Hiring a VR/AR Partner Part II: The Red Flags
For most companies, buying and implementing Virtual and Augmented Reality is a brand new and unfamiliar experience, and it can be difficult to identify the partner best suited for your needs. In the last post, I outlined several things to look for, and today will share common red flags. This is by no means a comprehensive list of considerations but should help jumpstart your exploration of Virtual and Augmented Reality.
PREMATURE DIAGNOSIS
It’s easy (and frankly a lot of fun) to concept and ideate VR / AR experiences, but the best initial conversations focus on the problem, not the solution. Going back to the earlier doctor’s office example, you’d be pretty concerned if you walked in with a headache, and without asking any questions the doctor suggested brain surgery. It takes probing questions and genuine concern to properly diagnose. Look for a partner that takes the time to understand you, your company, and your challenges before any talk turn towards final solutions.
INABILITY TO ANSWER HARD QUESTIONS
To decide what questions to ask, I’ve listed a few below to get you started:
Can you share some specific examples of VR / AR software you’ve created?
Can you share case studies from real customers who have deployed solutions with you?
How do you support clients after product development?
Based on [business problem], do you see AR or VR as a potential tool to solve this problem?
How often will we see our project’s progress?
Do you outsource any of the work that you’ll do on our project?
Who owns the final deliverables and IP?
What happens after delivery? What if there are bugs? What if there are new headsets?
UNDUE LOYALTY TO A PARTICULAR HARDWARE PLATFORM
After working at Apple for 5 years, one of the key things I learned was that when you “sell” iPads, you “sell” the value they can deliver to users. I use this approach at Lucid Dream in every conversation I have with a potential client. With so many AR / VR hardware options available and new tech constantly coming to market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A good, consultative partner will help you cut through the clutter, focus on the solution, and then recommend the necessary hardware. A bad partner will push you into their personal comfort zone, recommending hardware and solutions they’ve done before, whether they are a good fit for your business or not. Good partners should have prior and relevant real work examples that demonstrate their skills in a variety of immersive platforms. The best partners will also help procure, setup, and train your team to be ready to integrate brand new hardware.
None of this should dissuade you from taking the leap into incorporating AR / VR into your organization. Rather, the intent is to make sure you take the right first steps and set you and your team up for continued success. Virtual and Augmented Reality have the power to transform our world, and the right partners are key.
Written by Christophe Lafargue
Direct of Business Development, Lucid Dream VR
