If HR used the Apple Vision Pro, it would be amazing, but...
I was visiting Elliott Masie who had just got his new Apple Vision Pro and was getting used to his new toy. He invited me to try it on.
Today I share my biggest take away from Ali Abdal's new book on productivity. He does what Apple should aim to do. Make it easy to create.
This must be an inchstone for Apple
I started off by watching a slickly produced film about a prehistoric island full of animals I had never seen. One by one as the animals came on to the screen, I found myself taking a close peek at the animals and feeling a mixture of awe and fear. The fur of the animal, the ripple of the waterbody and the overall experience was unparalleled. It is amazing how quickly one can forget that this is all make believe. That is called "presence" when the brain believes that the virtual world is real.
In another movie I could get a ringside view of Alicia Keys in her studio as she recorded a song. The jamming, the dialog and the overall impact is INCREDIBLE.
This is vaguely like the prehistoric animal I saw in the film by Apple
Using Apple Vision Pro for HR
Gathering biometric data to learn about emotional cues would be powerful
What are the possibilities for using such a device for upskilling? That was a question that got Elliott and me all excited. The possibilities of immersive learning are mind blowing.
Imagine being able to get biometric data as people watch your content. Tracking eye movements and pupil dilation could tell us the emotional reaction to the idea being shared. The pupil will dilate if we expose subjects to difficult tasks.
Video is how people are learning everything
This immersive tech can be leverage by HR at every stage of the employee life cycle. But the three biggest possibilities are in:
Interviews and recruitment: From building brand awareness to behind-the-scenes content, there are a million ways in which the recruitment experience can be made to be creative. But the biggest <read more>
Onboarding: The Apple Vision Pro could make new hire orientation more dynamic and engaging. Imagine being able to engage with the leadership team / CXOs of the startup in real time before signing the offer letter. Being able to discuss scenarios and responses to those dilemmas can be a great way to find the values fit. That could be a far more engaging way to onboard new hires than to let them click through boring slide ware - the possibilities are fascinating. But...The more complex and expensive it is to create the onboarding experience design, the less likely is it to be adopted. For instance very few companies use the Metaverse to onboard new hires. It is just too expensive to create.<read more>
Upskilling will be the killer app. Using it to train surgeons and mechanics and pianists... the possibilities are huge. The L&D community will grab it with both hands if only ... <read more>
Immersive learning makes it unforgettable but...
The Apple Vision Pro creates realistic, immersive learning environments, making the learning experience truly unforgettable. However, the lack of cheap, quick-to-create content is a drawback that will prevent adoption in L&D circles.
YouTube is the world's most popular teacher. The content is not made by instructional designers. It is scrappy and sometimes naive. But it makes it easy for everyone to be a content creator. TikTok makes it easy to create this content. #LearnOnTikTok has around 7 billion views and millions of videos, many of which have been created by educators. <Read more: https://bit.ly/3TdJNcq>
The slick content of Apple Vision Pro inhibits the creators with its perfection. In a world where the half life of a skill is two and a half years, we need more user generated content if we have to leverage the immersive storytelling that Apple Vision Pro offers.
User Generated Content is proof of adoption and scaling up
The killer app is for customer or employee experience
With the Apple Vision Pro, you can simulate real-world scenarios for hands-on skill development. From public speaking to surgery, this device provides a safe yet realistic environment to hone your skills or to experience a world you have not stepped in to before.
But the real killer is the price
The Apple Vision Pro comes with a hefty price tag, which could be a barrier for some organizations looking to adopt this technology. However, the investment may be worth it for the transformative learning experience it offers.
I ran a poll <see the latest version click this>
The hardware is still too clunky
Almost eight years back, in May 2016, I wrote a post called the Insane Possibilities of Virtual Reality.
This sketchnote is 8 years old. And well the article is just as valid today in 2024
With a battery life of up to two hours, the Apple Vision Pro falls short of all-day use. Then again, you'll probably feel giddy before the battery runs out, thanks to the immersive experience.
In conclusion, the Apple Vision Pro is a promising innovation that has the potential to redefine how we learn and collaborate. While it has its pros and cons, its impact on learning and collaboration could be revolutionary. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the future.
Reading Now
Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Ali Abdaal is a poster boy for Career 3.0 - which is what I describe in my book as someone who is monetizing 3 or more skills in 3 or more uniquely different ecosystems. Ali is just that. He is a YouTuber, a podcaster, entrepreneur and author. He is one of the poster boys for the Creator Economy with more than 4 MILLION followers on his YouTube channel.
He has written this book which brings scientific research to help you get more productive.
The big idea of the book lies in the early parts. If you add play and fun to your work, you will be able to take the tedium out of work and the stress that goes with it.
Turn it into a game. I used my 90 minute bus ride to be a time when I could listen to long classical music pieces that I otherwise did not have time to indulge in. I actually looked forward to my music classes.
Enjoy the process - not the destination If you start to take your focus away from the results and outcomes, it liberates you to take risks. It’s like playing a video game. The fun isn’t just in winning, but in overcoming challenges and improving your skills along the way. Don't be that person who pulls out the rule book and fights with everyone about the interpretation of the rules of Pictionary. Have fun.
Stay curious especially when you have a setback Imagine setbacks as clues in a treasure hunt. Each setback is a hint guiding you to the treasure - your goal. The treasure is your ultimate goal or success. Now, the path isn’t straight. It’s filled with clues or challenges (setbacks). When you encounter a setback, instead of feeling discouraged, view it as a clue. It’s a sign that you’re on the right path, and it’s guiding you closer to your treasure. Each setback teaches you something new, helping you navigate your journey better. So, embrace setbacks, learn from them, and continue your exciting treasure hunt!
The best productivity hack in his book
I loved the book. It is a tough subject to write about. A creator has the magical ability to present everything like it is play. Now you know why Ali has 4 million followers. Listen to him
Inchstones - will they replace milestones?
These are some Pinterest predictions
I read about it in Pinterest's prediction for trends in 2024.
Body and skin care routines will be the rage. In home spa experiences are in demand.
Jazz inspired clothing will be in vogue
Jazz inspired clothing will be in vogue says Pinterest. Here is my interpretation. What do you think?
And yes, what is an inchstone?
You heard of milestones. They may seem too far away and unachievable. In this era of instant gratification, you can celebrate every inch of your or anyone else's achievements. Parents are going bigger for the mini milestones in their children’s lives. Like leaving $100 bills as the "tooth fairy's gift for losing a tooth. Seriously?
It is the equivalent of everyone getting a gold star! You can make out that I am not a fan of inchstones, but if they are a trend, then my opinion need not count. Would you celebrate an inchstone and not wait for a milestone? Leave a comment and let me know.
