Website vs. Virtual Knowledge Sharing Community

While regular websites are suitable for presenting static content and providing basic company information, dynamic virtual environments offer interactivity, personalisation, and advanced features that engage users and facilitate dynamic interactions. By utilising both platforms, a company can leverage the strengths of each to create a comprehensive online presence and cater to different user needs. Ultimately, it is about enhancing user satisfaction, encouraging participation, and driving conversions that positively impact the company's bottom line.

The Contrast

Let's dive deeper into the differences when it comes to sharing knowledge

A regular company website primarily serves as an information hub, providing static content such as text, images, and videos to share knowledge about a company or its products/services. It typically allows users to navigate through different pages and access information at their own pace.

On the other hand, a virtual experience platform takes knowledge sharing to a whole new level. Instead of simply presenting information, it creates an immersive and interactive environment for users to engage with the content. It goes beyond the traditional website format by offering dynamic experiences that can include 3D elements, personalised engagement paths, live events, programs, video library, and much more. And no, it does not require users to have AR/VR-glasses.

With a virtual experience platform, users can actively participate in the learning process. They can explore virtual environments, interact with objects and simulations, and even collaborate with others in real time. This platform enables a more engaging and memorable experience, making knowledge sharing more impactful and effective.

By leveraging the capabilities of a virtual experience platform, companies can transform the way they share knowledge, creating a more immersive and interactive learning environment for their audience.

A Tangible Example

Explain the Benefits for an Educational Institution

An ordinary website for an educational institution typically serves as an online platform to provide general information about the institution, such as its history, mission, programs, faculty, and admission requirements. It may also include features like news updates, event listings, and contact information. The primary purpose of such a website is to serve as an informational resource for prospective students, parents, and other visitors.

On the other hand, a virtual meeting experience platform with embedded CMS (Content Management System), screen sharing, and breakout rooms is a more comprehensive and interactive platform designed specifically for hosting virtual meetings, classes, or conferences. It goes beyond the basic informational content of a website and focuses on facilitating real-time interactions and collaboration among participants.

Insights: When it comes to data, an ordinary website typically collects basic user data such as contact information through forms or newsletter sign-ups. This data is typically used for communication purposes or to provide requested information. A virtual meeting platform gather more detailed data related to participant engagement, attendance, or interaction within breakout rooms. This data can be used to generate insights for future course decisions. For example, it can help educators identify areas where students may be struggling, evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods, or assess overall engagement levels. This means that institutions can make informed decisions regarding course improvements, curriculum adjustments, or identifying areas where additional support may be needed.

Virtual Meetings: It allows participants to join live meetings or classes from anywhere using their computers or mobile devices.

Embedded CMS: A Content Management System is integrated into the platform, enabling organisers to manage and update content related to the meetings or classes. This may include uploading documents, sharing multimedia files, creating agendas, or posting announcements.

Screen Sharing: Participants can share their screens to present slides, documents, or any other visual content, directly from any designated breakout room. This feature is particularly useful for giving presentations, demonstrating software, or sharing educational materials.

Breakout Rooms: Breakout rooms allow participants to split into smaller groups for discussions or group activities. This feature is beneficial for educational institutions as it mimics the experience of group work or collaborative learning that would typically take place in physical classrooms.

Interactivity: Virtual meeting platforms often include features like chat functionality, polling, and Q&A sessions to enhance engagement and interaction between participants and presenters.

Recording and Playback: Some platforms allow organisers to record meetings or classes for later playback. This feature enables participants to review sessions they may have missed or refer back to important discussions.

Interactivity & Immersion

A regular company website typically offers a static browsing experience, where users navigate through pages and consume information passively. In contrast, a virtual experience platform provides a highly interactive and immersive environment. For instance, instead of reading about a product, users can virtually interact with a 3D model, manipulate its components, and explore its features.

Multi-dimensional Environments

While a traditional website relies on two-dimensional content, a virtual experience platform can create multi-dimensional environments. These environments simulate real-world scenarios, enabling users to visualise concepts or processes in a more practical manner. For example, a virtual experience platform could offer a simulated laboratory where users can conduct virtual experiments or a virtual showroom where they can explore products in a dynamic and interactive way. This is for instance what Food Nation - a non-profit public-private gateway to information about the Danish agriculture and food sector - did when partnership up with Virtual Hive with their always-on visitor center - you can see the case study here.

Real-time Collaboration

Unlike a regular website that mainly supports one-way communication, a virtual experience platform encourages real-time collaboration and interaction. Users can engage with others, such as instructors, peers, or experts, within the virtual environment. They can ask questions, receive instant feedback, and participate in group activities. This collaborative aspect fosters a more engaging and social learning experience, enhancing knowledge exchange and retention.

Enhanced Engagement & Retention

By leveraging interactivity, immersion, and collaboration, a virtual experience platform offers a more engaging and memorable learning experience. Studies have shown that active participation and hands-on learning significantly improve knowledge retention. With a virtual experience platform, users can experience information in a more sensory-rich way, making it easier to understand and remember complex concepts.

Customisability & Personalisation

A virtual experience platform provides options for customisation and personalisation. Users can tailor their experience based on their preferences and needs. They may have the flexibility to choose learning paths, explore specific topics in detail, or access additional supplementary materials. This customisation aspect empowers users to learn at their own pace and focus on areas that interest them the most. It is like all of your attendees can be their own editors.

Social Learning Communities

Virtual experience platforms can foster social learning communities where users can connect with like-minded individuals, join discussions, share insights, and collaborate on projects, promoting peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.

Virtual Tours

Unlike regular websites, virtual experience platforms can provide virtual tours of physical locations or facilities, enabling users to explore and learn about different spaces remotely. A virtual experience platform can incorporate dynamic simulations that allow users to interact with and manipulate realistic scenarios or models, providing a more practical learning experience compared to static representations on a website.

"We believe in elevating the industry experience and empowering our members with high-level benefits that surpass anything a regular website can offer."

Andreas HøgsbergCEO, Virtual Hive

A Tangible Example

Explain the Benefits for a Pharmaceutical Company

A regular website and a virtual knowledge sharing community offer distinct benefits for a pharmaceutical company, serving different purposes in facilitating communication, collaboration, and information sharing within the industry. Here are the beneficial differences between the two:

Interactivity and Engagement: A virtual knowledge sharing community goes beyond a static website by providing a dynamic and interactive platform. It fosters engagement among members through discussion forums, chat features, and real-time collaboration tools. This interactivity promotes active participation, knowledge exchange, and networking, creating a vibrant and engaged community.

Peer-to-Peer Learning and Expertise Sharing: A virtual knowledge sharing community enables professionals in the pharmaceutical industry to share their experiences, insights, and best practices directly with their peers. It facilitates peer-to-peer learning, allowing members to tap into a vast pool of collective expertise, gain valuable insights, and seek advice from industry experts. This collaborative environment fosters innovation, problem-solving, and continuous professional development. This is highly relevant for trial management and HCP training.

Targeted and Specialised Content: While a regular website typically provides general information about a pharma company, a virtual knowledge sharing community can curate and deliver targeted and specialised content. Members can access exclusive resources, research findings, case studies, and expert-authored articles tailored to their specific areas of interest or expertise. This focused content ensures that members receive valuable and relevant information, promoting deeper understanding and informed decision-making.

Community Building and Networking Opportunities: A virtual knowledge sharing community serves as a hub for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry to connect, build relationships, and expand their networks. It provides avenues for members to interact, collaborate on projects, seek collaborations or partnerships, and discover new business opportunities. By fostering connections and relationships within the community, it enhances professional growth, facilitates knowledge sharing, and strengthens industry collaboration.

Enhanced Trust and Credibility: A virtual knowledge sharing community allows pharma companies to establish themselves as trusted industry leaders. By providing a platform for open and transparent communication, sharing of validated information, and facilitating constructive discussions, the community bolsters the reputation and credibility of the company. This trust-building aspect can positively impact stakeholders' perception and increase brand loyalty.

In summary, a virtual knowledge sharing community offers a more interactive, collaborative, and targeted platform compared to a regular website. It promotes peer-to-peer learning, facilitates networking, delivers specialised content, and enhances the company's reputation as an industry leader. By leveraging the benefits of a virtual community, a pharma company can foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and professional growth among industry professionals, ultimately driving advancements in the pharmaceutical field.

Website vs. Virtual

The Main Differences Between a Traditional Website and a Virtual Knowledge Sharing Community