Guest Post from VRARA Member WarpVR.
Although the year has already started, it is quite clear 2024 will be an exciting year when it comes to everything VR. With new headsets dropped into the market, cross-platform tools becoming more important and rise of AI in VR training there is enough to talk about. These are our 2024 VR training predictions.
New headsets in the market
Starting with the obvious, this year marks a significant influx of new XR headsets into the market. Notably, the Apple Vision Pro is set to launch in early February. In addition to Apple, other major companies like Google, Samsung, and Sony are also in the process of developing their own innovative headsets. Moreover, we're anticipating entries from new contenders like Visor and Lynx. While previously the market was dominated by Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, the current trend is shifting towards Mixed Reality (MR) headsets. Always keep an eye out on our buyers guide when deciding to purchase new headsets for your immersive training program.
Cross-platform software is getting more important
As the XR space becomes increasingly populated with a variety of brands and headsets, there's a growing need for authoring platforms capable of creating VR training programs adaptable to multiple devices. Companies owning or purchasing different headsets are seeking solutions that enable seamless playback of their content across these devices, and ideally, extend compatibility to smartphones, tablets, and desktops. At Warp VR, we see this need for user-friendly authoring platforms to create high quality VR training content made by instructional designers, training agencies and other content creators.
The rise of AI in VR training
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, including the training industry. AI not only simplifies the creation of training content but also enhances it in real-time, offering more varied training programs. Additionally, AI's potential for predictive analysis can pinpoint specific areas where employees excel or require additional training, optimizing the learning process.
Enterprise-wide VR adoption
This trend has been building up for some time, but we anticipate it reaching its peak in 2024. Large corporations have been experimenting with VR for training purposes for years, often on a trial basis and typically limited to specific departments. However, this is set to change as enterprises have begun to recognize the tangible benefits of VR training. Employees are better equipped for critical situations, incidents and training costs have decreased, and there's been a noticeable increase in engagement and focus among staff. In summary, VR will move beyond initial training programs to become a key component in continuous professional development. Explore these stories to discover how various enterprises are already leveraging VR in their training programs.
One of our clients, Erste Bank, is widely adopting VR learning into their training programs
Consuming video content in XR is getting more traction
With more XR devices entering the market, video content will relive as an important medium for time spend in headsets. With AR headsets, such as the Apple Vision Pro, videos, shows and movies can now easily be consumed in these devices creating a whole new experience for people. This in itself means users will be more used to watching and interacting with video, reflecting positively on educational and training content. Its immersive nature not only enhances learner engagement but also offers realistic simulations, making it an invaluable tool in fields requiring simulation practice.
Environmental storytelling will be big
As human beings, we are naturally drawn to stories. We love to hear, read, and watch stories unfold. Storytelling has been a fundamental part of human culture since the beginning of time, and it continues to captivate us to this day. Environmental storytelling goes even a step further and leverages immersive, interactive experiences to convey information and skills in a memorable and engaging way. Instead of relying solely on dialogue or text, environmental storytelling conveys narrative elements through the setting, objects, and atmosphere within the immersive training experience. We expect to see more attention to actors, audio, and the environment when it comes to immersive learning. Read more about story-based learning here and here.
Hand-tracking and voice to interact with content
With the arrival of MR headsets, more manufacturers are supporting interaction in these headsets with hand-tracking or voice. Meaning controllers are not necessary anymore to play any game or immersive training. Not having to use controllers, will make it a lot easier for many users new to XR to start using these devices. By simply pointing with your finger and making certain hand gestures, interactive elements can be selected. At Warp VR we already support both hand-tracking and voice control for any of the immersive training scenarios that are created.
Enterprises are closing the loop
To end this list of 2024 predictions, we have to mention that enterprise companies are closing the loop when it comes to VR training. We have already mentioned that immersive learning will be enterprise-wide adopted, but we also see the trend where enterprise is using data collected by employees playing these training scenarios to improve these programs or reflect with employees, or groups of employees, on how well they performed. We are already seeing clients using the data to fuel discussions after playing one or more immersive training scenarios. These data points are crucial in employees understanding how they can do better. More information on our recently launched Activity overview, can be found here.
We're thrilled to have welcomed numerous new clients in 2023 and are excited about the opportunity to assist even more in 2024. Book a demo with us to discuss your VR strategy for the upcoming year.
