Introduction
After winning a competitive pitch, Vancouver Community College (VCC) commissioned us to create a VR Culinary Arts Training experience training their cooks on 5 entry level recipes.
An engaging and retentive learning experience that would bridge the gap between information in a text book, and cooking in a real kitchen. It was also important that the focus of the VR training was on the skills and techniques within each recipe, rather than just being a generic cooking game.
Virtual reality is often aligned with the console gaming world, however its uses and value in training students or employees is often overlooked. Although there are benefits to traditional classroom and text book teaching, technology such as VR is an undeniably useful tool in both the workplace and the classroom. What better way to train the chefs of tomorrow than via VR!
What we did
Understanding base recipes is key to being a successful chef. Working with a VCC subject matter expert (also a chef) we defined what the key learning points were for each of the five recipes we created.
Then using point-of-view videos of the chef cooking each recipe, we storyboarded each one to ensure all of those points were captured, and be reflected in the gameplay. This process also meant distilling the VR environment to ensure the user remained focused on how to make the recipe, rather than being distracted by novelty of using VR.
We also implemented steps that can easily go wrong, such as the Hollandaise Sauce breaking if you combine the butter and water too quickly, or even the Choux Pastry becoming too slack if the eggs are added too fast.
The result
The final result was an immersive, fun and educational training experience which guided the user through 5 recipes, and allowed them to test their knowledge with two additional advanced levels. It was a key objective that the VR experience reflected cooking nuances.
Students found the experience great value, and a rewarding learning experience particularly with the ability to repeat the training without needing to purchase ingredients or be concerned about waste.
To aid the learning, we also developed screens within VR that reinforced important steps through images and interactive metres, such as a balance metre for the flavours in ceviche; we made these to be visual aids so that the students could internalise the lessons within each recipe, and remember them when they cook in real life.
We then paired the in-game UI with voice overs that not only explained each step in VR, but we also worked with the chef to ensure the voiceover also contained any other important information that the students needed to learn, therefore mimicking the learning environment at the college.
Our end result was an immersive, fun and educational training experience which guided the user through 5 recipes, then allowed them to test their knowledge with 2 harder difficulties. The chef we worked with was impressed that we captured the important learning points for each recipe, as well as including many of the details and nuances that he’d spoken to us about throughout the development process.
Contact us
Are you looking to create an VR training that uses gamification mechanics for effective learning and engagement? Then feel free to drop us an email at info@sbanimation.com, or give us a call on +44 (0)207 148 0526. We would be happy to help.
If you are unfamiliar with the virtual reality production process, this blog post What to expect when you work with Sliced Bread might serve to help you, it provides a complete guide on how we typically approach our projects, from concept to final delivery. It also provides information on how we structure our fees and plan the production schedule.
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