How to Design for the Metaverse: A Strategic Design Perspective

There is an increasing number of metaverse applications that provide limited value to their customers due a lack of strategic design elements. We therefore propose a design framework that can inform the systematic development of such solutions, including a three-phase design process model consisting of the stages business opportunity, design, and build. The developed framework is draws on the current body of metaverse literature as well as an explorative use case analysis, while considering the Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics (MDA) game design approach. A first validation by leading industry experts suggests that the developed framework is perceived as very positive in the process of defining core strategic elements of metaverse applications, since design strategy in virtual worlds or environments has, to date, been considered and researched very little. Finally, the paper has a highly explorative character and contributes design knowledge in the form of design principles to the emerging and fast-growing body of metaverse literature and the community.Design strategy, Design framework, User experience, Use case analysis, User-centered design