Microsoft Teams avatars useful or not?
Microsoft Teams Avatars? Does that sound like a cool move to you? Microsoft may introduce avatars into their Teams application very soon. Personally I love the idea. I think it is a cool feature that will take off well. It is the future and a lot of people will use them.
However, there are very good reasons why the avatar will not be used all the time.
Sometimes we want the real YOU on camera
One of the reasons why we often decide to put on the camera is to have that direct visual link with a colleague or peer. The visual contact in an online call could also enhance a sale with a potential customer. There are many vital cues we take from the camera. An avatar could hide these vital cues but in the end depends on how closely the avatar is matching the actions and facial expressions of the user.
My “no camera on” meetings might evolve into avatar meetings
When I am having regular calls with my inner team I do not ask for the camera to be on. I have a close relationship with my social media marketing team so we have a “no pressure just relax” approach to the camera being on. Let’s just concentrate on the projects and not how we look type moments. I might be happy to use an avatar in those meetings as long as the experience does not detract from the work and dialogue.
Avatar animations
There are some actions that we take now in Microsoft teams that the avatar could enhance. The obvious ones are raising the hand request, but also commenting. Maybe the avatar could include a speech bubble graphic showing who is actually making a comment at that time. Raising your hand functionality could also be reflected in the avatar animation.
I think Microsoft Teams avatars will be a big success
The metaverse is coming and no VR headset needed with these Microsoft Teams Avatars. They can be used in both 2D and 3D meetings.
We will all get used to it although I can imagine some people insisting on never switching them on. We must respect that some people will never want to use an avatar.
People might try and use silly avatars in a business setting which could be seen as inappropriate. Thus, I can imagine brand and IT departments creating guidelines. Let’s see.
