# Functional Empathy VR teaches empathy to better the customer-provider relationship. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 1, 2018 | Category: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-empathy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Functional Empathy trend? **Functional Empathy:** Though VR has long been a platform used to enhance empathy for various human experiences, it is now able to transform that empathy beyond simply understanding others, and into informative tools. Used to improve everything from doctor-patient interactions to accessible design, this use of empathy-evoking VR takes the relatively shallow benefit of simply recognizing another's perspective, and turns it into a functional tool to enhance user experience – offering a new perspective on VR's potential in market research. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 10, 2016 to Apr 2, 2019 - Published: Feb 1, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Functional Empathy trend ### Virtual Reality Empathy Training Using VR simulations to create empathy in diverse areas such as medical professionals and caregivers. ### Virtual Reality Safety Training Improving employee safety through VR simulations in a risk-free environment. ### Interpersonal VR Experiences Using virtual humans to train workers in soft skills like communication and empathy in the workplace. ## What the Functional Empathy trend means for industry ### For Healthcare VR simulations can create a better understanding of patient experiences for doctors and healthcare professionals. ### For Postal & Delivery Services Cost-effective VR simulations can help train and improve safety measures for postal workers against dogs. ### For Architecture & Design VR empathy platforms offer designers and architects the ability to better understand the needs of people with disabilities. ## Workshop question How can your brand employ empathy as a component of its market research practices, for the purpose of improving customer experience and interactions? ## Trend signals for Functional Empathy Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 36%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 36% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Functional Empathy trend 6 featured examples from Jun 10, 2016 to Apr 2, 2019. - [Death-Simulating VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/death-simulating-vr): Embodied Labs Wants to Use VR to Teach Empathy to Caregivers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The virtual reality industry can leverage the use of death-simulating VR experiences to create immersive empathy training programs. - [Dementia-Focused VR Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-empathy-platform): The Virtual Reality Empathy Platform Helps Architects Design Inclusively (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Integrating virtual reality technology into the architectural design process to create more inclusive and dementia-friendly environments. - [VR Sensory Overload Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autistic-kids): This Video Gives Viewers Insight On The Reactions Of Autistic Kids (Category: Social Good) Implication: There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the virtual reality industry to create educational and empathy-building experiences focused on autism and sensory overload. - [VR Safety Training](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-safety): The Royal Mail Trains Its Postal Workers on the Dangers of Dog Attacks (Category: Special) Implication: Postal services can use VR to train their workers to avoid dog attacks, reducing the number of dog attack incidents and improving safety measures. - [Interpersonal VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-human): Talespin's Virtual Human Technology Improves Empathy & Communication (Category: Tech) Implication: Virtual reality training is revolutionizing how employees are trained in various industries. - [Empathetic VR Training Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/embodied-labs): Embodied Labs Helps Users Understand Life from Patients' Perspective (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthcare industry can utilize virtual reality training tools to enhance empathy and improve patient care by better understanding the patient experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Good - [Athlete-Partnership Charity Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-bosa) - [Pet Rescue Food Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/badlands-ranch) - [Life Jacket Technology Advancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-jacket-technology) All articles: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood)