Virtual reality offers a promising new strategy for training, engaging learners in a realistic and 360-degree environment. But while the skills transfer possibilities are enormous, there have been two major challenges with using this medium in L&D. The first was the technology cost: In the past, VR head-mounted displays were too expensive for most companies and schools to consider. The second was content creation: Most L&D professionals lacked the capability to design VR environments and integrate them effectively in training. However, a lot changed with the release of Google Cardboard, as this technology allows organizations to invest in affordable head-mounted VR displays. Cost has become less of a concern; now it’s just a matter of how to design effective VR content.

There is excitement in the air about augmented reality; but, just like with any new technology, different companies are approaching it from different directions. And while looking at the potential of AR from a number of angles will help push the technology further, this lack of a single development approach also means that, at this stage, some solutions will play nicely with others and some will not. To assist this technology in moving forward and becoming mainstream, the augmented reality space needs some established structure and standards.

When you begin to explore virtual reality programming, you quickly realize it requires learning many new things across several disciplines. It can be difficult to determine where to start, as the expanding list that begins with VR programming grows to include 3-D graphics, user interface conventions across varying VR hardware, how to set up and use a VR headset, where to find the best VR applications, and more.

On the manufacturing plant floor, production is crucial. No matter how well trained the employees are, there is a loss of retention between training delivery and application. The longer it takes to close that gap, the longer production is halted.

There are a wide range of solutions for implementing augmented reality in training and enterprise applications. Even with these myriad solutions, it’s not always clear how to use them to provide the best possible experience for users. How do you ensure that these solutions are being used to build something useful and meaningful? What is the difference between a good and a bad augmented reality experience?