Explore and design new product and service applications
for Matterport’s digital twin technology.

Digital twins are highly realistic 3D scans of real environments.

Matterport, our company sponsor, specializes in offering products and services using digital twin technology. They encouraged us to explore a new application: use digital twins to facilitate empathy among people.

In society, there exists a contemporary empathy deficit, especially among young people, due to stress and the increased cost of living. However, empathy can be taught. According to recent findings, 90% of empathy is influenced by non-genetic factors.¹

How might we facilitate empathy among people?

We decided to focus on employees who are interested in experiencing empathy. Many companies invest in developing a compassionate, empathetic workforce.

We conducted three interviews to learn from a Director of Corporate Giving and two employees interested in getting involved in social causes. We found that digital training modules would be a great way for employees to learn empathy.

How might we incorporate empathy into digital training modules to enable a more driven, compassionate workforce?

What would an Empathy Matters training module look like?

We collaborated with volunteers from Klemis Kitchen, a local campus food pantry, to create a digital twin module and spread awareness for their organization.

Empathy Matters brings benefits to companies, individuals, and Matterport alike.

The empathy modules give an immersive experience to increase employees’ interest in getting involved. The modules reimagine how empathy is taught and inspire employees to give back.

¹Shaikh Tech (2023) ²Smithsonian (2018)