Virtual Reality Applications have unlimited use cases in any kind of industry.
Virtual reality is just one new tool for project-based learning. It is not everything. But it is a tool that can enrich high quality project based learning and engage employees in deeper ways.  The sky and your imagination is the limit.

Educate, Train, Test and Report Analytics
Using VR to educate and train is more immersive than conventional video or classroom training. The user trades a two-dimensional screen for a realistic 360 degree environment. Here, a user can interact directly with virtual training assets in realistic training situations - all from the safety of an office chair. The training can also include testing during or after the VR experience and the report analytics can be viewed by the trainer.

Use 360 panorama images of your actual environment.
Our team will take 360 images or video on location and use them to train or educate the VR user in that exact environment - sounds and all. A trainer/educator can be live during the recording session or Digital Buckeye can add a scripted Virtual Trainer later. We provide the narrator!

We can model your environment.
Create dangerous situations - without the danger!
Our 3D modeling team can create generic environments or we can use images, video, sketches, CAD files, architectural plans, etc to model your work environment. This is especially useful when the training documentation contains elements too dangerous to duplicate in real life. Dangerous equipment or safety violations can be duplicated with 3D modeled assets and people - with no risk to equipment or human safety! Once again, all real life sounds help immerse the user in the environment.

Best of both worlds - Use a combination of both 360 panorama and 3D models!
Use the backdrop of your environment along with 3D modeled objects and people.

Informative - Observational
Use virtual reality as an interactive explainer video or virtual tour. Trainers can use virtual reality to drop recruits/new hires into a particular environment and ask those potential employees to make observations, ask questions or even perform simple tasks.

Educational - Preoperative Training
Use virtual reality as an entry event:
Many new processes are hard to visualize and can seem disconnected for employees. It can be challenging for employees to connect to topics they can’t imagine. Entry events in project-based learning motivate and excite employees. Trainers can use virtual reality to drop employees into particular environments and ask those employees to make observations and perform tasks.

Use virtual reality for continued learning
Continued learning helps keep veteran employees up to date on new techniques and safety hazards difficult to duplicate outside of virtual reality. As we look at ways we can help associates with this new technology, we can turn our attention to culminating events and authentic evidence.

Pre-visit fact gathering requirements

• Gain proper non-disclosure agreement documentation!
• Every development process should start with a detailed project documentation – this is the guarantee that the VR application will exactly meet the needs of the client. It should include all the important information about the project
• Document the main idea of the VR app development and its key features. If you can, include some photos, screenshots or hand sketches to illustrate the characteristics of the application

On-location fact gathering requirements

• NDA signed
• Images, video, sketches, CAD files, architectural plans, etc
• Meetings with subject matter experts, key authorizers, project sponsors, etc

On location image/video requirements

• NDA signed
• Signed release forms for any actors (form provided by Digital Buckeye)
• Lighting and sound tests and setup
• Script run-through (If applicable)
• Shot schedule - document explaining location and angle of images and/or video
• Meetings with subject matter experts, key authorizers, project sponsors, etc

Example VR Project Topic/Scenario:

Objective Statement:
Train on Correct Usage of a Tap.

Introduction: (Introduce the topic to the audience and tell them what they are about to hear)
Introduce user location, tools used or any information important for the user to procede safely.

Opening Statement:
The purpose of this video is to explain when the usage of a tap is required and the correct procedure for using a tap safely and efficiently.

Body: (Break the content into logical pieces or steps depending on your topic)

1. While shooting a bolt you are met with resistance do to an incorrect angle of the impact (Usually there is a grinding noise).
2. Put impact in reverse and remove bolt. Discard bolt.
3. Insert tap into impact. With impact in forward slowly insert tap into bolt hole and clean up threads. Put impact into reverse and back tap out. Remove tap from impact.
4. Insert new bolt in impact and shoot slowly into bolt hole.
5. Confirm torque of bolt. If torque is n/g proceed with write up procedure or call for assistance.

Conclusion: (Tell them what you told them, then close)
Fixing a cross threaded bolt takes on a matter of seconds, but you must follow the correct procedure stated above.

Don’t forget the user story, specify which problems your potential user has and how the VR application is going to solve them.
With precise documentation, we will be able to offer the best solution according to the needs of the customer. 
Describe the journey through the VR app development, where does the user start, which actions does he take, how much time does he spend with your virtual reality app and in which way will your project make the employee’s life better.

Sometimes better solutions can be found.
In some cases VR is not the best solution. After initial review and discussion with the client, Digital Buckeye may suggest presenting the material through a different media. For example, if the content does not benefit from the ability to view an entire 360 degree environment, or can benefit equally from conventional video, we will adjust the documentation accordingly and send it to our Video Department for review! The video production team will contact the client to help redirect the project plan.

We can help with documentation!
Feeling overwhelmed? The talented creative team here at Digital Buckeye can help with written and visual documentation of your training material. In the case when the customer decides to order such a service it takes 3 to 10 days. While our initial consultations are free, project documentation for VR app development is an added cost included in our project schedule.

Depending on the complexity of the app the development time can vary from 1 month up to a year and beyond. Cost is based on the complexity and length of the content, how the content is presented and the detail of the presentation. This list will give you a brief overview about the development time and cost of VR/AR products starting with the simplest and up to the most complicated ones.

Small Project (Less than $15,000 - 3 days to 6 weeks)

• One simple 3D modeled environment (5 or less assets) or 360 Image/Video Panorama slideshow (3 or less locations)
• A single training material/section
• Virtual trainer with narration

Medium Project ($15,000-$50,000 - 6 weeks to 6 months)

• 3D modeled environment (6-15 assets) or 360 Image/Video Panorama tour (4-10 locations)
• Multiple training materials/sections
• Virtual trainer with narration
• Animated 3D modeled assets (rotating parts, exploded views, etc)
• User testing and report analytics

Large Project ($50,000 plus - 6 months to year plus)

• 3D modeled environment (15-50 assets) or 360 Image/Video Panorama tour (10-25 locations)
• Multiple training materials/sections
• Virtual trainer with narration
• Animated 3D modeled assets (rotating parts, exploded views, etc)
• Animated 3D modeled assets (ability to drive or operate models, walking human models, etc)
• User testing and report analytics

* This pricing schedule is provided to potential customers as an estimated cost of an interactive virtual reality application project and is based on an exchangeable set of requirements. Therefore a detailed cost analysis with Digital Buckeye will be required to move forward on any project.