The metaverse isn’t dead: it rose on the third day, according to the Holy Scriptures.

No, really, it’s not. I swear. It may sound like the classic tech conference mantra used to justify the massive investments made over the past few years (along with some existential crises and other not-so-fabulous things), but it’s also a truth worth repeating.

Like the moon, the metaverse has its phases: fullness, eclipses, and that peculiar gray zone where it’s unclear what’s really happening. Right now, it seems to be in one of those transitional stages that foreshadow something intriguing.

Lucio Lamberti from the Politecnico di Milano describes the metaverse’s journey with almost theatrical precision: “announcement, hype, decline, and death.” But hold on, we’re missing a key detail: metamorphosis. Because — spoiler alert — what seems like the end is actually the beginning of something else. Kind of like when you thought your old Nokia was peak tech, and then smartphones came along.

Let’s get real: Facebook’s rebranding to Meta sparked wild expectations, but reality quickly served up some cold showers. Apple tried with its Vision Pro, but the price is as steep as Everest, and the available applications are still in “starter pack” mode. Then AI entered the scene, which many saw as the final nail in the metaverse’s coffin. But guess what? Artificial intelligence isn’t digging the metaverse’s grave — it’s laying down new foundations.

Now that AI can automate tasks that once required teams of hyper-specialized nerds, creating virtual worlds has become much more accessible. This is leading to the bloom of “micro-metaverses” — useful, targeted applications ranging from gaming (hello, Roblox and Fortnite) to HR training and even product configuration. In short, the metaverse is doing a Netflix: instead of going all-in on one blockbuster for everyone, it’s carving out niches.

But there’s an underlying issue. As a designer and curator, I’m convinced that the real challenge for the metaverse lies in its design. Too often, the focus is on recreating real-world dynamics — as if our ultimate dream is a virtual office with the same dull Monday morning meeting. No, thank you. The true potential of the metaverse lies in crafting new worlds that have their own reason for being — unique, meaningful, and capable of inspiring awe.

The analogy with smartphone development is spot on. Remember skeuomorphic design, where app store icons looked like wooden shelves? We moved on to flat design — an aesthetic that doesn’t imitate reality but transcends it. The metaverse needs to make the same leap: stop replicating, start innovating.

The data speaks for itself — and through people like Sara Noggler. AR and XR initiatives continue to grow (over 1,600 projects globally) and not just in gaming. Marketing, retail, and education are stepping on the gas, with case studies showcasing compelling applications. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the quality and variety of these applications. For those of us who design and curate experiences in the metaverse, this is a unique opportunity to redefine how we build digital spaces. It’s not just about the technology, it’s about giving these worlds new meaning.

The future of the metaverse won’t be in devices or code, but in the impact it has on those who live it. Now is the time to leave behind replicas and finally imagine something genuinely new.

Sources:

Lucio Lamberti’s talk, METS 2024, Politecnico di Milano

AR/XR trends analysis, Business International Events

Technological cycle insights, Harvard Business Review