Technology has advanced at an alarming rate.
As a species, we’ve gone from gaining the ability to light our homes with electricity, to harnessing the power of radio waves and now, we have some of the most powerful and intelligent computers ever made in our pockets, on our wrists and throughout our homes; even our doorbells have more computing power than the rockets that sent man to the moon all those years ago.
Due to this manic progression occurring at insane speeds, it’s important to stay on top of things technologically. Particularly if you’re a freelancer looking to build a client base; if you’re not making the most of the power of technology, then you’ll be left in the dust of those who are.
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XR (extended reality) is one of the latest technological trends that is offering freelancers all over the world the opportunity to:
- Enhance their skill sets.
- Offer their clients services previously deemed impossible.
- Boost their revenue.
So, there’s no question that freelance developers should be embracing the revolution.
If you want to earn more as a freelancer it’s time to learn how XR can level up your career and upscale your business far beyond your current reach; but first, we need to understand the world of XR fully.
XR: Under The Umbrella
‘But what is XR technology?’ we hear you crying.
Well, XR is actually an umbrella term that covers a world of technology based realities, each with a specific application and system; for those of you who are acronym adverse, brace yourselves, there are plenty of them incoming.
Augmented Reality: Enhancing the Real World
Augmented Reality (AR) allows the user to enhance the physical world around them with technology. By overlaying digital elements onto physical surroundings we can essentially alter our perception of the world and get pretty creative.
The uses for AR extend into almost every industry, from real estate and interior design to architecture and teaching.
It can be utilised by our smartphones, glasses and computers and is so accessible that freelance augmented reality developers will be chasing in as the industry grows.
Virtual Reality: Enter Fully Digital Worlds
Virtual Reality (VR) is all about user immersion, as opposed to AR, it allows people to be as fully immersed as possible in a completely digital environment using things like headsets, earphones and interactive devices that mimic in-world activities.
Commonly used by gamers for a fully immersive experience, its uses extend far beyond shooting bad guys. It’s ideal for virtual meetings, remote training situations, 3D modeling, game development and much more.
Mixed Reality: The Best of Both Worlds
Mixed reality (MR) combines aspects of both VR and AR, allowing digital objects to interact with the real world in real time. This can be through the augmentation of visuals, sound or the integration of objects, and is largely experienced through headsets and screens.
It’s an area of XR that is still in relatively early stages, but it’s quickly gaining traction in the same way as the others and has serious potential in education.
What Can XR Do for Us?
So now we know that XR encompasses the technology that augments, replaces or enhances reality through digital projections, it’s time to think about how this impacts the freelancer market within the tech sphere.
You may well have seen VR booths in the mall offering otherworldly experiences, or have messed around with an app that augments and manipulates your surroundings, but when you consider that XR use cases can be found in the health sector, the military sector and in retail, it may be time to stand up and take notice.
With the industry projected to be worth around 630 billion dollars by the time 2033 rolls around, you may want to follow this guide in order to expand into the XR market.
How to Get Started with XR
This all sounds pretty great, but how do a bunch of freelancers get involved and unlock the potential of this new technology?
Invest in Education and Training
Investing in yourself is typically quite a hard thing to do, it can often seem like a huge investment with little to no short-term reward, but for those interested in this field, getting trained as a freelance AR developer could be the best thing you ever do.
There are so many applications for this technology, so learn the fundamental knowledge needed to work with XR technologies and become one of the leading experts in a rapidly developing field.
Build a Portfolio
Once the skills have been acquired to work with XR at a professional level, it’s time to get to work showcasing your skills. Begin by creating demo projects within your niche that potential clients can interact with.
Anything from simple AR filters and VR environments, all the way to complex learning programmes and simulations can offer insight into what you can offer, and how well you can harness the power of this tech.
To better manage and organize your creative assets, cosider using digital asset management (DAM) systems. This can help you store and easily access your visuals, 3D models to keep your portfolio professional and streamlined.
A well-rounded portfolio is key to attracting clients and standing out in the competitive freelance market.
Join XR Communities and Networks
Network, network, network; it’s a superb way to meet clients and other professionals in the field and can be a valuable way to break into an industry.
It’s true what they say about every day being a school day, so don’t rest on your laurels, take every opportunity to learn something new and collaborate on projects, share ideas and experiment in the company of your peers.
You’ll find yourself keeping up to date on the latest industry trends as well as talking to people regularly who are in the know.
How Freelancers Can Use XR to Boost Earnings
Now that you’ve got your foot in the digital door, it’s time to start reaping the rewards of all your hard work. Follow these steps to ensure that the package you’re offering is as effective as possible, hopefully earning you the big bucks.
1. Learn the Tools of the Trade
Investing in mastering the key tools of trade can ensure that you are one of the key people in your area.
For example, if you’re looking to build VR video game-scapes then becoming a master of programmes like Unreal Engine will mean even the biggest studios in the industry will have to consider you for projects.
2. Target Niche Markets
Niche markets like healthcare, real estate and education are increasingly adopting XR technologies to help improve operations and services, so offering services within these niches would be a superb way to build a client base.
Even something as simple as offering estate agents the ability to offer virtual tours of properties, or developing a visual way to teach mathematics in a virtual environment would allow you to reach into markets previously untapped.
3. Offer Immersive Marketing Solutions
If you’re already in the marketing game then capitalise on the fact that brands are always on the lookout for new ways to engage their audiences. XR is a dynamic and interactive way to allow people to experience products before purchasing them, and reach whole new groups of people in exciting ways.
In a crowded market, this kind of innovation will be particularly appealing to companies looking to stand out in a crowded market.
4. Create Virtual Events and Experiences
Virtual events are becoming increasingly popular, and can range from things like virtual interviews, all the way to social events and online community gatherings.
Freelance developers can capitalize on the demand for VR events planning by offering spatial design services allowing any type of group to use your platform. From conferences and trade shows to community meet ups and conventions, there is plenty of demand for online event hosting,
The Future of XR for Freelancers
XR is still in the very early stages, despite some of the incredible uses and technologies that the industry has already given us, so just imagine where it’s headed; the growth potential is immense.
As the industry grows, and the tech becomes more affordable, more and more industries will adopt the uses of XR and those with skills in VR, AR and MR will have the competitive edge.
The gig economy is a tough place to exist, so taking every chance available to you to learn a new skill today, will better position you for tomorrow’s opportunities.
There has never been a better time to get involved in an emerging market, so make the most of your chances, learn everything you can and unlock your full XR potential by following this guide.
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