As the technology powering them has evolved, shared immersive spaces have emerged as transformative tools that can revolutionise how organisations operate, collaborate, and innovate. 

And, as we've watched our clients push the boundaries of what's possible with these spaces over the years, what can be achieved now, with the right tools at hand, is making these spaces more commonplace. 

So, if you’re considering investing in shared immersive technology and looking to build a business case, read on as we collate and corroborate all the learnings and findings we’ve discovered in our 15+ years in the market, from general business incentives to industry-specific applications, as well as the implementation considerations you should take into account when integrating this technology into your business.

Universal Business Benefits - Value No Matter Your Vertical 

Enhanced Productivity and Collaboration 

Shared immersive spaces fundamentally transform your workflows, allowing you to: 

• Liberate complex data and projects from their two-dimensional confines 

• Interact with digital content in natural, intuitive ways such as with head tracking or gesture control 

• Enable real-time collaboration regardless of physical location thanks to integration with software like Teams and Zoom 

• Reduce miscommunication through one unified shared visual experience 

• Accelerate decision-making processes through improved spatial understanding and a true feeling of scale.

Cost Reduction 

While the initial investment can be significant, immersive spaces typically deliver significant ROI through: 

• Potentially eliminating travel expenses for meetings and site visits 

• Decreasing the need for physical prototypes and mockups 

• Lowering costs associated with training and onboarding 

• Minimising errors and rework due to improved visualisation 

• Optimising your utilisation of in-office space.

Competitive Advantage 

• Organisations that implement immersive technologies position themselves as: 

• Industry innovators and thought leaders 

• Attractive employers for tech-savvy talent 

• More agile and adaptable to market changes 

• Better equipped to meet evolving client expectations.

Industry-Specific Applications - Your Sector, Your Space 

Educational Institutions 

Immersive spaces evolve the learning experience by: 

• Creating engaging, interactive learning environments 

• Enabling virtual field trips and historical recreations 

• Facilitating hands-on practice in safe, controlled, and repeatable environments 

• Supporting distance learning with immersive remote classrooms 

• Allowing complex concept visualisation in subjects like physics and anatomy 

• Engaging SEND students with sensory experiences.

Example case study: University of Adelaide

Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) 

The AECO industry benefits particularly from immersive spaces through: 

• Real-time visualisation of building information modelling (BIM) 

• Virtual site walks for stakeholder reviews 

• Clash detection and problem-solving before construction 

• Training for dangerous or complex operations 

• Remote collaboration on design reviews 

Example case study: AtkinsRéalis

Energy Sector 

Immersive spaces provide crucial advantages in energy operations: 

• Virtual training for high-risk maintenance procedures 

• Real-time monitoring of plant operations and equipment 

• Emergency response simulation and training 

• Remote expert collaboration for troubleshooting 

• Visualisation of underground resources and infrastructure 

Example case study: BP Training

The Cost of Inaction - Are You Losing Out By Not Investing? 

As you build your business case for investing in a shared immersive space, you will consider common arguments against committing resources here (as you will with any investment). However, choosing not to utilise one of these spaces could have wider, unseen implications. 

Financial 

Organisations that delay the adoption of immersive technologies risk: 

• Higher operational costs compared to competitors 

• Increased expenses for physical prototypes and training 

• Lost productivity due to inefficient workflows 

• Missed opportunities for process optimisation 

• Higher travel and collaboration expenses 

Competitive 

Failing to invest in immersive spaces could lead to: 

• Loss of market share to more technologically advanced competitors 

• Difficulty attracting and retaining top talent 

• Reduced ability to meet evolving client expectations 

• Limited capability to handle complex projects 

• Decreased agility in responding to market changes 

Long-term 

The compounding effects of delayed adoption include: 

• Growing technological gap with industry leaders 

• Increased cost and complexity of eventual implementation 

• Loss of early adopter advantages and experience 

• Potential obsolescence of current workflows 

• Reduced relevance in an increasingly digital market 

Implementation Considerations 

To ensure that your business gets maximum value in the shortest amount of time from your immersive space, it is important to consider the following key factors. Should you wish to delve deeper into these considerations, you may wish to consult our in-depth buyers guide. 

To maximise the benefits of immersive spaces, organisations should: 

• Develop a clear implementation strategy aligned with business goals 

• Ensure proper training and support for users 

• Create standardised procedures for immersive space utilisation 

• Measure and track ROI metrics 

• Plan for regular updates and technology refreshes 

The Igloo opinion 

Investing in shared immersive spaces was once a luxury purchase. But, thanks to advancements and cost reductions across hardware and software, it has developed into a potential strategic necessity for those looking to remain competitive in their respective industries.  

The benefits can extend far beyond immediate productivity gains, creating long-term value through improved collaboration, reduced costs, and enhanced capabilities. And, the risks of delayed adoption grow as competitors advance their technological capabilities and adoption grows. 

Organisations must view immersive spaces not as technological upgrades, but as transformations in how they operate, learn, and create value.  

However, there is a caveat. 

To see this value, buyers must have the utmost confidence in the software, as well as the hardware, that they are buying. It is important that the software can match your business goals, fit seamlessly into your existing workflows, and work with the digital tools that you use every day. 

This is why we developed Igloo Core Engine, our software for immersive spaces. Designed to work with an industry-leading number of integrations, with specialist software across multiple verticals, and a growing, global network of clients.  

If you want to find out how Igloo Core Engine can help you build your business case for investing in shared immersive technology, then book a free demo with us today.

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