Technology has continued to play a significant role in our modern society, and this means that the ways we console one another have also continued to change.
Virtual farewell card have also been found to replace paper cards to a large extent particularly cards that serve as a way of saying goodbye. So how about the plus side of doing it all online, and the current status of virtual farewells?
The Advantages of Video Leaving Cards
Convenience and Accessibility
The first benefit that can be mentioned as the advantage of virtual farewell cards is their accessibility and usability. Instead of having to physically get a card, write and address an envelope, and physically mail it, virtual cards can be dispatched with just a few buttons clicked. This is especially helpful when the farewell is made at the very last minute or when the recipient of the message may be at a far distance.
Thirdly, virtual cards can be browsed and viewed on any device with access to the internet and thus share with others in an easy way.
Multimedia Elements
Paper cards are unable to offer any kind of interactivity beyond the simple text and imagery that is printed on them. E-cards in turn have a lot of creative room which can expand into the use of any multimedia content to enhance the message sent across as a farewell message.
This could include:
Embedded photos and videos
Animated graphics or GIFs
A voice or a recording of the sender’s voice.
Intrusive design refers to the use of slideshows or quizzes.
All these dynamic features enable the sender to create a higher sense of presence and create a better memorable type of farewell for the recipient.
Virtual cards help to save both money and time – and the environment as well as they do not use any physical materials, do not require printing, and do not involve shipping.
This resonates with those who wish to cut down on waste and be more mindful of their waste and choices, especially where single use items like farewell cards are concerned.
Cost-Effective
Virtual cards also tend to have significantly lower costs compared to paper cards since they are digital products. They are not made of physical materials and require no production or shipping expenses, and therefore they typically cost less for the sender.
This can be particularly useful for bigger collectives, such as office workers sending a goodbye to their colleague, who left the company, because the cost of paper cards can be significant.
Virtual Farewell Card – Diversification Trends.
Increased Adoption
Over the last few years, the popularity of using virtual farewell cards has been constantly growing due to the overall increase in the use of digitized technologies. This trend will likely continue in the future and has been further reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic that ensured that people look for some virtual platforms where they were able to celebrate and bid farewell to people.
A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that58% of participants had engaged in sending or receiving video message farewell cards in the previous year as compared to 35% in the year 2019. Therefore, virtual cards are gradually entering the culture of celebrating major life events and milestones.
Interactive and Personalized Experiences
This goes in accordance to the benefits discussed with regards to multimedia and such include; the trend towards more interactive and personal virtual ‘farewell’ cards. Some senders are even using special options like video messages, photo albums thatMultiple people can contribute to, and special template designs to really memorialize their loved one’s sendoff.
There are some platforms that will even allow the recipients to open more content or messages as they browse through the virtual card; thus making it a multi-layered experience.
Integrations with Social Media
The other critical element is the link-up of the virtual farewell cards with social networking sites. This enables the sender to share the card together with a larger number of relatives, friends, and colleagues.
For certain individuals, the virtual card itself can be ‘centred’ or ‘shared’ on a social media site whereby the end recipients may only need to view, comment and interact the farewell message easily. Sometimes this social function can help bring more social support during transition.
Increased Engagement and Interactivity
The use of virtual farewell cards also has the benefit of allowing for the creation of interactive and immersive cards unlike the paper counterparts. This means that further senders will be able to make the farewell message more effective and significant for the receiver.
For example, virtual cards can incorporate features like:For example, virtual cards can incorporate features like:
An integrated video message that is sent from co-workers, friends, or relatives.
Collage albums that users can share with each other to recall shared moments.
Video presentations that tell the story of the recipient from the past until the present.
Trivia related to the topic or fun games that highlight their achievements.
Such interactive elements mean that the recipient of the farewell needs to be more involved than just passively reading the text on the page. It makes the experience more engaging and interactive, custom-tailored to their preferences, and they can re-experience it and show it to their friends.
With the future of virtual communication and experiences being bright, the emotional farewell cards are another promising trend that will be available for everyone soon enough. In terms of convenience, tailored experiences, and sustainability, these virtual well-wishes are shaping up to become people’s first choice.