When to Use Information-Based vs. Story-Based VR Training

When creating VR training, the initial choice between information-based and story-based scenarios shapes the entire experience. Each approach has unique strengths, and combining them at a scene level can unlock even more significant potential.

Let’s explore what these approaches mean when to use them, and how blending them can deliver highly effective training outcomes.

The Key Differences

Information-Based Scenarios: Learning in Context

An information-based scenario helps participants collect and process information in a contextual, immersive way. Learners can look around, explore the environment using arrows, and interact with key details like media panels (text, videos, or images).

Best Use Cases:

• Onboarding: Give new hires a virtual tour of the office or factory.
• Guided Tours: Explore a new location before being there physically.
• First Training: Introduce safety protocols or procedures step-by-step.

Information-based scenarios are quick to produce. A 360° camera and Warp VR’s media panels let you create an immersive tour or explainer that feels far more engaging than traditional e-learning.

“You’re not just telling learners about a location or concept. You’re placing them inside that environment — making the information easier to understand and retain.”

Story-Based Scenarios: Learning by Doing

Story-based scenarios are action-driven and immerse learners in a narrative. The learner is the main character, faced with challenges or obstacles that require decisions. Instead of “first learning and then testing,” learners are tested immediately and learn through experience.

Best Use Cases:

• Procedural Learning: Simulate workflows to reinforce step-by-step protocols.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Practice handling complex challenges.
• Soft Skills Training: Improve communication, conflict resolution, or leadership.

The power of story-based scenarios lies in the feedback loop: learners immediately experience the consequences of their decisions in a safe, judgment-free VR environment. They naturally improve their skills by trying again and experimenting with different behaviors.

“Different actions lead to different outcomes. That makes story-based VR so powerful — it’s experiential, personal, and sticks with you.”

Practical Steps to Build Each Scenario

Building an Information-Based Scenario

1. Plan the filming and scenario: Plan locations, learning goals, and pathway to objectives before filming (this can be done in the Warp VR Flow Editor).
2. Capture Your Environment: Use 360° photos or videos of your location.
3. Add Media Panels: Place text, videos, or images to highlight key details. (learn about the Media Panel here)
4. Guide the Learner: Use arrows or hotspots to enable navigation.
5. Engage with Simple Interactions: Include multiple-choice questions or short tasks for active engagement.

Example: Imagine onboarding new employees at a manufacturing plant. Learners can “walk” through the facility virtually, view explainer videos for each machine, and answer questions about safety protocols.

Building a Story-Based Scenario

1. Create a Storyline: Use Warp VR’s story worksheet to outline a scenario where the learner faces obstacles and conflicts.
2. Make Decisions Matter: Design key moments where learners must decide what to do next.
3. Build in Feedback: Show the consequences of their choices immediately through experiencing in-game outcomes.
4. Add Tension: Increase engagement by using conflicts, time pressures, or unexpected twists.

Example: In a healthcare simulation, a nurse faces a high-pressure scenario where a patient’s condition deteriorates. Each decision (checking vitals, calling for help, administering medication) influences the outcome, helping the nurse build decision-making skills.

Why Not Both? Combining Learning Styles at Scene Level

While many scenarios lean heavily on one approach, you don’t have to limit yourself. By making decisions at a scene level, you can combine information-based learning for foundational moments with story-based learning for skill application.

Hybrid Example: Training for New Manufacturing Employees

1. Information-Based Scene: A 360° facility walkthrough introduces safety zones and equipment, using media panels to provide context.
2. Story-Based Scene: A simulated machinery malfunction tests learners on proper emergency protocols. Their actions determine the outcome, reinforcing the importance of procedures.

How to Create a Hybrid VR Scenario

1. Define Scene ObjectivesMap out the purpose of each scene:
   • Do learners need to understand information? → Use an information-based approach.
   • Do learners need to practice? → Opt for a story-based approach.
2. Design for Both Styles
   • Use media panels to deliver static information in exploratory scenes. This could include information learners don’t know yet, feedback on decisions, or a demonstration of how something is done.
   • Add obstacles, narrative tension, and feedback loops for interactive scenes to build a more real-life simulation in which the learner's knowledge and skills are tested.
3. Ensure Seamless TransitionsLink scenes naturally to maintain a cohesive flow:
   • End an information-based scene with a question leading into a story-based challenge.
   • Use feedback from story-based scenes to revisit key information in earlier scenes.

Blending the Best of Both Worlds

By combining information-based and story-based scenes, you can:

• Deliver Context and Action: Teach essential knowledge and allow learners to apply it immediately.
• Cater to Different Needs: Engage learners with varied approaches, boosting retention and impact.
• Maximize Flexibility: Tailor each scene to its specific learning goal.

“Think of it as leveling up: Start with exploration and understanding, then progress to action and experience.”

Let Warp VR Help You Build Smarter Scenarios

With Warp VR, you have the tools to create both information-based and story-based scenes — and combine them seamlessly. Our platform makes creating compelling, engaging VR training easy, whether it’s media panels for exploration or story-building tools for immersive challenges.

Ready to start building? Reach out for a consultation, or try Warp Studio today!

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