January 20th, 2023, 10:00 am PT / Category: Interviews
How will Mixed Reality from film, entertainment and pop culture open new possibilities in digital fashion and more?
Summary of the video
In a YouTube video titled “Beyond the Imagination,” Kim Lantis hosts a discussion about the metaverse with Fermin Chavez and Luis Talentes, both from Incora. This video is part of a series covering various aspects of the metaverse. The discussion in this episode focuses on the intersection of pop culture and the metaverse.
The video begins with an introduction of the panelists and a recap of previous episodes that explored metaverse basics and financial aspects. Luis Talentes, a UI/UX designer, emphasizes the goal of making metaverse experiences accessible, especially for individuals with physical limitations.
The conversation shifts to the influence of pop culture on the metaverse, noting that the term “metaverse” originated from Neal Stephenson’s novel “Snow Crash.” The panelists discuss how science fiction has played a significant role in shaping the concept of virtual worlds.
Examples of pop culture representations of the metaverse are shared. “Black Mirror” episode “San Junipero” raises ethical questions about living eternally in a virtual reality. “Futurama” episode “Near-Death Wish” explores the positive and negative aspects of suspended reality within a metaverse-like environment. “Ready Player One” is praised for its exploration of economic aspects within virtual worlds, where revenue is shared among the metaverse’s owner, content creators, and virtual experience sellers.
The panelists conclude by discussing the balance between the metaverse and the real world, emphasizing user-created content and experiences. They highlight potential dangers of excessive immersion in virtual worlds and the importance of prioritizing real-life experiences.
In summary, the conversation explores the metaverse’s connection to pop culture, its potential impact on society, and the need for responsible use and design in this evolving virtual landscape.
Bios
Dianela Gamboa is a Senior UX Designer at Encora. Having worked in Marketing for many years prior, she is able to strike the perfect balance in User Experience and understanding business financial goals while always putting the user in the center.
Fermín Chávez is a User Experience Researcher at Encora and has been working in the field for five years. Coming from a technological background, he found a new balance in research by mediating with the more human side of things. He is very interested in the playful, leisurely uses of technology and how we can reframe our world through play.
Luis Talamantes is a UI/UX Designer with over three years of experience in the industry. His goal is to build accessible products that everyone can enjoy. With the Metaverse arriving, he is aiming to create accessible spaces inside the virtual world.