Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR):  

The use of reality-based digital entities generated by the computer software for human interaction on a partial basis (VR) or completely (AR) for simulation purposes is known as immersive technologies. They are used as layers over the physical world in order to increase the quality of interaction and regulate it on a scalable basis.

Insights: An ISACA survey found that AR-enhanced workplaces were found beneficial by 64% of US consumers.

The contextual simulation will benefit business entities by replacing the traditional L&D (Learning and Development) methods which resemble the classroom model to improve the training experience. Employers can use these features to simulate business processes and help staff member’s in understanding case-specific situations from a vast library of content. 

The Neurological benefits of Immersive Learning Businesses shall consider

Since the textual data has a limited impact on the cognitive learning, association, retention, and application functions of the human brain, the use of AR results in double the visual attention. The retention ratio is also found to be 70% higher. Also, the ability to emotionally experience the situation increases because there is a minimal requirement of effort to associate with their digital environment. (Source: Layered) 

As an organization, this can be utilized to exponentially improve the learning process for the employees ranging from entry-level staff to higher management officials. They can experience case studies and processes to develop hands-on expertise in handling various situations without investing in building or replicating them. For instance, the company can recreate sales calls, hazardous working environments, high worth transactions, and equipment along with sensitive business processes. 

Market Insights: The AR/VR market is expected to capitalize around $29.5 billion in 2020 (Statistica.)

Impact on Learning and Development Methods

Traditionally, the learning material is either in the form of text or audio/visual files, which are again 2D in nature. The emergence of AR/VR tech will enable deeper immersion into the content by increasing their ability to scale, control, manipulate, and manage them alike Robocop and Wall-e. The learner can analyze the objects, surroundings, people, and equipment in real-time without risking the financial and strategic interests of the company.

Usually, on the job training (OJT) is lengthy and costly for businesses because of the fact that the investment made on training the staff personnel is not limited to the material or their compensation, but the compensation cost of seniors teaching them, equipment idle time, tentative shortfalls in business (especially in sales channels) and attrition are also amongst considerable factors associated with the conventional L&D methods.

The immersive technologies will replace all significant concerns associated with commercial portions of work and isolate the resource entirely from their surroundings to optimize the learning experience with respect to the overall budget.

Implementing AR/VR in Training user Cases for Organizations

As a commercial entity, the training overheads are crucial factors to short-term sustainability in terms of capital investment along with long-term management of business interests. Immersion technologies will be a substantial leap in the quality of learning retention, post-learning application, and an increase in the competencies.

Engineering personnel: The hazardous environments in mines and furnaces are recreated to facilitate the training in controlled environments. Simulations can play a pivotal role in implementing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for various machinery and tools before the actual deployment of the staff members. 

We can also recreate the surroundings in terms of temperature and provide visual effects for capturing the response rates of the employees. Considering the above parameters, the organizations can also optimize the working gear as per the results generated in mass dry runs.

Aviation, locomotive, and heavy-duty vehicle drivers: Driving skills required for heavy-duty trucks and construction equipment are different from regular cars. Also, the freight carried is potentially dangerous/high worth. Simulations for accidents, partial failure, and counter-fighting problems in a tactical manner will ensure higher safety standards.

Pilots of locomotives, ships, and airplanes are trained to look after technical aspects of operating the respective equipment, which affects the safety and equipment life. They are also a part of the licensing procedure. With the help of flight simulators, the initial rounds of training are done rapidly without investing much money, time, and effort. The cockpits for aircraft carries and the compartments for naval ships/locomotives, along with trucks, can be imitated for testing chambers with motion control axis integration.

Compliance Department

The contextual mishaps such as bribery, data leakage, deliberate misuse of office to pressurize subordinates, overlooking documents due to workload, use of uncertified tools, and software are some of the omnipresent compliance issues. Many businesses are regulated by the government agencies, which makes it essential to impart through training to the staff members for avoiding unintentional mistakes. 

We cannot explain each case study in-depth or analyze the results of the same using traditional descriptive answers since the bounded conditions don’t allow 360-degree assessment. The assessment can be made by using the data generated from the visual focus, attention span, and response rates so as to ensure complete adherence to compliance regulations regarding database management, accounting practices, and taxation.

Sales Executives

The creation of virtual sales campaigns such as lead generation activities and trade shows help in developing the frontline sales executives for the retail sector. On the contrary, the field sales executives for the BFSI segment are trained extensively to pitch their financial instruments against competitor’s products. The simulation will also ensure the prevention of unsolicited data disclosure and business secrets. 

The use of immersion will also provide an opportunity to understand the dynamics of different client types because one cannot handle HNI clients and retail customers in the same way.

Disaster Management

The natural calamities, along with heists and terrorist attacks, are unpredictable, so the best strategy to deal with them is to be vigilant 24/7. The use of AR will help in developing a response to the disasters through the use of simulation. Their ability to take charge, handle the pressure, emotional response, stress management, and use of safety equipment are some of the most valuable learnings rendered.

As there is no actual danger involved, we can provide extensive training to the staff members on a regular basis, which is an unprecedented benefit for the employers in the case of disaster management. 

Domain insights: How powerful is immersive tech?

The US government is head over heels for immersive technologies. Right from NASA to the military, they are aggressively using it for training purposes, so it is likely to find great commercial success alike internet (Arpanet) and GPS technology. One of the most radical applications is to use a mobile operating theatre controlled by medical teams through immersive interfacing.

Integration with HR Solutions

Soon, we will witness a large scale implementation of these elearning methods in organizations. The integration with HR and payroll software solutions will also help in simplifying the onboarding process. This shall result in shorter training periods, higher frequency, and enhance the learning experience for all profiles. We can expect full-fledged use of immersion in corporate talent development programs in the coming decades.

Core benefits for using Augmented and Virtual reality

• Cost optimization without compromising the quality of the skill development program.
• Reduction in demand for consumable resources to impart the training,
• Scalable use of institutional material since the users can control the circumstances in the simulated models.
• Higher engagement of the employees in developing their existing skillset under interactive conditions.

Currently, the market leaders in this segment are Google cardboard (interestingly, it was developed as creativity-enhancing activity) and Oculus Rift owned by Facebook. They have been pretty serious about shaping the future of content experience through the advanced lineup of gadgets they provide.

The Author’s take: Heading towards a Reality Resembling Sci-Fi flicks

Simulation is a powerful tool in encoding conceptual information in a rapid, lasting manner, and ensuring the repeatability of the functions in the future. The talent development process is also crucial for increasing the retention ratio because high attrition has led to a welcoming approach towards developing the existing employees.

These innovations will also help in training people for newer job profiles that didn’t exist previously in the formal economy. As an individual, upgrading from generalist to specialist and vice versa shall become a more natural transition. Many a time, the procurement of newer machines becomes a problem due to changes in the flow of jobs and lag in learning to operate it. Such instances can be easily bypassed with the use of immersion. 

Also, the impact of investing in modern technologies for the professional development of staff members will attract better talent in the longer run. The ROI of new employees is also enhanced due to their holistic training before working in actual conditions. Hence, immersive learning is going to shape the future of business learning for good.