Designing exceptional learning experiences is an art form. From the moment learners put on a headset and enter the virtual world, every minute counts. That’s why combating potential challenges has become an integral part of VR strategy.
From poorly planned development processes to hardware issues and motion sickness, the range of VR limitations varies in severity. While these challenges are worthy of attention, organizations have been laser-focused on how applying the principles of learning will make their investment in VR worth every penny. The continued success of VR demands that we know how to respond to its weaknesses and understand how to hone its strengths. It’s the ultimate strategy for implementing your first VR program like an absolute pro.
The potential challenges that arise with VR are dim compared to the magnitude of XR’s positive impact on the landscape of corporate training. In fact, the growing implementation of immersive technology speaks for itself. PwC’s 2023 Emerging Technology Survey reports that among many emerging technologies, a third of companies plan to invest in VR this year. So, what should these companies keep in mind?
Potential VR Challenges
While the potential challenges of VR training may appear to be a laundry list of catastrophic thinking, the limitations of VR are the most threatening to passive organizations. By tackling these issues with a proactive approach, your VR project will enhance your training and help your organization thrive.
Hardware
Despite the growing familiarity with immersive experiences, VR hardware is more intimidating than it should be. VR hardware hasn’t always been focused on enterprise solutions, nor has it addressed specific learning needs. Older hardware was tethered and bulky, posing several limitations on the learning experience. Today, potential challenges with hardware include device incompatibility, flickering images, and internet connectivity.
When leveraged correctly, new advancements in hardware can boost the learning experience and transform workforce productivity. Scalable learning solutions are just a click away.
Disconnected Development Process
No one wants to see their VR project fail, yet too many organizations find themselves pursuing the most innovative learning solution with mediocre planning. Project management is perhaps the most essential aspect of pursuing strong results from VR. Between scope creep and poor learning outcomes, we aren’t sure which is worse. The great news is that you don’t (and shouldn’t) have to settle for either! Prioritizing the quality of your learning content requires a dynamic and dedicated team of SMEs, instructional designers, and developers. With strong communication, clear learning objectives, and collaboration – your VR training program will make a lasting impact.
Learning Evaluation
Imagine if every test you took went ungraded. While there would have probably been less stress and fewer tears, how much information would you have retained or bothered to learn over the course of your education? A VR training program that doesn’t evaluate learner performance is like completing a marathon without a time stamp.
Extended Reality Systems can track KPIs that are essential to your organization. Whether it’s small, incremental steps or game-changing leaps toward revitalizing your training program, progress should be measured. But why are learning metrics so important? Data tells a story. By measuring the most important performance metrics, organizations can identify which areas of training will push the needle forward, where learners are finding common issues, and how different locations are performing by comparison.
Simulation Sickness
Although a very small percentage of VR users experience simulation sickness, this is not a prevalent issue in the XR world. In fact, experienced vendors recommend that learners limit their time in VR to twenty minutes tops. Another factor to consider is that older headsets had more issues with motion sickness. Newer, lightweight headsets are improving the user experience, with motion sickness incidents dropping dramatically and an increased field of view, user controls, and realism.
VR is extremely realistic, so if learners have a natural repulsion to heights or intense scenarios, their bodies will react as though they are in the real world. This is partially what makes safety training in VR so effective.
The Future of Learning
VR has demonstrated its strengths in the corporate training world. From intense realism that garners authentic reactions from learners to analytic approaches to managing performance metrics, VR training immerses learners in the ultimate training scenario. So, how has corporate training moved towards intuitive learning and away from redundant content that leaves everyone’s mouth dry? With VR, there’s no need to overdress core learning objectives. By fostering learning environments that give learners actionable, interactive steps, strong learning engagement results in employee empowerment and spiked performance rates.
Deemed two of the top eight essential technologies, AR and VR have earned their ranking in technologies that enhance operational efficiencies and allow businesses to compete by leveraging a modern learning strategy.
Start VR Today
Effective VR programs are designed to enhance your current training program. If you could inspire a growth mindset for each and every employee at your organization, what could your organization make possible?
