The Black XR Network (BXRN) is revolutionising the XR landscape by championing diversity and inclusivity in a field that is rapidly evolving yet still critically underrepresented. Founded by visionaries Nicalia Thompson and Tara Collingwoode-Williams, BXRN is a UK-based community interest company dedicated to creating a platform where Black XR creatives and enthusiasts can connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. On 21st November 2024, I had the privilege of joining a panel discussion at the Black XR Network (BXRN) x techUK event, hosted at Digital Catapult in London. The event, "A Black Lens: Exploring Representation in the Future of Extended Reality (XR)," brought together a community of visionaries, creators, and technologists to explore how XR can reshape industries and empower communities.
Guided by the inspiring Tara Collingwoode-Williams, Co-Founder of BXRN and a leading XR educator and researcher, the conversation was both thought-provoking and empowering. The panellists included —Safiya Samms (Meta), Nicalia Thompson (BXRN), Berne Omolafe (Pryntd), and myself, Marika Beckford, an Innovation Consultant—I was honoured to share my thoughts, particularly coming from philosophical view point and rebels advocate in the XR space. Together we explored our thoughts about what it means to navigate, innovate, and thrive in XR as Black professionals shaping this transformative sector.
Shaping the Future of XR
I believe the XR industry is at a pivotal moment—one that demands bold thinking and decisive action, we had the boom and cycle of hype introducing the concept of the metaverse, we're now foregoing similar cycle of excitement and more rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence, which begs the question, is the metaverse dead?... This shift in focus raises important questions about the future of XR technologies and their place in our digital landscape.
The New Players in XR
Take Apple’s Vision Pro, for instance. This device is a game-changer, with its stunning 23 million pixels and cutting-edge technology powered by the M2 and R1 chips. Apple is clearly serious about redefining how we experience digital content. The Vision Pro isn’t just about VR; it’s about merging our physical world with digital experiences in a way that feels seamless and intuitive .On the other hand, we have the Meta Quest 3, which takes a different approach. While it might not boast the same high-end specs as the Vision Pro, it’s designed to make Virtual Reality more accessible to everyone. With improved performance and mixed reality features at a friendlier price point, Meta is focused on bringing VR to the masses.
AI: The Game Changer
Now, let’s talk about AI. It’s becoming a major player in shaping the future of the metaverse. Think about it: AI is enhancing user experiences, making virtual environments more realistic, and allowing for smoother interactions in these digital spaces. So rather than thinking of the metaverse as “dead,” maybe we should see it as evolving into something smarter and more responsive.
So I think its fair to say let not count out Virtual Reality just yet, because while AI might be stealing some of the spotlight, VR is transforming right alongside it:
Enhanced Realism: Thanks to AI, graphics and physics in VR are becoming more lifelike.
Personalised Experiences: AI algorithms can tailor VR content to fit individual preferences.
Blurring Lines: The boundaries between VR and Augmented Reality are starting to fade, leading to more versatile experiences.
So, what does all this mean?... Well, I think it means, The XR industry isn’t dying; it’s evolving into something new and exciting.
Check out the figures:
The global XR market is projected to grow from $183.96 billion in 2024 to $1,706.96 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 32.1% (Fortunebusinessinsights)
XR is expected to create 1.2-2.4 million new jobs in Europe by 2025, with up to 800,000 directly related to XR (Digital Strategy report EU)
The XR industry shouldn't be one you fall asleep on, its important to pay attention to the sector and the disruptions and opportunities it will inevitably make across a range of industry sectors.
As a Black woman in tech, championing this space is more than a passion—it’s a mission. I firmly believe in the vast, untapped potential for Black people across the globe to pioneer and thrive in the XR industry. This isn’t just about increasing representation; it’s about demonstrating how diverse perspectives can drive innovation, creativity, and equity in this transformative field.
During the panel, an audience member asked an insightful question about the types of job roles available in XR that don’t necessarily require technical skills. While the question wasn’t directed to me, it struck a chord. Too often, the narrative around emerging technologies like XR focuses exclusively on coding, software development, or hardware engineering. While these technical skills are undeniably crucial, they represent only one piece of the puzzle. The reality is that XR is a multidisciplinary field that thrives on contributions from a wide range of expertise.
In my perspective, non-technical roles are not just complementary to the technical aspects of XR—they are essential to its growth. Consider roles like:
Storytellers and Narrative Designers: XR experiences are fundamentally about immersing users in compelling stories. Writers, content creators, and narrative designers are the architects of these experiences, weaving together plots, characters, and worlds that captivate and inspire.
Product Managers and Strategists: These professionals bridge the gap between technical teams and business goals, ensuring that XR products meet user needs while staying aligned with broader market trends. They play a critical role in defining what success looks like for XR projects.
UX and Experience Designers: Creating immersive environments that feel intuitive and engaging requires a deep understanding of user behaviour and psychology. Non-technical UX designers focus on the human element of XR, shaping how people interact with virtual spaces.
Marketers and Community Managers: Bringing XR products and experiences to a wider audience requires the expertise of marketers and community managers who can translate technical innovations into relatable, exciting narratives. They are instrumental in building brand loyalty and fostering user engagement.
Educators and Trainers: As XR increasingly enters classrooms and workplaces, educators and trainers will be at the forefront of integrating these technologies into everyday learning and professional development.
Policy Makers and Advocates: As XR expands, so do questions about regulation, accessibility, and ethics. Non-technical professionals in advocacy and policy roles ensure that XR development prioritises inclusivity, safety, and societal impact.
Cultural Curators and Historians/ Researchers: XR offers unprecedented opportunities to preserve and amplify cultural narratives. Professionals in this space can curate experiences that showcase heritage, history, and identity in ways that resonate deeply with diverse audiences.
By highlighting these roles, I aim to dispel the myth that you need to be a coder or engineer to make an impact in XR and I only mentioned a few, there's roles in this sector that are yet to be invented, and awaiting for you to discover or even create! The industry needs diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives to thrive. If we can open these doors wider and showcase the myriad of opportunities available, we can empower more Black professionals—and professionals from other underrepresented groups—to step into this space and lead.
Standing Out in a Competitive Landscape
Another key question raised during the panel resonated deeply with the audience: How do you stand out in a rapidly growing and competitive industry like XR?
I encouraged everyone to embrace a mindset of ownership and leadership. You are your brand! Don’t wait for companies to define your trajectory. Instead, focus on building your personal identity as a thought leader and expert in your niche or interests.
Talking from experience, it’s easy to get lost in the identity of the organisation you work for, allowing your achievements and expertise to blend into their brand rather than standing as your own. While working for a well-known organisation can open doors, it’s crucial to ensure that your personal voice and contributions remain visible and distinct.
Whilst, I'm not fan of the hustle and burn out culture, i do believe that it your duty - to shape your future by owning your trajectory, building your brad and voice in your desired space and interest! - its competitive out here - and now more than ever is the most crucial time to do it.
I encouraged the audience to take intentional steps toward building their own professional presence. Creating a portfolio of work that showcases your skills and insights, actively sharing your knowledge through platforms like LinkedIn or industry blogs, and engaging with your community by contributing to discussions and events.
Have you brought your domain name?...
Are you writing a blog,?...
What is your side project, learnings and insights - are you sharing it with others, top tips, tricks is a valuable way to share content?....
By becoming the face of your expertise, rather than letting an organisation define your image, you establish yourself as a thought leader—a go-to person for insights, innovation, and collaboration in your niche. This approach not only makes you stand out but also positions you for opportunities that align with your personal and professional values.
The XR industry, with its dynamic and evolving nature, offers the perfect canvas for creative professionals to make their mark. Whether you’re an advocate for inclusive design, a pioneer in immersive storytelling, or someone passionate about education in XR, defining your brand ensures that your impact will resonate far beyond the organisations you work for.
The Transformative Power of XR
People often ask me,
“Marika, why aren’t you singing anymore? Why are you so interested in technology?”
The answer is nuanced and deeply personal. While music was my first love, technology captured my imagination in a way that felt equally transformative.
I care deeply about the future, and I’ve always trusted my intuition to guide me toward what’s meaningful. Growing up, my father owned a computer repair store, and that early exposure to technology shaped my curiosity. From a young age, I was fascinated by the ability of computers to translate human thoughts, ideas, and visions into something digital. Whether it was through email, digital drawings, stories, letters, or even researching on the internet, I marvelled at how these tools extended human capabilities.
As a child, I was full of questions about humanity and our relationship with technology. What would the future look like? What had come before us? What possibilities were still waiting to be realised? Today, these same questions drive me. I think not just about the world we’re shaping now, but about the legacy we’re leaving for generations to come.
When I imagine being older, with children or grandchildren asking me what I did during the transformative era of XR, AI, blockchain, and crypto, I want my answer to be clear: I didn’t just stand and watch it happen. I learned, I adapted, and I created pathways for change. My work now is about laying foundations for the future—helping to make these technologies more inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
Technology, particularly XR, is not just about the tools we build but about the stories we tell and the possibilities we unlock. It’s about creating a future where innovation doesn’t just happen to us but happens because of us. That’s why I’ve chosen this path, and why I believe so strongly in its transformative power.
A Call to Action
As we embrace the immense possibilities of XR, we must ensure that its future reflects the diversity of the world we live in. BXRN is a shining example of what’s possible when community-driven initiatives take the lead in shaping industries.
By fostering inclusivity and amplifying marginalised voices, we’re ensuring that the next wave of XR technology serves everyone. Whether you’re a developer, artist, educator, or entrepreneur, your unique perspective is vital to driving progress in XR. Don’t wait for permission to lead—become your own voice, your own brand, and your own innovator.
Together, let’s commit to building an XR industry that is as inclusive and innovative as the technologies it creates. Join the BXRN Community: Click here
Comments