AP3D @ Manchester Digital Conference 2024
Last year, AP3D was invited to take part in Manchester Digital’s Emerging Tech Conference 2024, held at No.1 Circle Square. The event brought together technology professionals and innovators from across the UK to discuss the future of emerging technologies including AI, quantum computing, and extended reality (XR).
As part of the day’s agenda, I represented AP3D on a panel discussion titled “Everyday Immersion: Implementation of XR/VR and Spatial Tech into Daily Lives.” The panel was hosted by Katie Gallagher, Managing Director at Manchester Digital, and also featured contributions from Lukas Genever (Cloud Imperium), Seth White (Ride Shotgun), and David Dixon (Cyber Lab).
Manchester Digital XR Discussion Panel
The VR Hype Cycle
One of the key topics we explored was where VR currently sits on the hype cycle. I spoke about our experience working with universities and research institutions, where we've seen a pattern of over-investment in VR headsets, often without the supporting infrastructure or relevant software to realise their potential. In many cases, the initial excitement around VR has led to a disconnect between ambition and actual use.
The Gartner Hype Cycle
At AP3D, we aim to bridge that gap. We specialise in developing bespoke VR experiences for small-scale research projects, offering a practical and cost-effective solution that enables academics to explore immersive technologies without the need for large-scale commercial content. By collaborating closely with researchers, we ensure the final product supports the specific needs of the study, whether that’s for training, simulation, or participant engagement.
The panel also touched on the challenges and opportunities within XR, including accessibility, user experience, and data security. There was agreement that while the technology is becoming more powerful and accessible, it’s essential to focus on meaningful, well-scoped implementations that provide real value.
Overall, the conference was a great opportunity to share our work, hear from others in the field, and contribute to a broader conversation about the future of immersive tech in the UK.
For more on the event, read the full roundup on Manchester Digital’s website:
👉 Emerging Tech Conference 2024 - The Roundup