Implementing Virtual Worlds: Key Planning Decisions
Last year I made several presentations to executive groups about Second Life and other virtual worlds. The overwhelming response I had led me to create a workshop comparing the features of many of the current virtual worlds to help business leaders understand their options so they can make solid decisions about what works best for their own organizations and business processes. The people I have talked with are universally fascinated by and intimidated by what a 3D Internet means. They don’t really know what criteria they should use to evaluate the technologies or to gauge the impact on the people in their organizations. Many are not even sure what questions to ask a consultant. Here is a list of things that can help you plan for a 3D future:
How do you plan for it?
When you say “plan”, know whether you mean educate executives, prepare the organization, explore technologies or prioritize implementation features.
How far in advance?
If you’re asking now, the answer is “start now”. As one business leader recently said, now is the time to get into the shallow end of the pool and splash around…while there still is a shallow end!
What are some baby steps to take that still give flexibility if the winds change?
Consider open source platforms Identify a few work groups or departments that could really benefit from 3D interactions and just offer it to them initially Identify the business processes that are performing well as they are and don’t make any changes Don’t spend a lot of money on technologies initially. They are changing rapidly. Spend your money instead to educate and train your people on how to make good use of 3D social interactions.
Answer these key questions:
Purpose Experience level of users Who’s behind the initiative/push to do something now? What are the expected outcomes/results? What measurements will we use for success?
Other planning considerations:
Existing technology stack Change management impact Communications Social vs. quantitative skills Security and authentication Permit remote access? Mobile devices
Once your key people have discussed these issues, you will probably need a consultant experienced in virtual world options. If you’d like some help identifying the right consultants for your needs, feel free to contact me. I’ll be glad to suggest some names, or help you myself if I can.
