XpertVR

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Project Manager for the Guided Digital Learning Simulations Initiative at Conestoga College, a polytechnic post-secondary learning institution in Ontario, Canada.

For what projects/services did your company hire XpertVR, and what were your goals?

At the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns, we had an urgent need to create ways to engage students in meaningful learning without the necessity of them being on campus. We approached Xpert VR to discuss creating a learning simulation that would help our students studying in various areas of forensics investigations identify and process evidence from a simulated crime scene.

How did you select XpertVR and what were the deciding factors?

XpertVR really impressed us with their design capacity - the assets they created were beautifully done, they were responsive and had experience working with post-secondary institutions before.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The simulation we were looking for was multi-layered, and would take the learner about 15-20 minutes to go through. There would be three levels to it, each increasing in complexity and calling for the learner to be able to apply critical knowledge as investigators.

Xpert VR met every milestone, delivered every component on time, and worked beautifully with our content experts. They were immediately responsive to any question or concern we had. We requested that the simulation was not only built to be used with VR but would also be able to be used on PCs for accessibility reasons.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked extensively with the entire team, including some of the game designers and asset developers. There were 6 people who were regularly involved in our discussions, along with others behind the scenes.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Xpert VR delivered an outstanding simulation, and were easy and professional to work with. They guided the discussion with our content experts and followed through on all deliverables smoothly and seamlessly. We are in the process of developing more simulations with them, and see this as a partnership that will support Conestoga learners and faculty in ways that will benefit teaching and learning in powerful ways at the college.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

They are quick to respond via emails, need to clarify, and to adapt to suggestions and requirements from the content expert.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

XpertVR is a collective of creative, insightful and talented design professionals. We look forward to working with them more deeply in areas of virtual simulation research and engagement.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No, this has been an exceptionally positive working relationship from the start.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an associate professor of business ethics at Brock University. My field of research is ethical decision making.

What challenge were you trying to address with XpertVR?

In the past, I used a lot of paper and pencil questionnaires to assess how people make decisions, specifically in a company context to see how employees engage in honest conduct. These paper and pencil questionnaires posed a problem that people tended to respond in a normative way. 

For example, if we asked somebody if they’d steal a roll of paper towels from their organization, on paper they’re more likely to say no. But in real life, if they needed paper towels, they’d easily rationalize taking some from their organization.

I believe we have the opportunity to immerse people in an environment where they act more naturally. That’s extremely important for research. The idea of using VR in my research is to expose people to such an environment. That’s where XpertVR comes in.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created a VR office environment and recruited over 60 participants for my study. Once it was developed, we picked two scenarios and created an online platform where XpertVR recruits participants through social media. Participants just have to register on the home page. They download the file and run the VR environment at home; this is how we collect data.

An example of a scenario is being an employee of a regular car manufacturer struggling with the transition to electric cars. The participant is faced with an ethical decision to release a car early and risk the death of a few customers or impede the release by providing repairs and then risk losing billions of dollars due to delays.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Evan (Co-Founder & CEO).

How did you come to work with XpertVR?

Evan was one of my students. I did another study where he was a participant.  When it concluded, he talked about VR environments and how they help researchers. I thought that sounded amazing and wanted to pursue an engagement with them.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve invested around $15,000 CAD (approximately $12,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement started around November 2019.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our VR environment is successfully doing what we anticipate it to. Our environment is very valuable for future research. XpertVR has exceeded my expectations, it’s been incredible.

How did XpertVR perform from a project management standpoint?

XpertVR is extremely responsive. Every time I need something, they reply within an hour. We usually communicate through emails, phone calls, and Google Meet. Things are very informal, and they’re extremely easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The vision they have for the project. I talk to them about what I’m doing and then they come back with a long list of ideas and concepts. They provide videos to show what they’ve done in the past. XpertVR really brought my ideas to life. I couldn’t even explain or articulate what I wanted because I didn’t know the capabilities of the technology. I told them this is my problem, and they returned with a ton of solutions.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’ve only had very positive experiences so far.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them a call or talk to them through video conferencing. If you think VR could help you with your research, I promise you XpertVR will be able to do it.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of a sports marketing agency that deals with various organizations both in Canada and globally.

What challenge were you trying to address with XpertVR?

One of our clients was an international basketball federation that was hosting upcoming tournaments. In light of that, we were tasked with generating community engagement and building out the fan experience. We decided to organize virtual activations in local malls, and we looked to XpertVR to construct a unique, informative experience that mall-goers could enjoy.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built out a game, or an interactive experience, where people can play basketball. We wanted an experience where consumers could engage in conversation while they participate in the game.

They designed a set-up where participants had the opportunity to potentially win a basketball jersey. They also manned the actual game station — they were present at the activation and helped people play the game.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Evan (Co-Founder), who’s a good of mine. I also worked with Drew (Co-Founder).

How did you come to work with XpertVR?

I’ve known Evan for a while. Both of our businesses were born out of the same incubator — we’d met at an entrepreneurship incubator. From there, we’d done some other private projects in the past with them. Each project had been a success, so I knew that they could handle this larger-scale project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent under $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We reached out to them in January 2017 and the activation was launched in June 2017.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We tracked the users that interacted with the activation and were pleased with the engagement rates. The activation always had a line because it attracted so many people.  We also gauged users’ reactions after their engagement, and they had only good things to say.

In terms of our collaboration, XpertVR is always great to work with. They’re incredibly flexible and diligent in helping us reach our goals. They always ask the right questions to make sure they’re delivering in accordance with our objects.

How did XpertVR perform from a project management standpoint?

They exceeded our expectations; project management is one of their biggest strengths. They’re on top of their communication and always deliver on time. They were there early to set up the activation, and they were great in actually manning it. We just communicated via email and Google Drive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re willing to push the envelope. They’re always looking to improve upon their last project. They’re eager to go beyond the limits of their creativity to create something truly unique.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t really think of anything. I’ve been in contact with them, and they’re always implementing process improvements.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just be clear on goals and objectives. Set a high bar for them, and they’ll be able to exceed your expectations.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a professor at a medium-sized university in Ontario.

What challenge were you trying to address with XPertVR?

My colleague and I received a grant to developed in-depth VR scenarios relating to the high seas. The experience would show how the high seas would look in a dystopian and utopian future to determine how that affected people’s willingness to care about the environment. We needed an independent contractor to help us build the content.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Since this is a research course, the requirements were high. We had several meetings in the planning stage outlining the scope. After an iterative, collaborative process to optimize the content, they built the experience.

The web client was proprietary to the study. They provided programming and VR content development.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three or four developers.

How did you come to work with XPertVR?

We had colleagues in the digital humanities who recommended them to us.

How much have you invested with them?

It was just under $50,000 Canadian ($35,464 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from July 2019 to March 2020.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

It was our first VR research project, and we thought it was the best-case scenario for how the project would go. It surpassed expectations.

How did XPertVR perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very responsive. They double-checked all requirements and instructions. They were enthusiastic and wanted to deliver a high-level product.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were always willing to go above and beyond what they contracted to support the project. They spent days with us in the field administering the content as part of a study that they had no obligation to be doing. I’ve been blown away by their dedication.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind. I’m developing new grants to work with more VR work in the future.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t hesitate to engage them.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Assistant Professor in the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre at Brock University. Our research is focused on realizing more sustainable futures from local to global.

For what projects/services did your company hire XpertVR?

XpertVR developed two future scenarios of the high seas in the year 2050 for an going research project. Both scenarios included an above and below water scene.

What were your goals for this project?

We are testing whether experiencing a future scenario in VR changes the way people think about the ocean.

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended by a colleague. In addition, they submitted the most competitive proposal for our call.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

XpertVR developed two future scenarios of the high seas in the year 2050 for an going research project. Both scenarios included an above and below water scene. The content is spectacular and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our research participants.

What was the team composition?

XpertVR is made up of a team of about 6 people. Most of whom were present at all our meetings during the development phase.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We have finished data collection and are analyzing the results. Anecdotal comments on the VR content that XpertVR developed were extremely positive. Research participants made comments including "that was an incredibly eye opening experience", "I would like to stay in the VR environment forever", and "this is really important".

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was incredible effective. The team is responsive, professional and fun to work with!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I had access to all team members as they worked to develop the VR content we needed for our research. They were responsive and fun. It was a pleasure working with XpertVR.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Based on my experience with XpertVR, there is nothing to improve on.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a professor of English at Brock University. I teach a variety of classes, including online classes.

What challenge were you trying to address with XpertVR?

XpertVR provides me with VR support with my online classes, specifically with distance education experiments.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I’ve attempted to use 3D environments in teaching before, but the softwares I’ve used didn’t fit my needs.

 XpertVR was able to create a 3D classroom environment, mimicking the room we have face-to-face meetings in. There are chairs, four walls, screens, and a whiteboard my avatar can write on. I conduct classes completely within the environment.

Now, the team provides tech support while the classes are taking place. 

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Josh (Lead Developer) and Evan (Co-Founder). Some other members give support, but they’re my main points of contact.

How did you come to work with XpertVR?

They did a presentation on my campus, and I was impressed with their skills. I thought they were ideal for what I wanted to do, so I reached out.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project began in September 2018 and is ongoing.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

So far, this engagement has been an experiment, so I can’t provide any conclusions. We’re trying to see whether a VR environment adds anything to online education. Right now, it’s as close as we can get to real-life classes without actually being there.

As we ramp up, I’m hopeful to see how XpertVR and I can team up to provide these services to faculty in disability studies and other scenarios that could benefit from a VR classroom.

How did XpertVR perform from a project management standpoint?

The team has been excellent. They’re very responsive. XpertVR have been very enthusiastic partners in the entire design and implementation process. The team has been with me every step of the way.

We communicate mainly through email, though we sometimes chat over Skype. However, they’re on campus, so we often meet in person. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their readiness to respond immediately and work with me to achieve what I want has been very impressive. XpertVR listens very carefully, and has been great about helping me reach my goals while managing expectations of what’s possible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m incredibly satisfied with the way things are going.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate your goals, and they’ll be upfront with you. XpertVR will never promise you anything they can’t do.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Instillment is a multi-media content creation company that services clients all around the world. Founded in 2014, our focuses have grown over many industries including sports, real estate &, commercial. As the Creative Director at Instillment, it is my job to ensure the brand continues to grow in new & innovative ways.

For what projects/services did your company hire XpertVR?

Instillment worked with XpertVR to create an interactive Virtual Reality booth in which guests at the Warner Road Film Premiere could experience to truly immerse themselves in the event.

What were your goals for this project?

As with any Virtual Reality project, the goal was to immerse the guest into the world of Warner Road. Our hopes were to create a 2-3minute video which would play through the headset and actually transport the guest into the tunnel (a horror set piece that is based in the Warner Road story). 

This would not only prime them for the rest of the evening, including the film, but give them a little jump scare & memorable experience that they will take with them.

How did you select this vendor?

I was lucky enough to have met these professional gentlemen on many occasions and they were my first choice when wanting to bring this project to life. I had been keeping up with their work and was very impressed. Not only do they present themselves well in person, but they also do a great job with their social media & digital presence.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The stages of the project included the pre-production stage to plan the idea, the production of actually filming the scene, the post production of stitching the scene together, then finally presenting & operating the VR booth at the film premiere.

On the pre-production end, they were incredibly easy to work with as they took our vision for the scene and put it into tangible terms that they were confident in bringing to life.

Production was great as they brought their equipment and took the role of camera operator. They were comfortable with allowing me to direct the scene, as they understood it was our film and we wanted the scene & story to be accurate. As the 360 VR camera would not allow any other cast, crew or equipment to be in the scene, their problem solving skills with the lighting set up as well as the way they worked with our actors was professional & patient.

On the post-production side of things, I believe we only had 1 round of notes to send them and they executed them perfectly. Again, very easy to work with. As for the actual night of the event, XpertVR came early, setup quick & efficiently, and were very kind & professional with all of our guests.

With over 240 people at the event, many wanted to get the chance to bring themselves into the world of Warner Road and XpertVR did not disappoint. Many guests reached out afterwards to comment on how well done & scary the VR portion of the cocktail hour was. We could not have been more happy with the outcome.

What was the team composition?

The duo that Evan & Drew bring to XpertVR is a perfect mix of chemistry. From the get go, you realize that they completely trust each other and each of their strengths complement the others. They respect client wishes but are also not afraid to step in and explain why something should be changed or approached in a different manner. Their trust in each other was easily instilled in myself and my crew through their easy-going and professional nature.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The impact of this project built creditability & showed guests that Instillment takes its events & productions very seriously. The positive feedback from all of our guests proved that, and we thank XpertVR in being a part of that.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was a dual duty that was shared by both Instillment & XpertVR. As the scene required one of our actors to be in prosthetics, we had to schedule the day of shooting to be on one of the days when our actor was already in prosthetics.

XpertVR was huge in being flexible, as well as accommodating. Once again, they carried out the project professionally, meeting their timelines perfectly as well as taking our notes & applying them in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The thing I found most impressive about this company is the fact that not only can they deliver on the production side, but can also deliver on the public operation side.

Many companies that we work with are very good at one thing, and only focus on that. XpertVR not only brings their technical knowledge & skills, but also bring a kindness & understanding of people, which should be the basis of any operating business.

In a room full of vendors & people they have never met, they stood out & attracted guests to their VR booth, and left with amazing reviews. This to me impressed me the most, and again, we are grateful to have had them at the event.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is little to improve. Given all of the situations & how smoothly the project went, there are no critiques from us!

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an IT manager at a market research company. I am creating VR applications for research.

For what projects/services did your company hire XpertVR?

Build a Custom 3D environment in Unity.

What were your goals for this project?

Create a believable and immersive VR experience

How did you select this vendor?

Referral through 3rd party

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Create a Large space in VR with custom furniture models compatible with VR plugins for Unity.

What was the team composition?

I worked back and forth with Xpert throughout the dev process. Progress was shared regularly and appropriate changes were made from my feedback.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Solution was developed just as I imagined and on time.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

I had an open line of communication throughout dev. I provided clear criteria and Xpert was able to follow these very well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Xpert was able to quickly make changes to the build in the middle of dev which is appreciated. I was always confident we were on the same page. my vision for the build is on track.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No significant needs for improvement come to mind.