Experiential training can mean many things. But the leading edge is obviously being created in VR and AR experiences.

These are a few projects I’ve been involved in helping to create some of the most unique and cutting edge training for large-scale employee use.

AR: Digital Apprentice Trial

PROBLEM
Field Technicians use static paper-based or digital performance support and/or multiple phone calls to Tech Support to trouble shoot OTJ – inefficient, ineffective

AR SOLUTION
Real-time, hands free, digital performance support; enabled live “see what I see” Tech Support

GOALS
Reduced Errors, Improved Response Time, Increased Confidence, Reduce Training Time, Improved Safety (hands free)
AR: Digital Apprentice Trial Results

LESSONS LEARNED
Introduce early in employee life cycle to increase adoption and utilization

PATH FORWARD
Use in new hire training. Work with hardware and software providers to incorporate the end-user feedback, shape next generation solutions

77% reduced errors
86% completed tasks faster
88% relevant to job
77% built confidence

VR: SAFE VR (Retail Robbery)

PROBLEM
Wireless carriers are a major target for armed robberies. Retail leaders and employees need to know how to protect our most valuable assets: our customers and themselves.

VR SOLUTION
Three immersive VR store robbery experiences: store opening, store close and “smash & grab” – the most common robbery scenarios – accompanied by in-store procedure training.

GOALS
Build “know-how”, confidence, muscle memory for handling a store robbery

1,500 Retail Leader Trial in 2018; ~20,000 in-store retail employees through 2019

VR: SAFE VR (Retail Robbery) Trial Results

LESSONS LEARNED
Much more effective than role plays
Logistics and details matter in terms of hardware choice, software, personnel, location, etc.

PATH FORWARD
Create guidelines for:
Evaluating future VR project viability when to use internal vs. external resources for development

Evaluate logistics for enterprise-wide deployment of large-scale VR experience (e.g., traveling kits vs. permanent & onsite).

91% Said VR more engaging than traditional training
95% Better understand concerns around a robbery situation
89% More prepared to handle a robbery situation
89% Did not experience discomfort with VR experience