Innovation and collaboration with virtual reality (VR)

Created to foster innovation and collaboration between staff, the University's Immersive Lab (in IT Services) is making a positive impact at the University. With cutting-edge VR technology enabling staff to explore new ways of working and interacting, it is proving to be a valuable resource for teams, offering a versatile space to support projects, team-building activities, wellbeing sessions and more.   

More than relaxation 

Our Immersive insights: virtual reality in action article series shares the experiences of some teams who have tried out the lab for teambuilding, collaboration and wellbeing, and they highly recommend the space to others. 

Sadiq Abbasi, whose Desktop Services team enjoyed a team-building afternoon in the lab said: “It was really good for us because you are on our doorstep, which is a massive advantage. The fact that you're using these new technologies rather than having to bring in support is fantastic. You can have a bit of fun, team building, and well-being all in one environment. For us, this is ideal.” 

Charlotte White, who tried out the room with colleagues from the Finance team, said “We engaged in a variety of meditation and stress-relieving apps designed to enhance wellbeing. The sessions went really well, everyone enjoyed it and reported that they felt more relaxed after the session." Read about the Finance team’s experience.  

Lewis Logan-Fowler’s Educational Media Service’s AV team tried out the lab for team building. Lewis reported “My team is quite dispersed, based in different buildings across the University. Bringing us all together for a face-to-face activity was fantastic. While we do a lot of communication through online meetings, there's no real substitute for an actual face-to-face activity.“ Find out how the lab is contributing to building stronger teams using virtual reality.   

Immersive Lab open for booking

Whatever it’s used for, the lab offers a unique environment to support both personal and professional growth. It is already becoming a valuable asset in the University's commitment to staff wellbeing and innovation.