How to improve business-critical employee skills with VR and 360° video

The immersive power of a bank robbery scenario

"Imagine being in a bank during a robbery. The tension, the decisions, the palpable fear," one expert cited, emphasizing the limitations of traditional training methods. While conventional approaches might provide a theoretical framework, VR with 360° video offers an unparalleled immersive experience where trainees are not mere spectators, but active participants that react in real time to unfolding events.

Unearthing "bank robbery” events in your own business

One of the key challenges business leaders face is to pinpoint the events and processes that require specialized training. "Instead of asking 'What's business critical?', think about the worst-case scenarios or the biggest bottlenecks," one of the experts suggested. “This will take you on a path to answer those questions, by connecting it to the business core processes”. Questions like "What's the fallout if this machinery halted?" or "Do our teams know how to handle a complete system meltdown?" can guide businesses in crafting effective training modules. As one of the experts concluded: “These questions one then can easily relate the the core of what a business is doing: getting more out of the door, faster with less risks and more cost efficient.”

The evolution of training methods

The age-old master-apprentice model is effective, but lacks scalability. "It's intimate and hands-on, but how do you replicate that for hundreds, if not thousands, of employees?" another expert wondered. Traditional e-learning often remains theoretical, and even 3D VR, while innovative, sometimes misses the mark in replicating real-life authenticity.

Challenges for the modern workforce

The conversation touched upon the unique workforce challenges that keep HR leaders up at night:

1. Rapid turnover: With employees transitioning faster than before, businesses are pressed to find efficient training methods.
2. Efficacy measurement: Gauging the real-world impact of training remains a challenge.
3. The brain drain: Retiring professionals leave a knowledge void when walking away with a treasure trove of insights.

The broad potential of 360° video in VR

The applicability of VR with 360° video isn't limited to a single industry or use case. Its potential is vast and transformative, illustrated by the following examples.

• Healthcare: Train doctors for ER chaos, or prepare nurses to deal with a family that is going against the will of a patient.
• Firefighting: Experience being inside a burning building without the real danger.
• Corporate: Handle PR nightmares, navigate boardroom battles, or equip employees to handle complex negotiations and organizational changes.
• Industry 4.0: Prepare workers for a factory floor where machines communicate with each other, optimizing processes in real-time.

Wrapping up

VR based on 360° video is revolutionizing the way we approach training. By offering experiences mirroring real-life situations, it ensures individuals across sectors are not just trained but cognitively prepared for challenges. In an era of rapid employee turnover and brain drain, it's an investment in the future, ensuring knowledge continuity and operational excellence.

Have a look at our immersive scenario examples or talk to one of our experts to experience it yourself.