Exploring the Potential of the Metaverse

Today’s session, led by Lucio Pascarelli, introduced students to the concept of Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the Metaverse. Through a lecture-based approach, they explored the history and evolution of these technologies, the fundamental service components that underpin the metaverse, and its growing connection with AI. The discussion also addressed the social and economic implications of the metaverse, alongside its challenges and opportunities.

In the second part of the session, students were divided into four groups and engaged in hands-on experimentation with VR headsets. They tested different metaverse applications and integrated their findings into their ongoing projects. This exercise allowed them to critically evaluate how XR technologies can enhance service experiences and transform interaction models.

By the end of the session, students had a broader perspective on the real-world applications and limitations of the metaverse. The combination of theoretical insights and direct testing enabled them to approach emerging technologies as strategic tools in service design.