Video Platform Race To Our Tomorrow

With the Aussie F1 GP today a lot to do to stop sending those still engaged after the first two foregone conclusion snoozefests heading for the exit, I'm reminded of this thirty-seconder from last year's ad campaign of video platformers, Webex.

[Their most recent joint promo is this longer 3-min one, Feb 23]

As sponsor of the McLaren F1 racing team.

Here, their hybrid outfit portrayal may well demonstrate as much relevance to our working lives as the similarly sci-fi suggestions of countless sugar-filled fizzy drinks vendors given their superstar footballer universes.

Still, there's plenty to chew on from this glimpse.

In two ways at least.

I make reference first to a growing volume of companies asking me to help create their own dedicated office 'zoom room'.

(I wonder if Webex plumped for a companion word that rhymes with them? Anyway...)

The portrayal above is chiefly large attendance events. Such wrap-around and multi-person screening does exist. Only the host tends to see everyone. Participants typically view only those speaking.

When all operating from a dedicated office space, this style can prompt extra openness and engagement. Anyone dialling in from a home set-up though, won't feel such select sparks.

They can work for bigger forums. The All-Hands, Town Hall types.

If you are contemplating creating or upgrading a dedicated video call space, then a big screen or two, configurable to show attendees larger-than-life, will give a facsimile of the F1 fun here. Until full-wall screens come into reliable, justifiable view.

The second item we might take from this near-future view is setting.

At the end, they show an arena theatre. High-end broadcast stuff.

One element here we could well build on, is how the host cam(s) can probably 'follow' them as they wander around the space.

Over time I find more people access the extra lift a second camera can bring to proceedings.

Whether to bring off-screen whiteboards or flip charts into play, focus on a wall adorned with project step or brainstorm post-its, or even separate screenage not to be shared directly electronically.

There's also the added jolt of movement. Physically getting up brings subtle but often beneficial grabbing and holding of attention.

Which incidentally reveals a hidden pro tip. Getting sellers to generate movement in their on-screen cell is one of the most gratifying awakenings I see take hold. And their prospects respond extremely well to it.