The Future of Content episode 48: Beyond the screen — Understanding immersive content and universal CMS with Preston So

• Beyond screens: The integration of AI and AR is reshaping content creation and consumption beyond traditional screens. This creates opportunities for more interactive and adaptable experiences that bridge the digital and physical worlds.
• Designing for familiarity in emerging technologies: Skeuomorphic design elements play a crucial role in facilitating user adoption of new technologies like AR. This emphasizes the importance of familiarity in transitioning to immersive content experiences.
• The rise of universal CMSs: The evolution of CMSs toward headless architectures highlights the need for a universal CMS solution that will enable seamless content synchronization and editing across platforms and empower content creators with greater flexibility and efficiency.
• AI’s role in content management: AI isn’t a replacement for human creativity, but it serves as a valuable tool for automating tasks. Think SEO content generation and sentiment analysis, streamlining content management processes, and offering insights to drive strategic decision-making in the digital landscape.

From clay tablets to iPads, content has long been defined by the confines of a screen. The rapid advancement and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) have begun to push these definitions, allowing everyone from content creators to strategists to rethink what is possible. These technologies open the door for more presentable, quality content. Preston So, VP of Product at dotCMS, joins the show to discuss not just the creation of content, but also the creation of experiences that are as intelligent as they are intuitive.

Preston frames immersive content around the question, “What if the screen was no longer the currency that we operate in?” Thinking of content beyond the webpage ushers in a new era where augmented reality and spatial computing redefine our digital engagement. Content is no longer static — it is becoming a living, adaptable data stream that interacts with the physical world. We are on the cusp of experiencing content in a way that was once only possible in science fiction.

Humans are creatures of habit. We tend to gravitate toward images and actions that are familiar to us. Our conversation highlights the criticism that products like Apple’s VisionPro are simply “the web on VR.” Preston discussed the importance of skeuomorphic design elements in transitioning to new technologies. People are more apt to try a technology that feels familiar. Projecting a browser into a living room may seem mundane to some, but it opens up venues for more dimensional content.

With content shifting to the spatial realm, we wonder, “what’s next?” Preston highlights the example of the save icon’s evolution from a physical object to a concept representing the continuity necessary for users to adapt to new interfaces. This is particularly relevant as we move toward spatial computing, where UI elements are integrated within our physical space. This brings many new challenges, ensuring that the interface is safe and inclusive for all users.

Another profound shift discussed was the evolution of content management systems (CMSs). These systems were created with a plethora of people in mind. To please the masses, a “headless” system eventually formed. CMSs were designed with content authors as the end user but did not consider their needs. These systems ultimately view content as just data, leaving content creators unable to preview or edit.

The idea of a universal CMS is the solution to this problem. Preston and I discuss the possibilities of a system where content has the potential to be previewed, shared, and edited through one site. This negates copying and pasting content across platforms, allowing a more seamless content synchronization. With the ability to update and edit from anywhere, universal CMSs are revolutionizing how we think about content management.

Our conversation closes with AI’s impact on content management. AI is not a replacement for content authors, but rather a useful tool for automated SEO content generation, sentiment analysis, and even the design and management of microsites that adhere to brand guidelines. AI will never be a silver bullet. I commented that it will get you 80% of the way there, but with 20% of the work.

Technology is quickly changing the way we consume and create content. From being confined within the bounds of a screen to now becoming an intelligent, adaptive force that shapes our experiences, content is undoubtedly king in the digital realm. As we embrace the innovations brought forth by AI and AR, advancements in CMSs will only broaden what is possible.

• Preston So on LinkedIn
• Preston So
• Preston So’s books