Storytelling is as old as... Well as old as stories themselves. The very first stories were carved into cave walls tens of thousands of years ago, more recently we see stories in the works of great artists such as Shakespeare and Steven Spielberg. So what will storytelling look like in the next 5 years?
Technology has always played a vital role in how stories are told. Before TV it was print, and before the printing press, it was our voices. Although these forms of expression will never be lost, the next iteration of storytelling will be unrecognisable to our early ancestors.
Future Narratives with Mixed Reality
Wearables will revolutionise how stories are told. Technology such as the Apple Vision Pro or the latest Meta Quest is set to disrupt how we interact with the world, and these type of wearable are coming to consumers fast. Although mass adoption is a few years off - we are already seeing some powerful stories being told with AR and VR.
VR goggles and AR smart glasses offer something that traditional storytelling does not, the opportunity to fully or partially immerse users in a new or different world and blur the lines between reality and fiction. This ability to completely control the user's environment and field of view is a new phenomenon that allows the creators to push narratives and messaging in a gamified and captivating manner. And what's more, user's get to participate in the story as an active character.
Whether it's for education, a game, or a campaign, the possibilities of mixed reality are being utilised by organisations that recognise the pivotal role this tech will have in the future of engagement.
Emerging Technologies in Modern Storytelling
Spatial Computing or just Spatial is a broader term to describe all developments in Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality and Augmented Reality. Basically any form of computer interface that inhabits our 3D world rather than being inside a screen. It’s a term that Apple is pushing and is hopefully clearer than VR/XR/MR/AR which have started to overlap a lot.
Companies like Adidas and IKEA have already incorporated this technology into their strategy, understanding the potential they have to inform narratives and engage consumers and employees in their stories. Stories are not just fictional or old tales, in the modern corporate and consumer world stories and narratives are used for a wide range of use cases such as brand messaging, informing corporate strategy, HR initiatives, marketing campaigns, advertising, charitable campaigns etc etc.
Are you looking to level up your stories and narratives in a way that will be sure to impress your audience? Get in touch for a free consultation where we will come with ideas for your organisation.
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