How Metaverse might have an impact on user experience

Abstract

<em>Metaverse is an interactive virtual environment connected to the physical world through immersive technologies in which users can perform everyday tasks. Immersive technologies erase boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds and allow users to experience the feeling of immersion. It is an environment based on core technologies such as web 3.0, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and </em><em>artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), extended reality (XR). However, even though the metaverse is not a new concept, user experience (UX) designers have to design the user experience well in order to make it as intuitive as possible. The paper reflects on main features of the metaverse, such as the design and appearance of the environment, digital identity of its users, accessibility and inclusivity, and interaction. The aim of this paper is to examine the expectations and attitudes </em><em>of students in the field of information sciences (IS) and employees in the IT field regarding: a) the role of UX designers in the creation of the metaverse; b) the design and appearance of the environment, that is, the nature of activities and interactions in the metaverse; and c) the adaptation of the metaverse to users’ expectations and needs. The research is based on the following research questions: a) How do students in the IS field and employees in the IT field perceive the role of UX designers in creating interactive virtual environments like the metaverse? b) What are the expectations of students in the IS field and employees in the IT field regarding the design and appearance of the metaverse environment? c) What are the views and opinions of students in the IS field and employees in the IT field about the potential impact of the metaverse on activities (work, education, entertainment, etc.) and interaction? The research was conducted through the LimeSurvey online questionnaire consisting of 24 closed questions. The questionnaire was conducted via e-mail and social media in October and November 2022, and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS. The respondents are students in the field of information sciences at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Osijek, Croatia and employees of IT companies in Osijek, Croatia. Majority (63.8%) of respondents agreed that the role of UX designer will change with the arrival of the metaverse. Respondents expect that metaverse will have well-thought-out design, especially for users with disabilities. The interaction in the metaverse will occur between avatars and will entail a more complex level of interacting with the environment. Furthemore, the idea and concept of metaverse is quite ambiguous. Respondents believe that the biggest advantages of the metaverse imply connecting the world despite the physical distance. On the other hand, the biggest disadvantages include the loss of connection with the physical world.</em>