How AR Training is Transforming the Workplace: Improving Employee Performance and Productivity

As the landscape of the workplace continues to evolve, businesses across industries are exploring innovative ways to enhance employee performance and productivity.

Augmented reality (AR) training is one such solution that is rapidly gaining traction as a powerful tool for improving workforce proficiency. With its ability to provide immersive and interactive learning experiences, AR technology is transforming the way employees acquire new skills and knowledge, leading to better job performance and increased efficiency.

In this article, we will explore how AR training is revolutionising the workplace and driving employee growth and development, as well as the potential impact on businesses that adopt this cutting-edge approach.

We will examine the benefits of AR training and highlight the ways in which companies can leverage this technology to stay ahead of the competition in a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.

What is augmented reality (AR) training?

Augmented reality training is a technology-based training method that overlays computer-generated content onto real-world environments, enhancing the trainee’s sensory experience.

This type of technology is becoming increasingly popular in medical training, as it enables trainees to gain practical experience without the risk of harming patients; but it is also gaining traction across industries that require hands-on training and expertise.

AR in training and development

AR has emerged as a transformative technology in the field of training and development. AR integrates digital information with the physical environment, creating a new realm of possibilities for learners seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Here at Sliced Bread Animation, we are at the forefront of leveraging AR technology to create immersive, engaging, and effective training programs for professionals.

Minimise risk

The application of AR in training offers numerous advantages over traditional methods.

Firstly, it allows learners to experience situations that are difficult, dangerous or impossible to simulate in a real world environment. For example, AR can simulate surgical procedures, providing learners with a safe and controlled environment to practise and master their skills. This not only enhances their performance, but also reduces the risk of errors and accidents.

Real-time feedback

Secondly, AR training enables learners to receive real-time feedback and guidance, improving their learning outcomes. With AR technology, trainers can provide learners with instant feedback on their performance, correcting errors and providing guidance on best practices.

This feedback loop allows learners to improve their skills more rapidly and effectively, resulting in better performance and increased productivity.

Immersive learning

AR training is, furthermore, highly engaging and interactive, making learning technical skills more enjoyable and effective. With AR technology, learners can interact with virtual objects, explore complex concepts, and collaborate with others, creating a dynamic and immersive learning experience.

This approach is particularly effective in engaging younger learners, who are more comfortable with digital technologies.

Scalable

More to the point, AR training is cost-effective and scalable.

Traditional training methods often require expensive equipment, facilities, and personnel, making it challenging to scale up training programs.

In contrast, AR training can be delivered using widely available devices such as smartphones and tablets, reducing the cost and complexity of training programs.

How augmented reality is changing the training industry

AR training provides employees with the opportunity to learn and practice skills in a simulated environment, allowing them to build confidence, gain experience, and develop competence without the risks associated with real-world scenarios.

Tailored learning and faster skill development

AR training is particularly useful in industries such as healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing, where high levels of accuracy and precision are required.

AR technology can provide employees with real-time feedback on their performance, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and refine their skills more quickly. This feedback can be customised to each employee’s needs, ensuring that training is tailored to their learning style and pace.

AR training can also be customised to suit different learning styles, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and in their own way. This level of customisation ensures that employees receive technical training that is bespoke to them, leading to better outcomes and improved job performance.

Improved engagement

One of the key benefits of AR training is its ability to increase engagement and retention.

Traditional training methods, such as classroom-based learning or online training courses, can be tedious and unengaging, leading to low retention rates. AR training, on the other hand, provides employees with a hands-on and interactive learning experience, making it more memorable and engaging.

Increased training accessibility

Another advantage of AR training is its flexibility and scalability. AR training can be accessed remotely, enabling employees to learn and practice skills from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful in industries where employees are located in different geographical locations, making it difficult to coordinate training sessions.

Augmented reality training examples

We have worked with a wide range of organisations looking to adopt AR training, each with outstanding results.

Read some of our case studies on AR training here.

Augmented reality training at Sliced Bread Animation

The transformative impact of AR training on the workplace is undeniable, and the benefits are not limited to improving employee performance and productivity.

AR technology can enhance workplace safety, increase employee engagement and job satisfaction, and ultimately, contribute to your bottom line.

As such, businesses that are serious about remaining competitive in today’s fast-paced economy would be wise to explore the many benefits that AR training can offer.

To find out more about how we can assist you in harnessing the power of AR, please contact us.

FAQs

How do you develop AR training?

Developing AR training requires a systematic approach that involves several steps. Firstly, the learning objectives and goals for the training should be identified. Once the objectives are clear, the next step is to determine the most appropriate AR technology and platform for delivering the training content. This includes selecting the hardware and software components required for creating the AR experience.

After selecting the technology, the instructional design phase can begin, where the content is developed and organised into a format that is suitable for AR delivery. The content should be designed in a way that encourages interaction, engagement, and active participation from learners.

User experience (UX) design is also an essential part of creating effective AR training.

Finally, the AR training solution must be tested and evaluated to ensure that it meets the learning objectives and effectively engages learners. This involves testing the usability of the AR solution, as well as evaluating the learning outcomes and assessing the impact of the training.

Is there an AR training certification?

Yes, there are several AR certifications available that provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop, design and deliver AR training solutions.

The most common AR certifications are offered by technology vendors, such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google, as well as professional organisations like the International Association of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (IVRA) and the Augmented Reality Marketing Association (ARMA).

These certifications typically cover topics such as AR development, AR design, UX design, AR hardware and software, and AR content creation.

How do you create augmented reality training?

Creating effective augmented reality training requires careful planning and execution.

The first step is to identify the learning objectives and goals of the training. Once these are established, the next step is to determine the most appropriate AR technology and platform for delivering the training content.

The content should be designed in a way that encourages active participation and engagement from learners. This includes creating interactive elements, such as quizzes, games, and simulations, that can be integrated into the AR experience.

User experience (UX) design is also crucial to ensure that the AR training solution is intuitive, easy to use, and effective in conveying the learning content.

In addition to content creation, the development process for AR training involves coding and programming, as well as testing and evaluating the solution. It is also essential to regularly update and maintain the AR training solution to ensure that it remains relevant and effective over time.