26/06/2020

Luiz Velho: The future is moving towards media convergence.

At a time when society is undergoing major changes caused by the new coronavirus pandemic, it is common to ask: where are we going? In this context, the expression "new normal" has been gaining popularity in discussions that attempt to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the future. In a panel held this Friday (26), during the 6th edition of VFXRio , the lead researcher of Visgraf (Computer Graphics Laboratory of IMPA) , Luiz Velho, spoke about possible paths for media and communication. The virtual meeting was moderated by Liana Brazil, architect and co-founder of the experimental studio Superuber, and also included the participation of Gabriel Pinto, author and researcher in Creativity, Future of Work and Innovation.

“During this period of social distancing, the need for communication is being amplified by a mediation that tends to become increasingly intelligent. We have a series of innovations that enable the creation of new content, which was not possible before. We are being pressured to change the world creatively and for the better,” said Velho.

The lead researcher of Visgraf presented a framework of communication elements that he considers fundamental to understanding the field, based on the work of the intellectual, philosopher, and communication theorist Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980). In his view, audiovisual media, virtual reality, and augmented reality should converge in the future into a new type of media: XR, or extended reality.

“At Visgraf, we already work with the convergence of these new media. I would highlight two projects we have in partnership with the Future Reality Lab at New York University: 'Cave,' a virtual reality theater piece, and 'The Adventures of Lilith and Wood,' which mixes puppet theater with virtual and augmented reality.” The applications of these new technologies are not limited to the field of entertainment; they can also be applied in commerce, scientific fields, and medicine, the researcher added.

Gabriel described the current scenario as an “adventure” that, like any unprecedented situation, brings with it great challenges for the population. One of them is adaptation. “During my research on the job market, it became clear that when human beings are not prepared to change, it is hard and exhausting,” he emphasized. “But innovation is the best strategy for a situation that brings a host of challenges.”

Cloud computing, highlighted by remote work, has presented a range of new possibilities for companies. "Cloud computing is among the top four technology priorities that companies will invest in until 2021. If today we see a movement of people moving out of the country's major cities, soon we will start having new work colleagues from other continents. The possibilities for collaboration are increasing."

VFXRio continues with programming until Saturday (27). Registration is free and open to the public .