NXR needed a faster, more collaborative way to design and communicate XR training experiences. By using ShapesXR, they reduced design cycles from weeks to days, improved cross-functional teamwork, and made XR concepts clearer for stakeholders. This case study explores how ShapesXR helped NXR streamline prototyping and deliver more effective, enterprise-ready training solutions.
NXR, the immersive technology division of NextWave Safety Solutions, Inc., is revolutionizing workforce training and communication through advanced XR experiences. Headquartered in NYC with a globally distributed team, NXR serves enterprise clients by transforming how organizations engage with safety and training solutions. The company faced challenges in conveying complex spatial concepts, particularly to stakeholders unfamiliar with XR, and needed a solution for rapid prototyping, real-time iteration, and improved communication between internal teams and enterprise partners. Their primary objectives were to accelerate the initial design phase from weeks to days, enhance cross-team collaboration, and effectively demonstrate the value of XR. By doing so, they aimed to secure faster SME approvals, win new contracts, and ensure their solutions are transformative and directly aligned with client needs.
NXR selected ShapesXR for designing and prototyping XR experiences because it enabled the team to work directly within immersive environments rather than relying solely on traditional 2D storyboards, scripts, and flowcharts. The platform’s minimal learning curve, even for those with little XR experience, along with its real-time collaborative capabilities, made it an ideal choice. Compared to other tools, ShapesXR stood out due to its seamless integration with existing assets and Figma boards, smooth transition between desktop and headset experiences, and direct export functionality into Unity. Additionally, its collaborative features, such as Holonotes, allowed designers, engineers, and customer success teams to work synchronously and asynchronously, bridging the gap between traditional 2D design workflows and immersive XR development. This holistic approach transformed NXR’s design process, making it more efficient and interactive.
“ShapesXR transformed our internal design process, reducing our initial phase from weeks to days and providing the clarity needed to win contracts and secure stakeholder buy-in. It’s an indispensable tool that elevates our entire approach to immersive design.” - Chris Layfield Head of Product, NXR
NXR’s design process is inherently cross-functional, integrating designers, engineers, and customer success teams. ShapesXR’s collaborative environment ensured that every stakeholder could contribute in real time, with its intuitive platform allowing even those new to XR to participate fully. This ensured that each team member’s expertise was reflected in the final design. One notable instance occurred during the creation of a simulation module for a high-risk, mobile-hazard environment. By leveraging asymmetric viewpoints, mixed reality functionalities, and an AI-based communication interface, the team was able to conduct a collaborative session early in development. This approach allowed designers to present concepts clearly, engineers to identify potential technical challenges upfront, and customer success teams to ensure alignment with client expectations. The result was a rapid prototype validated by external subject matter experts, significantly reducing the overall design timeline.
ShapesXR has redefined how NXR approaches the design and development of immersive training experiences, enabling a more sophisticated and user-centric approach. The platform has empowered the team to move beyond conventional interaction models, allowing for the creation of training simulations that feel intuitive, natural, and accessible to a diverse range of users. With the ability to rapidly iterate and refine designs in real-time, NXR has been able to focus on optimizing spatial layouts, interaction flows, and ergonomic considerations—ensuring that every experience is not only functional but also enhances user engagement and retention.
The impact of ShapesXR has extended beyond internal workflows, significantly improving communication with enterprise partners and subject matter experts. Stakeholders consistently praise the clarity of prototypes developed with the platform, noting how they make the benefits of XR immediately tangible. This has resulted in smoother project approvals, faster buy-in from decision-makers, and a direct increase in contract wins. By eliminating barriers to understanding complex XR concepts, ShapesXR has helped NXR accelerate deal cycles and strengthen relationships with clients.