Composition of the Metaverse: Discovery Layer
Part 7 of 8. For a brief intro about this blog series, read What is the Metaverse. Check out each Metaverse layer: Infrastructure, Human Interface, Decentralization, Spatial Computing, Creator Economy, Discovery, and Experience.
The discovery layer in the Metaverse refers to the system or platform that allows users to navigate and discover the various virtual worlds and experiences that constitute the Metaverse. It is essentially the "map" or "directory" of the Metaverse, allowing users to quickly find and access the content and experiences they seek. Some examples of the discovery layer in the Metaverse are VR Home, VRScout, and VRChat.
Applications
One key aspect of the discovery layer is the ability to search and filter content based on various criteria, such as keywords, location, or creator. Search queries allow users to quickly and easily find content relevant to their interests or needs. Seeking out information is considered inbound with the realm of the Metaverse, where the user generates information flow.
Conversely, outbound information flow is another aspect of the discovery layer in which the ability to provide users with recommendations and suggestions for content and experiences is based on their past behavior and preferences. Supplying information can help users discover new and exciting content they may not have found. Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the predictive learning capabilities it can create, and the discovery layer will genuinely be a highly tailored experience.
In addition to providing a means of navigation and discovery, the discovery layer can also play a key role in monetizing the Metaverse. For example, it can be used to promote and highlight paid content or to provide advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Whether or not the Metaverse is decentralized or centralized will significantly vary the way industries can monetize consumers. Look no further than how Google and Facebook monetize their users.
Challenges
Search and navigation: Providing an effective search and navigation system for the Metaverse that allows users to easily find the content and experiences they are looking for is a major challenge.
Content discovery: It’s a challenge to ensure that users can discover new and relevant content within the Metaverse, as the sheer amount of content that is generated and the constantly changing nature of the Metaverse make it difficult to keep up.
User discovery: Allowing users to find and connect with other users within the Metaverse is another key challenge, as this requires effective social discovery mechanisms and privacy controls.
Interoperability: Making sure that different metaverse platforms are compatible and can work together is a challenge for the discovery layer, as users need to be able to access content and experiences across different platforms.
Curation and moderation: It’s a challenge to provide an effective curation and moderation system for the Metaverse that ensures that content is high-quality and appropriate, as this requires a delicate balance between freedom of expression and community standards.
Privacy: Balancing the need for effective discovery mechanisms with privacy considerations is a challenge, as users may be concerned about their data and personal information being used for marketing or other purposes.
It is worth noting that with the strides AI is making, content searching, user discovery and navigation of the Metaverse will likely be minor barriers to overcome.
Conclusion
The discovery layer provides users with the tools they need to navigate and explore the vast array of virtual worlds and experiences that make up this rapidly evolving ecosystem. As the Metaverse grows and matures, the discovery layer will play an increasingly important role in making it accessible and usable for all. When examining this layer, one recurring theme is how the battle for an open Metaverse will unfold. Discovery will be much more palatable when moving from one platform to another inside the Metaverse if it is truly inclusive and interoperable.
Our 8-part blog series on the layers of the Metaverse:
