Transition 2.0 (part 3): Virtual Reality

We've seen a lot of changes at Raincity Studios over the past six months.  This transition has not necessarily been an easy road, but we're finally beginning to see the fruits of our labour.  After closing down Bryght, restructuring our management team, moving out of the Gastown offices and repaying a majority of our liabilities, we're happy to announce that the first phase of our transition action plan is nearly complete.  And now, as we head into Autumn and the world returns from summer vacations, we're excited about the projects we have on our plates and the projects we are working on. 

One of the biggest changes that's taken place is that now Raincity is a 100% virtual studio.  We've always collaborated with people working in other parts of the world, but after moving to a smaller office, we've decided to get rid of our physical space altogether.  It also compliments the working style of many of our team members. We spent a good part of the summer trying to figure out the bast way to facilitate that kind of collaboration.  We've got improved process, new tools in place and implemented new communications practices that seem to be working out quite well. 

One the bonuses of going virtual that we've already discovered is having the chance to meet with clients on-site.  In the past, we've often had our clients come to meet us at our offices during the planning stages of project.  Now, it our turn to head out into the field and meet our clients on their turf.  Sure, this makes for a little extra travel time, but it's given us a unique insight into the daily working experience of our clients.  Typically, when a client comes to us, it's because whatever out-of-the-box solutions they've found online aren't meeting their needs or they need help navigating the many possibilities that exist.  Of course, every client is unique and often the organizational culture can play a big part how online tools are implemented and used.  This is even more so the case when these online tools aren't simply being used to publish to the web, but help teams organize and collaborate in the daily work.  As a result, we've found it's been a great experience to meet with and talk to the people who will be using these tools on a regular basis - something that isn't always possible when clients are coming to you. 

That said, just because our office has gone virtual,it  doesn't mean we don't exist in the real world.  You can still get a hold of us just as easily.  You can reach us by email at inquire@raincitystudios.com, on our new toll free number at 1.888.706.2211 or at our Legal Office and mailing address:

#412 - 228 East 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V5T 1G5

And of course, there's one big question facing any team that considering a virtualized office: will it be boom or a bust for productivity?  Sure, without a office to get to in the morning, there's the temptation to hit that snooze button a few extra times, maybe cut out early to catch 9 holes in the afternoon, or even just take that extended lunch and catch up on the world of daytime television.  Well, to be honest, we're not to concerned about that.  We know we've got a solid team of individuals who are committed to their clients and its our love of the work, not the boss over our shoulder, that keeps us getting up in the morning.  Besides, many of tend to be more productive alone in the wee hours of the night anyhow, so toiling alone or in our weekly "work party" in the comfort of our own spaces is something we find somewhat comforting.