When an organization invests in XR training programs, there’s no room for throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks. Immersive training allows learners to rehearse their roles and practice tactile skills that boost their productivity.
AR programs help make learning step-by-step processes a breeze, while VR programs immerse learners in hard-to-replicate scenarios to reduce human error and improve safety standards. XR technologies take training to the next level, so what’s the catch? Despite their distinct strengths, AR and VR training programs can fail due to a number of common pitfalls.
While the hype for XR training is very real, organizations must make a concerted effort to collaborate, plan, and see through each stage of development in order to implement impactful training programs. Let’s take a closer look at what practices you can take to ensure success in the short and long-term education of your learners, starting with identifying how things can go wrong.
Why AR and VR Projects Fail
XR training isn’t foolproof. From the absence of SMEs in the planning stage to scope creep, AR and VR projects fail mainly because of avoidable mistakes.
1. XR is not for everything
Too often, the gleam of XR training catches the eye of an organization and they think it will solve all of their problems. It’s a bit like spinning wheels if a learning topic isn’t suited for XR training.
It’s essential to evaluate the reason why you’re pursuing XR training. While the latest VR headsets and AR glasses are incredible technology, it’s critical to remember that technology alone won’t make the training better.
AR and VR programs should be implemented to address specific skill deficits. It’s the intentional design of the immersive experience that benefits learners. Ask yourself how AR or VR can reinforce key learning concepts. If you can clearly identify a pain point in your organization that could be solved with XR, immersive learning may be the answer.
2. No learning foundation
Organizations are more likely to see their AR or VR program fail if they don’t follow through with planning around learning principles. Without a solid learning foundation, the potential for active learning through immersive training can be lost.
While it might be tempting to convert a current eLearning program into the flow chart for an XR program, not every kind of training works in an immersive format. A crucial mistake to avoid is assuming you can simply convert your current training content into extended reality. Instead, narrow down your vision to physical actions, user choices, and critical thinking in real-time.
By applying a strong instructional design that focuses on the user experience, organizations are more likely to see strong learning outcomes. Provide as much detail about the specifics of the training as you can, as more information allows the vendor to faithfully recreate the experience you need and provide accurate estimates and timelines.
3. Post-rollout
AR and VR projects can fail when an organization lacks a distribution strategy for the final product. Ultimately, a lack of buy-in from both learners and trainers could make your training program flop. The best way to ensure all parties are involved in a successful rollout, educated in their roles, and ready to use the new training is to keep a constant dialogue with them about the project.
Another mistake we see is when organizations neglect to track performance metrics. Don’t impair your organization’s ability to calculate its success! If you don’t plan to record and track any metrics post-rollout, your XR training program could be considered a failure simply by default. VR and AR are incredible technologies when it comes to data collection, and the time spent analyzing training data will reveal insight into areas of improvement for your organization as a whole. The most effective way to measure the success of your AR or VR project is to know how your current training is performing and where the gaps are.
In Summary
AR and VR technologies are the most innovative corporate training technologies available to modern learners. With such impressive resources, it’s in your best interest to solidify a strong execution plan. Let’s review best practices:
- Involve your SMEs, trainers, stakeholders, and IT departments to ensure the best input from the start of the project, all the way through to its end.
- Identify your goal early, make it focused, and commit to making the program implementation as quality as you can.
- Test thoroughly and with varied user groups to catch all the bugs and mistakes, and ensure the XR program is top-notch when it’s rolled out to everyone in your organization.
- Track and analyze all available metrics to measure the success of your time, investment, and effort.
Role readiness is no longer reduced to wishful thinking. AR training programs allow employees to participate in hands-on learning activities that prepare them for the reality of their roles. From safety on an assembly line to seamless procedure adherence by an airline crew, VR programs create highly realistic training environments that keep employees engaged and motivated. Closing skill gaps is possible when you choose to invest in your learners, and choose the right XR vendor to partner with for the creation of your immersive training program.
