How 9 Companies Used Extended Reality to Solve Unexpected Business Problems
Extended Reality (XR) is revolutionizing business operations in unexpected ways across various industries. This article explores nine innovative applications of XR technology, from transforming virtual workshops to streamlining employee onboarding and enhancing global team collaboration. Drawing on insights from industry experts, discover how companies are leveraging XR to solve unique business challenges and drive efficiency in areas such as field technician training, property sales, and healthcare preparation.
- XR Transforms Virtual Workshops into Immersive Experiences
- Interactive XR Streamlines Employee Onboarding Process
- Virtual Workspace Enhances Global Team Collaboration
- XR Simulation Boosts Field Technician Training Efficiency
- Extended Reality Revolutionizes Children's Learning Habits
- Studio Three Integrates XR for Holistic Fitness
- Virtual Tours Accelerate Sales of Renovated Properties
- XR Simulations Prepare Clinicians for Home Visits
- 3D Walk-Throughs Reduce Disputed Storm Damage Claims
XR Transforms Virtual Workshops into Immersive Experiences
One unexpected problem I solved with extended reality was how flat and uninspiring virtual workshops could feel. Early on, I noticed that clients tuned out during Zoom sessions when we discussed abstract concepts like brand positioning or customer journeys. They wanted to feel the strategy, not just look at slides. By integrating XR, I turned these intangible ideas into immersive environments where clients could literally step into their brand story and move through each stage of their visibility funnel like rooms in a building.
This simple shift transformed the entire experience. Clients became more engaged, decisions happened faster, and the strategies stuck with them because they had lived the process instead of just hearing about it. It improved my operations too—cutting down on endless clarifying emails and saving hours of follow-up. Most importantly, it strengthened loyalty; clients walked away feeling like they'd experienced something groundbreaking and uniquely theirs, which deepened their trust in me and the frameworks I created.
Interactive XR Streamlines Employee Onboarding Process
A less obvious business challenge that melded into the matrix of extended reality (XR) was onboarding new employees across various offices. Training previously depended on physical sessions, which posed logistical challenges and led to variable quality. With the adoption of interactive XR, new hires could engage with company policies and master sophisticated devices in a controlled virtual setup that faithfully replicated the physical one. The experience was standardized, and the time taken to onboard new hires, along with travel expenses, saw a marked decrease. Employees could also gain confidence, as the solution increased their ability to practice without risk, leading to an increase in retention. Consequently, processes were streamlined and customers had the advantage of dealing with better-trained and quicker staff, heightening their satisfaction and loyalty.
Virtual Workspace Enhances Global Team Collaboration
One of the more unexpected problems we solved with extended reality (XR) wasn't directly about selling or marketing—it was about internal collaboration. A few years ago, we were scaling Zapiy quickly, and our teams were spread across multiple countries. Despite all the digital tools available, we kept hitting a wall when it came to brainstorming product features. Zoom calls and shared whiteboards were functional, but they never truly captured the energy of being in the same room.
We decided to experiment with an XR workspace where team members could step into a shared virtual environment. At first, I thought it would just be a fun gimmick, but it ended up transforming how we worked. Instead of staring at static slides, our designers and developers could walk around a 3D prototype together, point out friction points, and suggest improvements in real time. It felt closer to standing around a physical prototype than sitting behind a screen.
What surprised me most was the cultural impact. People felt more connected to their teammates, even across continents. Collaboration became more fluid, and meetings that once dragged on for hours became more focused because the environment itself encouraged participation. We noticed measurable improvements, too: product iterations were completed faster, miscommunications dropped, and employees reported higher engagement in our internal surveys.
That experience taught me that XR doesn't have to be flashy to be effective. Sometimes its greatest value lies in solving subtle but deeply human challenges—like recreating the spark of in-person creativity when distance makes it impossible. For us, it not only improved operations but also strengthened the fabric of our team, which ultimately translated into better outcomes for customers.
XR Simulation Boosts Field Technician Training Efficiency
Extended reality solved a persistent onboarding challenge for field technicians. Traditional training required travel to centralized facilities, which was costly and often delayed project readiness. By building an XR simulation of equipment and job-site conditions, new hires could practice repairs, safety procedures, and troubleshooting from their own location. The unexpected benefit was the reduction of early-stage errors once technicians entered the field. Error rates during the first ninety days dropped by nearly 30 percent, saving both time and warranty costs. For customers, this translated into faster service and fewer repeat visits. Beyond efficiency, the immersive format boosted confidence among trainees, who reported feeling more prepared before handling real equipment. What began as a solution to logistical strain became a transformation in both employee capability and customer satisfaction, demonstrating that technology designed for visualization could also resolve hidden inefficiencies in workforce readiness.
Extended Reality Revolutionizes Children's Learning Habits
As parents, we often hear that kids learn best by doing, but making that happen at home can be tricky. In my work designing educational toys, I noticed that children sometimes struggled to connect everyday habits, like brushing their teeth, with long-term health. Charts and reminders only went so far. That's when I started experimenting with extended reality (XR) technology: interactive experiences that let kids see and explore concepts in a playful, hands-on way.
I also saw benefits for travel and learning. Even when children couldn't physically visit new places, XR experiences let them explore cultures, foods, and routines from around the world. Kids return curious and excited, asking questions and practicing new habits at home. It turns abstract lessons into real, interactive learning that sticks.
For everyday parenting, this means children can pick up healthy habits and safe routines with less nagging. They feel capable and confident doing things on their own, whether it's brushing their teeth or handling small toys safely. Parents get to guide and encourage rather than constantly remind. For parents, the takeaway is that a little thoughtfully designed technology can make a big difference. By letting kids see the results of their actions in an engaging way, parents can help them build good habits, spark curiosity, and learn independently, all while keeping play fun and screen-smart.
Studio Three Integrates XR for Holistic Fitness
The challenge I didn't expect at Studio Three was helping our members stay fully engaged while balancing strength, cardio, and recovery. Many people felt overwhelmed trying to track progress across different workouts, and some even skipped recovery because they didn't know how to fit it all in. To solve this, I introduced extended reality (XR) technology into our classes. It allows members to visualize their workouts, track their performance in real-time, and even get guidance during recovery, all in an interactive, immersive way. Suddenly, what used to feel like disjointed workouts became a connected, motivating experience.
I remember one member, Alexis, who had always struggled to stay consistent. She wasn't sure how to pace her cardio and strength sessions while giving her body enough recovery. Using our XR workouts, she could see exactly how her body was performing and adjust intensity safely. Within weeks, she noticed stronger muscles, more energy, and a new sense of confidence. She told us it felt like someone was guiding her every step of the way, and that sense of support is exactly what we aim for at Studio Three. XR also helped us solve an operational challenge: personalizing workouts for everyone in a busy class. Before, it was hard for instructors to give individual attention to each member. Now, they can see movements in real-time, provide instant feedback, and adjust exercises on the fly. Everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes can feel challenged but supported.
The impact has been bigger than I imagined. Members leave classes feeling accomplished and connected, not stressed or disconnected. XR reinforces our holistic approach, making it easy for people to integrate strength, cardio, and recovery into one seamless routine. It's also strengthened the bond between instructors and members, building a more inclusive and supportive community. By combining XR with our core philosophy, I've redefined what a complete fitness experience can be. Our members aren't just tracking reps or calories; they're actively engaging with their wellness journey. Every session feels purposeful, personalized, and energizing, and it's been incredible to see the confidence and connection it brings to our community.
Virtual Tours Accelerate Sales of Renovated Properties
One unexpected problem we tackled with extended reality was showcasing properties that were still undergoing extensive renovations. We used virtual reality tours to let potential buyers experience the future state of a home, complete with imagined finishes and layouts. This not only accelerated sales by allowing early viewings but also helped buyers visualize the potential, turning construction zones into dreamy future homes and reducing buyer hesitation since they could envision the final product.
XR Simulations Prepare Clinicians for Home Visits
We turned to extended reality (XR) to address a recurring challenge in staff training. Traditional classroom sessions struggled to prepare new clinicians for the realities of home visits, where every environment differs and safety risks are unpredictable. By creating XR simulations of actual visit scenarios—from cramped living spaces to emergency response situations—we gave staff a way to practice decision-making in controlled yet realistic conditions.
The impact was immediate. Clinicians reported greater confidence during their first independent visits, and error rates tied to safety protocols declined. Patients noticed the difference too, often commenting on how prepared and composed staff appeared in their homes. What began as a training experiment quickly became a standard part of onboarding, transforming both efficiency and patient trust. The unexpected lesson was that XR, often seen as a tool for high-tech industries, can also strengthen the human-centered work of healthcare delivery when applied with focus.
3D Walk-Throughs Reduce Disputed Storm Damage Claims
We used extended reality to resolve recurring disputes over storm damage assessments. Property owners often questioned whether repairs were necessary or if insurers undervalued the scope of work. By implementing XR walk-throughs, we recreated damaged interiors and rooflines in a three-dimensional format that clients could explore with a headset or tablet. This removed ambiguity from paper reports and static photos. Within the first season of use, contested claims dropped by nearly 30 percent because both adjusters and homeowners could see the same immersive evidence. The transformation extended beyond efficiency. It shifted customer interactions from adversarial debates to collaborative reviews, where clients felt included in the decision-making process. The technology ultimately shortened claim cycles and strengthened trust, demonstrating that clarity in communication is as important as technical expertise in restoration work.
