Five ways to build an inclusive metaverse

Globally, many organizations are betting big on the metaverse, the three-dimensional experience layer of the internet that allows people to interact with others in a computer-generated, multidimensional and multisensory environment. I expect it to have a multi-trillion-dollar market impact with billions of users in the coming decade. This next generation of the internet has the power to reshape the way that businesses and consumers engage, transact, socialize, work and learn together.

I believe that broad acceptance and sustained success of the metaverse lies not so much in the required investments in technology and infrastructure, but in our ability to grow the space in a way that is safe and inclusive for all. Here are five ways to turn the exciting promise of the metaverse into real-life benefits.

I believe the real metaverse opportunity is moving beyond gaming and lies in creating meaningful and inclusive experiences at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds. It can open new ways to form communities, solve problems and create value—from socializing with friends and family to on-the-job-training, telemedicine, banking or shopping. As organizations move to define their role in the metaverse, they should look beyond pursuing new revenue streams and understand their brand purpose of being there—to give consumers, employees and citizens a reason to join in.

For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated hybrid working, and the metaverse’s immersive technologies can encourage new forms of virtual employee engagement and productivity. It also allows employers to deliver lower-cost and higher-quality workforce education and training programs in simulated environments. In a construction setting, engineers can more easily collaborate around the world to accelerate the building of infrastructure in remote locations.

Organizations should look at how they can make sure metaverse-related technologies aren’t cost-prohibitive. A recent survey by KPMG in the US finds that 38 percent of US consumers are concerned about affordable access to metaverse technology. We need low-cost connectivity to ensure broad adoption—if not, we’ll run the risk of creating a homogenous platform that’s open only to those who have the means to connect.

Technology economics show that, as adoption increases, costs inevitably drop—and today’s reality of US$100 computers and low-cost software has helped unlock digital access for a broader set of consumers. But it took time. Meanwhile, high infrastructure and hardware costs to access the metaverse risk deepening the digital divide between richer early adopters and those with limited resources. As the space grows, it may come down to governments and multinationals to help to subsidize the necessary technologies to secure equitable adoption.

When organizations design their metaverse experiences, it’s important to make accessibility one of the value drivers. The metaverse can give people the freedom to explore the world on their own terms and could be revolutionary in ways similar to how hybrid working has accelerated accessibility in the workplace. The metaverse already holds tremendous potential to revolutionize the way people with disabilities engage, transact, socialize and work. This includes securing jobs previously inaccessible in the physical world; attending concerts, theatre performances and exhibitions via digital environments; and accessing education without needing to visit physical campuses.

Organizations should work closely with disability experts and advocates to embed accessibility at the core of designing applications and services in the metaverse. This can help to eliminate barriers and level the playing field to build virtual-reality spaces that are open to all.

“If you build it, they will come,” may not hold up in the metaverse if users don't see themselves represented. 36 percent of US consumers say customization options for avatars are most important for an inclusive metaverse experience. Users want the freedom to present themselves in different ways and expect to be able to pick from an avatar library that’s as diverse as the physical world. And innovators in the metaverse ecosystem are already creating digital personas that are nearly indistinguishable from real life.  

The metaverse is at an early stage in its development, and it’s important to recognize and incorporate foundational elements of inclusion, diversity and equity, such as broad representation and making experiences and opportunities relevant and valuable for all groups. If developed thoughtfully and deliberately, it has the potential to become a truly inclusive space.

It will be increasingly critical to address—and alleviate—concerns around privacy and information protection that can create hurdles along the way to adoption. Privacy (80 percent) and protecting personal information (79 percent) were the most significant concerns among US consumers. It’s important to make sure everyone feels secure to encourage participation. What’s more, in a report by research firm InnoLead, industry leaders noted that security, compliance and regulatory issues were among the biggest challenges in trying to deploy or build technologies, applications or experiences related to the metaverse.

Secure, connected wallets and blockchain-verified avatars will help verify and protect users’ identities and digital assets. But much like today’s cybersecurity challenges, there are similar opportunities for threats and bad actors to penetrate virtual worlds and take advantage of vulnerabilities in these emerging spaces. It will be imperative to use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to power these worlds and detect threats. KPMG in the US, for example, is developing technology and services that help protect AI systems against threats that target the way they learn and execute tasks.

I believe that nowhere does the intersection of technology, enterprises and individuals hold greater opportunity than in the metaverse. It is still in its infancy, and we hold the key to unlock its promise—if we can build it in a way that is safe and inclusive for all.