Designing
Digitally, Inc. (please find also Converting The Complexity Of Real World Sales Into Engaging Serious Games) was
approached by an undisclosed client with a unique request for immersive training,
which was outside the client’s comfort zone.
The organization had
struggled to train electrical line workers on how to effectively clear trees
without the hazards of falling timbers, property damage, or even electrical
line damage.
They were looking for
an innovative way of training the electrical line workers on how to
proficiently cut down the trees around electrical lines in residential areas.
They had previously
utilized Instructor Led Training (ILT) that was informing the workers how to
cut the trees but were seeing the same number of incidents to private property
and improper cutting of the trees around the electrical lines. As a result,
they were looking for a new and innovative learning approach to train the
electrical line workers.
After a detailed analysis, Designing Digitally, Inc. determined the best experience would be to immerse the learners into a 3D space in which they could practice cutting down trees in a safe and fun environment.
After a detailed analysis, Designing Digitally, Inc. determined the best experience would be to immerse the learners into a 3D space in which they could practice cutting down trees in a safe and fun environment.
A 3D virtual
environment, based around game mechanics, was developed to provide a fun and
innovative way for the learners to practice cutting the trees around the
electrical lines without impacting the bottom line of the organization, hurting
people, or damaging equipment. This immersive learning game was developed to
allow the electrical line workers to experience a day in the life of doing
their jobs in a residential location. This is to ensure that the learners get a
real to life as possible experience while making it fun for them to test their
skills sets.
Designing Digitally,
Inc. replicated costly incidents that the company had faced in the past in
addition to some other difficult situations they may see on the job.
The training opens
with a tutorial that also assesses the learner. They are then placed in a tier
based on their results. As they advance through the training the information
they are provided and scenarios they face varies based on the decisions they
make. In this space mistakes result in the learner receiving more information
and practice rather than loss of property, or worse.
This learning
experience uses VR technology to allow this learning to take place using the
Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or other major VR hardware systems.
The system was
implemented within the training department at the client’s headquarters to
allow them to conduct hands on training with the students during the Instructor
Led Training portion of their on-the-job learning. The development was created
in a 3D gaming engine that allowed for a fully immersive experience which
included 3D spatial sound, haptic feedback through hand devices, and immersion
through the Virtual Reality headset unlike any other prior training experience.
Chop and Drop VR: An Experimental VIVE Serious
Game To Be Released For Free in June 2017
In the game, you take
on the job of a line worker removing troublesome trees! Get out your chainsaw
and use your control levers to maneuver the utility bucket in all directions,
but watch your head!
When you reach a
branch, get sawing! Each log dropped gives you points. Cut them safely and
efficiently for the highest scores!
The game contains two
modes, timed and freeplay. In timed play, you have 4 minutes to cut as many
logs as you can. Enter your name on a local leaderboard when you finish! Or,
you may use freeplay mode to take your time, explore the mechanics, and channel
your inner lumberjack.
The Results
As reported by Designing
Digitally, Inc., the development of
this VR Serious Game has provided the client with a learn-by-doing experience
that now can be used in conjunction with the Instructor Led Training, and as a
fun learning experience for future new hires at the organization.
This VR Serious Game
has been received very well by the learners and has impacted the bottom line by
decreasing safety violations the organization has received from the onboard
control group that used the Serious Game compared to the group that did not use
the Serious Game.
Overall, this VR
immersive learning game has decreased liability for the organization, which
will directly result in a bigger bottom line and fewer expenses paid due to
personal property damage, company property damage, and electrical line
violations.