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Why Visual Training Technology Should be Part of Your Training Strategy

Seeing is believing. A picture is worth a thousand words. There are dozens of clichés out there that drive home how important visuals are for learning and processing information. It’s no surprise, considering that human beings are visual creatures. As we move into 2019, we wanted to take a look at how training technology is enabling us to incorporate visual learning into custom corporate training in a way that’s more engaging, interactive, and immersive than ever before!

What Visual Training Technology is Out There?

3D modeling

It’s commonly said that “learning by doing” is one of the most effective ways to learn. This is one of the reasons why among all the exciting, buzz-worthy, new technological advances out there, we think that the integration of 3D models in training deserves a little more hype. After all, with the right implementation, a 3D model can provide learners with hands-on exploration and active learning practice anytime, anywhere, and without the need to splurge on product mockups or physical simulations.

Consider, for example, a machine operator who is able to select different areas of an equipment model to access all the relevant parts and procedure documentation. Being able to—quite literally—see what information is relevant to each section promotes recall and allows for more efficient operation in the future. What about a cardiovascular clinician exploring the inside of a heart through the use of a 3D model? The ability to zoom in on particular areas of interest would be an opportunity you couldn’t easily replicate in the physical world. With a little abstraction, the benefits of 3D models can extend to almost any industry out there, providing immersive active learning in a budget-friendly way.

360° video

Another effective new training method to promote immersion is through 360° video, a technique that has taken the world by a storm over the past few years. These videos, which record footage in all directions simultaneously, allow the viewer to change their viewing direction as if they were actually situated in the middle of the scene. The effect is similar to a virtual reality experience, except that no special equipment is needed to dive in.

One major benefit of this video style is that it gives learners an opportunity to feel a presence within the scenario. It adds depth to observational learning, allowing users to learn where to direct their attention and what to expect from the flow of a situation. It can even be used to provide in-person training without the instructor needing to be physically present. All of these applications add immersive depth and promote learner engagement while remaining highly cost-effective.

AR/VR

While 3D modeling promotes interactivity and 360° video immerses the learner in the scenario, to realize the benefits of both, we need to take a step further. Augmented reality and virtual reality technology are often grouped together, but there are distinct differences between them that provide for unique training experiences. Augmented reality overlays information and content over what the user is seeing around them in real time. This makes it best for just-in-time learning and for accessing relevant information on the job.

Virtual reality, on the other hand, immerses the user entirely in a virtual world, allowing them to move, explore, and interact with key features. This makes it one of the most innovative and engaging methods for scenario and simulation training. For instance, VR can be used to replicate emergency preparedness scenarios to test employee skills under simulated pressure without having to set aside time and hire actors for a convincing in-person training session.

While more cost-effective solutions are becoming available as technology improves, it’s worthwhile to note that AR/VR can be a substantial investment to make. However, we believe that the immersion and engagement it provides learners can be well worth it when properly implemented.

How AllenComm Brings it All Together

It’s always been important to us to take an innovative approach to training, making the most out of new technology as we develop the best strategies to meet our clients’ needs. Siteline, our interactive mobile workflow platform, is our response to the world of visual training technology. This platform takes traditional content learning to another level by weaving in all three of the different technologies discussed above.

We pioneered Siteline for one of our manufacturing clients, using AR capabilities to give workers access to the information they needed to operate their machinery. We paired a powerful content library with 3D models, available through either medium and organized in a way that promoted easy cross-referencing. Siteline was the perfect match for the manufacturing floor, but we believe it has the potential to transform training in a multitude of other industries as well.

Curious about how Siteline works? Interested in how this technology could fit within your industry? Don’t be afraid to reach out!

representative talent profile

instructional writer

Position(s): Lead or supporting writer
Years of Instructional Experience: 2+
Number of Completed Projects: 15+

Key Skills: Instructional Writing, Technical Writing, Instructional Design, Content Curation, eLearning Development, Curriculum Development, Course Authoring, Storytelling, Learning Assessment, Editing, Proofreading, AI Prompt Engineering

Media Skills: Use of stock media libraries

Strengths: Problem-Solving, Clear and Concise Writing, Tone and Style, Formatting, Consistency, Creativity, Communication, Active Listening, Research, Brainstorming, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Adaptability

Career Highlights:

  • Scripted over 100 hours of learning content and supporting materials for different modalities for both US and global audiences  
  • Adapted writing style and reading grade level to suit design specifications and learner needs in several different industries (finance, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.) 
  • Used generative AI to supplement source content and to accelerate the writing process (without plagiarism) 

Technical Skills:

representative talent profile

learning experience designer

Position(s): Learning Experience (LX) Designer or Strategist
Years of Instructional Experience: 7+
Number of Completed Projects: 30+

Key Skills: Learner Experience Design (LXD),  Instructional Design, Learning Assessment,  Hybrid Learning, Learning in the Flow of Work, Project-Based Learning Methodologies, Cohort and Social Learning, Learner Experience Platforms

Media Skills: LX journey maps and representations of other interconnected or integrated learning strategies 

Strengths: Systems Thinking, Stakeholder Communication, Instructional Design Strategy, Learning Theory, Training Effectiveness

Career Highlights:

  • Designed personalized learner experience (LX) journeys for an organization of 30k (with 5 tiered tracks) 
  • Curated existing LXs that could be leveraged in new learning journeys for other roles, with measurement at key milestones to evaluate progress and success 
  • Wrote up the specifications for branching scenarios, question libraries, options for audio/visual media, and more, connecting each learner experience to a personalized journey 

Technical Skills:

representative talent profile

instructional media specialist

Position(s): Lead or supporting graphic designer, lead motion video artist
Years of Instructional Experience: 6+
Number of Completed Projects: 40+

Key Skills: Visual Design, Illustration, UX/UI Design, Storyboarding, Animation, Audio Engineering

Media Skills: Engaging illustrations, 3D models, character design, storyboarding, live-action and motion graphic video creation, audio recording and editing, client branding, and more to enhance media and create engaging touchpoints that resonate with learners 

Strengths: Brainstorming, Collaboration, Visual Communication,  Color Theory, Typography, Layout and Composition

Career Highlights:

  • Completed projects with extreme attention to fonts, colors, spacing, and more that ensured integrity with client branding requirements 
  • Designed and integrated media based on project-specific content that reflected the learner audience, established realistic learning environments, allowed for hands-on practice in virtual environments, and promoted diversity and engaging storytelling
  • Created quick-reference illustrations learners could access on the job to help them make fast, effective decisions   

Technical Skills:

representative talent profile

lms admin

Position(s): Admin or sub-admin for Learning Management System (LMS)
Years of Instructional Experience: 5+
Number of Completed Projects: 15+

Key Skills: LMS Configuration, User Management, Course Management, System Maintenance, Reporting, Data Analysis, System Integrations

Media Skills: Network and tech-stack diagrams to communicate system architecture and integration 

Strengths: Troubleshooting and Analysis, Learning Analytics, User Administration, Technical Proficiency, Documentation, Adaptability

Career Highlights:

  • Managed a curriculum of more than 1,450 course offerings in the LMS for more than 10,000 learners 
  • Uploaded, tested, and ensured the readiness of new and relaunched programs 
  • Created and maintained reporting workflows to meet stakeholder needs 
  • Provided on-demand support to the learning team to answer questions and promptly address concerns 

Technical Skills:

representative talent profile

learning project manager

Position(s): Learning project manager, project lead, or coordinator
Years of Instructional Experience: 5+
Number of Completed Projects: 35+

Key Skills: eLearning Development, Resource Coordination, Project Management (PMP Certified), Agile and Waterfall PM Methodologies, Budgeting and Forecasting, Scheduling, Quality Assurance

Media Skills: Visual reporting of project plans via Gantt charts and other standard formats

Strengths: Problem-Solving, Communication, Active Listening, Collaboration, Decision-Making, Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Time Management, Risk Management, Budget Management, Team Coordination and Delegation

Career Highlights:

  • Managed concurrent award-winning projects without missing deadlines or wasting resources 
  • Completed several projects earlier than the expected timeline and under the anticipated budget 
  • Built strong relationships with returning client partners for multi-phase initiatives or course maintenance projects 

Technical Skills:

representative talent profile

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME)

Position(s): Industry-specific specialist
Years of Instructional Experience: 5+
Number of Completed Projects: 5+

Key Skills: Content Curation, Specialized Content Development, Industry-Specific Expertise, Domain Expertise (e.g., Leadership, Onboarding, Compliance), Content Review

Media Skills: Recommendation and review of technical diagrams or industry-specific images

Strengths: Specialized Content Knowledge, Content-Gathering, Simplifying and Organizing Complex Material, Brainstorming, Collaboration, Documentation of Source Content, Decision-Making, Technical Content Review

Career Highlights:

  • Helped create, gather, and organize over 50 hours of content for projects with specific industry or learning needs and contextual nuances
  • Facilitated the decision-making process and collaboration between internal and external teams to consolidate feedback into actionable next steps 

Technical Skills:

representative talent profile

LEARNING STRATEGIST

Position(s): Lead strategist or performance consultant
Years of Instructional Experience: 7+
Number of Completed Projects: 20+

Key Skills: Needs Analysis, Learning Theory, Learner Experience Design, Learning Analytics and Measurement, Performance Mapping, Behavioral and Performance Analysis, Content Curation, Curriculum Analysis, Change Management

Media Skills: Curriculum maps, learner experience journeys, and conceptual program wireframes

Strengths: Big-Picture Thinking, Critical Thinking and Analysis, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Stakeholder Communication, Research, Design, Collaboration, Facilitation

Career Highlights:

  • Conducted a comprehensive learning needs analysis for customer services representatives that included both product knowledge and interpersonal skills development 
  • Prioritized alignment of business and learner needs, such as high-impact accessible design solutions within budgets or agile timelines, for award-winning projects
  • Designed strategies for measuring performance and results over time to inform continued client success 

Technical Skills:

representative talent profile

Instructional Designers

Position(s): Lead or supporting designer
Years of Instructional Experience: 3+
Number of Completed Projects: 15+

Key Skills: Instructional Design, Adult Learning Theories, eLearning Development, Learner Experience Design, Curriculum Development, Course Authoring, Writing, Learning Assessment

Media Skills: Simple graphic design using stock imagery, audio production

Strengths: Adaptability, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Technical Proficiency, Attention to Detail

Career Highlights:

  • Led the design and development of an onboarding program for new manufacturing employees
  • Scripted technical instructional content for high-tech, product knowledge training
  • Developed hybrid materials for both instructor-led training (ILT) and microlearning tutorials

Technical Skills: