that will change all the time. All objects in the metaverse are not static. Users can change objects by interacting with them, and objects themselves can change and transform because they are affected by natural physical events such as metabolism or metamorphosis. For example, if you leave a glass full of water in a cold space, soon you realize that you have a glass of ice.

How is it impacting UX Design?

London startup Dimension Studio doubled profits in 2021 by leveraging 3D UX design in the metaverse. Their collaboration with Balenciaga's Afterworld game generated $6.5 million in revenue, showcasing the potential of immersive virtual experiences.

In the metaverse revolution, UX designers are trading passivity for action! Say goodbye to mere consumption and hello to a design era that beckons users to create, blurring the lines between the real and the virtual. It's not just an interface; it's an interactive adventure!

For a next-gen user experience, designers should see consumers as players, not just tech users. The focus is on creating immersive environments, extending beyond metaverse to websites, content, and ads. Seamlessly blending products and services in this blurred reality is key, ensuring a natural and authentic feel that resonates with the smart metaverse audience. It's time for designers and marketers to elevate their game in tandem with advancing technology.

How to advance your UX design for the Metaverse?

Storytelling integration:

• Prioritize storytelling in UX design for the expanding metaverse.
• Connect diverse user experiences to create a compelling narrative.
• Immerse consumers in a natural, distraction-free experience with your brand.
• Integrate UX design into existing virtual stories for effective promotion.

Observation and Analysis:

• Conduct competitor analysis and user testing.
• Utilize tools like Google Analytics and Finteza for comprehensive engagement metrics.
• Understand audience behavior and adapt UX strategies accordingly.

3D Modeling and VR/AR Tech:

• Embrace 3D modeling tools such as Tvori and SketchUp for enhanced design.
• Equip UX professionals with knowledge of VR/AR technologies.
• Utilize augmented and virtual reality elements to immerse designers in consumer experiences.
• Visualize opportunities for immersive design and seamless integration in the metaverse.

Did you know that

58 million people in the US are currently engaging with at least one form of AR/VR tech at least once a month?