Materializing design fictions for metaverse services

As the state-of-the-art stands, our knowledge of designing Metaverse platforms is limited. In this paper we propose that design fictions are the first form of prototyping and explore how ‘materializing’ a design fiction can help cement or refute assumptions that drive the development of a software-based system toward a first Minimum Viable Product. Our context is a platform for trading music memorabilia in the Metaverse, integrating content sitting across archives, record labels, publishers, and private collections in an immersive and accessible manner. The design fiction provided both a means of exploring the business
assumptions of our industry partner and co-creating an experience of value to its intended audience. As key outcomes, the approach was of value in shaping
business assumptions, developing an enhanced understanding of the audience and allowing them to cocreate, shaping technology needs and identifying partners necessary for the development.