Volumetric Video Can Help Train And Upskill The Workforce

We’ve all been there. A new employee is onboarded or a new process or tool is put in place at work and we have to sit through a new training video. It could be something as little as to how to track hours worked or as complicated new software, affecting how we do our jobs.

When these sorts of changes happen, companies have a few different training methodologies to use. One is the traditional classroom setting (or virtual live classroom during the current pandemic) where a presenter goes through training material in a handout or on slides. There is the “train the trainer” approach where a company will train a few subject matter experts (SMEs) on the new material. The SMEs will then teach their teams what they learned. There is also self-directed training where an employee might go through a pre-recorded course with built-in quizzes to show completion. 

Each training methodology has its place but with technology rapidly changing the business landscape, isn’t it time to update the way we train employees? So what can companies do differently?

Companies that need to train employees can use a variety of upgraded tools and mash-up of training styles to get the most out of the training and for their employees. People learn best when they are motivated, the learning is student-focused, and the material is centered on critical thinking and process-oriented learning. Technology like volumetric video or virtual reality simulations allows for interactive environments, real-time teamwork, and flexibility for employee needs. 

Experiencing something in 3D with real-life physical movement is shown to increase retention of the information being taught. Volumetric video provides presence, where a person feels like they’re actually in an environment or situation, even though it’s virtual.

The pandemic has fast-tracked the need for virtual training and communication for many companies around the world. Volumetric video is one solution to overcome pain points caused by remote work. Companies can record employees, projects, or scenarios with volumetric video, instead of digitally rebuilding them from scratch like for some virtual reality simulations. 

Democratize Learning

The University of British Columbia used volumetric video in a project for their medical school. They found it difficult to connect patient volunteers with medical staff and students. By recording patient actors with volumetric video, the university hopes to create a “rich and equal learning opportunity for all students.”

Students can use virtual reality headsets to view real people and “witness an interactive process in differential diagnosis.” By recording the training with volumetric video and distributing it across, students are able to see a wider range of patients than being stuck to physical boundaries. In the simulation, “the user navigates through a maze of volumetric videos of patient-physician interactions, 3D models of organs, and physical test results in order to diagnose a patient.” The videos are part of the school’s curriculum and VR further immerses students in the diagnosis process.  

Increased Training Program Flexibility

Volumetric video, used with extended reality (XR) training software allows trainers to create live, immersive presentations. These presentations can even be done remotely if those attending the training have compatible headsets. Immersive courses can be done in real-time or pre-recorded sessions, making them the future of employee training.

Instead of a trainer talking through a company’s HR policies, a group of employees can be immersed in a scenario that shows through example a policy. Employees can see, hear, and walk around the scenario to better understand why a policy is put in place or exactly what it means instead of a vague definition on a presentation. 

Reduced Accidents, Injuries, and Damage to Equipment

Volumetric video is more than watching and walking around a 3D video. It can be turned into an interactive program where people can collaborate together in the immersive experience. This is a great opportunity for learning how to work in dangerous scenarios where real-life injuries or damage to equipment could occur. 

Take working in a mine for instance. A company could record and simulation various scenarios they’ve encountered of the years with equipment, structural issues, or human error. Employees could walk through the training, interacting with real recordings of the mining environment, living first hand what is a dangerous situation and what the right ways to cope with it are.

Volumetric Video Can Help Upskill the Workforce 

Volumetric video can be one of the keys to upskilling the workforce because it combines the best of both worlds: 3D video of real objects and people, plus an immersive, virtual environment. Volumetric video opens the doors for endless use cases and training examples. Companies are no longer stuck to outdated formats of recording skits. They can create real-life video where employees can walk around, look at the scenario from all angles, and retain the experience along with the information to be the best at their jobs.

This is the last post in a series of articles about volumetric video. This article was written with insight from Tim Zenk from volumetric studio, Avatar Dimension. In full disclosure, I’ve helped Avatar Dimension with their volumetric strategy in the DC market.