How to Test a Metaverse

Though the metaverse has been around for quite some time, it’s not until Facebook recently decided to rebrand and change its company name to Meta, that the concept really started to pick up steam. The idea to change their name, according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg, comes after the company unveiled its plans to build a “metaverse”—which Zuckerburg describes as “the next chapter of the internet”.

Meta-what?

In simple terms, a metaverse is an immersive virtual world where people gather to socialize, play, and work. Think of it this way—the current internet experience is two-dimensional while the metaverse is three-dimensional. Specifically, a 2D internet experience requires you to scroll and browse through it on a screen. A 3D internet experience, on the other hand, lets you “walk” through it by using connected headsets or other devices.

In a recent tweet by Meta, the metaverse is defined as:

“The metaverse is the next evolution of social connection. It’s a collective project that will be created by people all over the world, and open to everyone. You’ll be able to socialize, learn, collaborate and play in ways that go beyond what’s possible today.”

This next-generation version of the internet is rendered by virtual reality and augmented reality technology. AR and VR have long been associated with the gaming industry, revolutionising the way people play games—think Fortnite and Roblox—online.

More recently, however, the potential of AR and VR is seen expanding into other industries as well. It’s even shaking up workplaces and changing how people work. Namely, many employees have been driven to work remotely as a result of COVID-19, which has pushed companies to reevaluate their work processes. And it’s only just the beginning. In fact, a report by PwC predicts that by 2030, nearly 23.5 million jobs worldwide will be using AR and VR for training, work meetings or to provide better customer service.

And it’s not just Facebook who are standing behind this concept. Other notable companies, like Microsoft, Amazon, and Epic are also investing in the metaverse.

Okay, so now that it’s pretty clear that the metaverse is here to stay—what does it mean for companies? How can you build and test your applications and digital products that are a part of this “evolution”? Let’s take a look at how you can test a metaverse and stay ahead of the curve.

How do you test a metaverse?

As the metaverse is intertwined with AR and VR technology, you need to look at a viable solution to AR and VR testing. And the most efficient way to test AR/VR solutions is by developing a comprehensive testing strategy. Your strategy can include different types of tests that will cover all the variables that may affect your solution:

Performance testing

Performance testing determines the stability, speed, scalability, and responsiveness of your solution under a given workload. It is a great way to discover any limitations and eliminate performance bottlenecks. A performance test will answer questions like:

• How does your solution perform under the anticipated user load?
• Can it handle the expected user load over a long period of time?
• How does it manage high traffic or data processing?
• Can it support an increase in user load?

Usability testing

Usability testing verifies if all the features of your AR/VR product work as intended. It detects flaws in its architecture, logic, and interface design. Usability testing will provide answers to questions like:

• How intuitive is the product?
• How accurate is the user’s locomotion?
• Does it cause any discomfort or sickness?
• How does the user feel about using the product?

Audio and video quality testing

Media quality and accessibility is critical for user retention and success. All across the world, users have different network connections and devices which influence media quality. Audio and video quality testing will give you insight into:

• Overall end user experience
• Audio quality
• Video quality
• Resource utilization
• Behavior in changing and low network conditions

See our audio and video quality testing solutions to find out how we can help you improve media quality.

Hardware testing

Hardware testing makes sure external devices—typically headsets, sensors, and other wearables—work seamlessly. This type of testing identifies critical flaws that can obstruct the user experience and gives answers to questions like:

• Does it work properly?
• Does it fit on the user’s body?
• Is it compatible with other devices and software?

Immersive testing

Immersive testing looks at how immersive your product is. If it’s too immersive, users can experience motion sickness and discomfort. And if it’s not immersive enough, users will not be able to immerse themselves in the experience completely. You need to find the perfect balance. Immersive testing gives you a better understanding of things like:

• How much space does the user need to use the product?
• Does it cause motion sickness or headaches?
• Does it cause discomfort or user fatigue?
• How immersed is the user?

Security testing

Security testing involves a variety of tests, like penetration tests, that simulate cyberattacks and check for security vulnerabilities. Performing security testing on your AR/VR product will answer questions like:

• Is the product shielded from unwanted and invisible intruders?
• Is user data safe from hackers?

Accessibility testing

Accessibility testing is key to making sure your product is accessible to all users, regardless of disabilities and limitations. This type of testing will ensure you have an inclusive product that anyone can use—one way or another. It answers accessibility questions like:

• Can the product be used by people with different capabilities?
• Does the product cause discomfort to specific groups of people?
• Does the product offer an alternative to motion controls?
• Is there a mix of audio and visual cues?

What about the device matrix?

When it comes to creating your device matrix for testing a metaverse, you need to be aware of the devices that support your solution. Using this knowledge, you can then build a device matrix covering all the relevant devices and device specifications. Once your device matrix is set up, you can move forward with testing.

What are the main characteristics of a metaverse?

Some of the key characteristics of a metaverse are:

• Interactivity. Users are able to communicate and interact with other users across metaverses.
• Interoperability. Users are able to transfer possessions and assets from one place to another.
• Persistence. Users can access the virtual world whenever they want to and any changes they make to it will be there the next time they visit.

Why is AR/VR testing essential for a metaverse?

AR/VR testing is important to prevent various issues that may appear during immersive experiences in the metaverse. It ensures your solution works flawlessly across devices and platforms and the visuals are rendered exactly like you envisioned them. In addition, it helps establish a virtual environment where people feel safe, connected, and a part of something bigger.

How can we help?

We’ve been in the QA testing and consulting business for over ten years now. The products and solutions we’ve tested—and are still testing—are used by over 4.5 billion users worldwide. So it’s safe to say we know our way around testing and are always on top of the latest industry trends. And with over 2,000 devices in our possession and at your service, you can be sure that your product will be tested on all the relevant devices.

Find out why we’re the number one choice for quality assurance and consulting services. Contact us with your project details and stay one step ahead of the game.