Mesmerise is a virtual reality (VR) consulting firm that provides enterprise-grade immersive simulation technology to numerous clients, including Lenovo, MKT, and Time Magazine.
The company’s technology allows organizations to use virtual reality solutions for large-scale meetings, events and conferences with the ability to host thousands of people via Gatherings’ remote meeting solution.
Gatherings provides businesses with tools to create custom virtual meeting environments, and helps businesses start Metaverse operations. Mesmerise assists in the creation process by providing logistics, establishment setup, and hands-on support.
Michael Ogden, CEO of Creative Studios And the Christopher Daniel of Design Services at Mesmeriseprovide exclusive insights into company operations and discuss the emerging role of virtual reality consulting firms.
Today’s XR: Why are organizations and companies consulting architects to build their Metaverse spaces?
Ogden and Daniel: The basics of virtual spaces are similar to real life places, as is the design process. Our team collaborates with experienced architects when conceptualizing new environments.
We aim to create spaces – such as theaters or arenas – that feel exciting to inhabit, comfortable, navigable, and unforgettable.
In the same way, you won’t feel like going back to a dimly lit office or cramped lecture hall. Virtual spaces need to evaluate architectural considerations that we will take into account in real life, such as human behavior, space density, etc.
It also means paying attention to detail. We are testing the virtual settings up close, and visitors in the VR space will notice the building materials highly. Users will still get a feel for the details if they don’t specifically notice the options.
It is necessary to consider even the smallest design decisions, starting with the temperature of the lighting, the grain of the wood, the finish of the stone tiles and the view from the window.
We like to place our spaces in environments that feel worthy of a destination, from Manhattan to the Mediterranean coast, all without worrying about the limitations of realistic real estate.
This approach to creating spaces in the basics of the real world but leveraging VR’s ability to transcend challenging physical limitations is a ethos our team calls “rare but real.”
Creating basic knowledge and adhering to traditional design principles makes VR spaces accessible even to those who have never entered the Metaverse. From there, we can build on the complex and imaginative elements of the experience.
Today’s XR: Can you give us a brief overview of some of the architectural requirements from previous projects?
Ogden and Daniel: The common feedback we hear – and the standard we adhere to – is ensuring we’re creating a space that feels luxurious. We avoid cheap materials (like strip lighting and plastic finishes) or decor that might be overly theatrical (like medieval torches) in favor of discreet, thoughtful design.
Regarding specific architectural requirements, when designing a theater, for example, where the audience would focus on one stage or one screen, we had to make some adjustments to adapt to the technology.
Virtual reality avatars tend to be more distracting to the human eye than people in real life, so audience members need generous, distinct lines of sight from their seats to the stage. The focus of the audience’s attention should be larger and more prominent than it would be in real life.
Today’s XR: Can you explain why user experience equates to a successful launch of the metaverse?
Ogden and Daniel: User experience is critical when introducing a new metaverse. For many of our visitors, this will be their first time in virtual reality, so it is imperative for us that they feel taken care of at every step.
We aim to bring consistency, immersion, and emotional connection to all of our guests. We provide a space where people can have meaningful conversations with colleagues or friends.
When you enter a virtual space, you make a first impression, just as you would in real life, by observing and observing the aesthetics, comfort level, and landscape.
If you enter a virtual space with other people, comfort is one of the first dynamics you will notice; Users need more personal space than they need in real life.
Preferences about personal space vary across cultures, but we’ve found that most people need 50% more space in VR environments.
At the moment, a room for 150 people in real life will feel comfortable for about 100 people in the Metaverse. Comfort is fundamental to the success of the space, no matter the aesthetics. People will not want to stay or come back if that is inconvenient.
Sound design is a key interactive feature to make our spaces feel as inviting and immersive as possible. Spatial audio, for example, shows how close a fellow avatar is inside a virtual place, while environmental sounds, voiceovers, and tactile feedback add up.
Virtual reality has the advantage of infinite adaptability. We customize these spaces with a wide range of interactive features, from presentation rooms where workers can share 3D PowerPoint to interactive whiteboards.
XR Today: How do you use storytelling in your immersive worlds to increase interaction between brands and customers?
Ogden and Daniel: Storytelling is a powerful and vital component of a successful virtual reality experience. We think of every VR event as telling a story with a beginning, middle and end, like a real-life event or performance.
Considerations like music, setting, theme, and narration make the experience as immersive, compelling, and emotional as possible.
It is useful to provide cues inspired by elements of screenwriting, with clear, emotional story rhythms and a classic three-act structure.
For example, the start of each event is the setting time of the scene and the show: Welcome your guests by providing raw information, inspiration, and entertainment.
The second act will climax with the talk or event, and the third act is just as important. As the main event winds down, make sure guests are led by hand until the last minute, providing opportunities for separate conversations or providing instructions on how to seamlessly leave the virtual space.
Altogether, this style ensures that attendees are able to absorb the experience and avoid confusion.
As they leave, we want them to feel — like the experience of seeing a great show in real life — refreshed, inspired, entertained, and really excited about the prospect of returning.
Please visit website For more information about Mesmerise and the Gathering VR enterprise solution.