At Totem we have a specific focus on using our blend of behavioural psychology, pedagogy, games design, tech and art to break through business learning barriers. Walls we will break down this year include those for people in highly regulated, asset-intensive industries where safety is the first priority.

We know the barriers between classroom training and expensive physical equipment are numerous. By building VR experiences and incorporating nifty game mechanics we economically reach any number of trainees any time, anywhere, safely, and repeatedly while measuring their performance and improvement.

For us, great learning design is about a lot more than just providing something that looks good. It has to feel good to use and produce great results.

VR has so much potential, but it is not a magic pill for engagement and impact. It has many benefits but also there are some core considerations you need to think about before implementing this type of training. Let’s explore those below.

The benefits of using virtual reality (VR) in training:

1. Immersion: VR allows trainees to fully immerse themselves in a simulated environment, which can make learning more engaging and effective.

2. Realism: VR simulations can be highly realistic, allowing trainees to practice tasks and skills in a way that closely resembles the real world.

3. Safety: VR training allows trainees to practice potentially dangerous tasks in a safe environment, without the risk of injury.

4. Convenience: VR training can be conducted anywhere and at any time, which can be more convenient than traditional in-person training.

5. Cost-effectiveness: VR training can be more cost effective than traditional training methods, especially for tasks that are costly or logistically difficult to practice in the real world.

6. Scalability: VR training can be easily scaled up to train large numbers of people simultaneously.

But there are several barriers that organisations may face when considering the use of virtual reality (VR) in training:

1. Up front investment: VR training can be more expensive than classroom training or e-learning, especially if it requires specialised equipment or the development of custom simulations.

2. Accessibility: Not all employees may have access to VR equipment, which could limit the use of VR training to only certain individuals or groups.

3. Technical difficulties: VR training can be complex and may require significant technical expertise to set up, deploy and maintain.

4. Acceptance: Some employees may be resistant to the use of VR in training, and may prefer more traditional methods.

5. Applicability: VR training may not be suitable for all types of training, and may not be as effective as other methods in some cases.

Just because barriers exist does not mean VR is a non-starter. It has so much potential and let’s face it, it is really cool. But just like any approach to learning design there are many layers of nuance and understanding that goes into VR design and by working with a partner like us, you’ll benefit from our deep expertise in this field. We can guide you on the most appropriate use of VR and help you to create your VR strategy to save you time, money and achieve the impact you’re looking for.

Drop us a line today to see how we can help you break down some walls!