The Common Improvement Time For VR Coaching
Let’s explore a VR training timeline
Virtual Reality (VR) has quickly become commonplace in learning and development as more and more companies recognize the benefits it brings. Let’s look at the typical development time of a VR training program by breaking down the phases and factors that go into development.
The average development time for virtual reality training
While the development time for VR training courses varies depending on the industry and training topic, the average development time for a VR training program is 8 to 10 weeks or more.
On the shorter side of development, some projects can be completed in just 4 weeks, while more complex projects can take up to 6 months or more.
Which factors determine how long the VR development takes? Let’s start by understanding the three phases of VR development, and then let’s move on to the four factors that typically affect VR development time.
3 stages of virtual reality development
Stage 1: Instructional Design
Depending on the complexity of the subject, access to subject matter experts (SMEs), and the number of people needed for final approval, the VR development design phase typically takes 1 to 8 weeks or longer. Typical personnel in this phase are instruction designers and SMEs.
In this first phase, the learning objectives of the program are set, the appropriate approach to behavior change is described, and the feedback is reviewed. This step is critical in laying the groundwork for a VR training program as it will help organizations overcome specific business challenges and create a program that is relevant to their needs.
Stage 2: Asset Creation
After the instructions are designed, it is time to create the assets to build the program. The stage of creating assets for VR development typically takes 4 weeks – 4 months or more. This depends on the complexity of the environment or scene, whether custom assets or inventory assets are used, and whether an organization already has access to existing reference files (CAD drawings, blueprints, etc.).
This second phase includes the development of digital assets by graphic designers and 3D artists on VR authoring platforms (e.g. Unity, Unreal, Captivate, Aframe.io). These assets can include:
- 3D models
- character
- 2D graphics
- Video clips
- Sound effects
These resources support learning objectives by visually depicting the environments, actions, and details that employees need to learn. Digital assets give structure to VR programs and are the building blocks that are required before the next level can begin.
Level 3: Development and Programming
The final phase of setting up a VR training course is development and programming. This phase typically lasts 1-8 weeks or longer, depending on the size of the virtual environment, the number of digital assets, and the number of interactions. Unity developers and C # programmers are usually involved in this phase.
Development and programming create the working VR environment with reference to flowcharts and assets created in the first two phases. This phase usually includes the following steps:
- Load digital assets into a VR authoring tool
- Write custom C # scripts
- Develop the program for the intended platform (s) (e.g. VR headset, desktop, mobile device).
Now that we know the stages of VR development, let’s dig deeper into the four key factors that affect VR development time.
4 factors influencing the development time of virtual reality
1. Developing the flowchart and script
The first important step in developing VR content is to create a detailed flowchart and script based on the outlines and goals of the training program. These materials help visualize the training and organize the resources.
Developing the flowchart and script of the training will help determine the steps a learner will experience and where the visual elements will be placed. The more complex this development, the longer it will take to complete.
2. The level of knowledge of the developer
The expertise and knowledge of your developers will affect the pace at which content is developed. Some organizations may already have in-house teams and developers, while others may need to outsource to an outside vendor.
Regardless of whether you develop in-house or off-site, less experienced developers typically take longer to create a VR training program, while seasoned professionals are able to develop high quality content faster.
3. The complexity of the modeling
During asset creation, VR developers create digital models and assets that meet the learning objectives. These models and assets include 3D models, characters, 2D graphics, voiceovers, and more.
The development of digital models and assets includes the conception, texturing and integration of objects that were placed during training. The time it takes to build these models and assets depends on their intended size, number, and whether they are low or high resolution.
4. The intensity of the programming
During the development and programming phases, programmers create unique interactions that shape the project. Developers and programmers take the flowchart and scripting into account when programming various models and other digital assets to perform complex interactions.
The larger the program and the more intense the scriptwriting, the longer it takes to develop the VR experience.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that VR training can revolutionize learning and development in any business. Comprehensive VR training can not only increase customer loyalty and reduce sales, but also achieve measurable business results that save companies money in the long term.
Now that you know the expected development time for a VR training program, we hope that you can move forward with confidence and ease as you consider your own custom VR program.
Round table learning
At Roundtable Learning, we work with clients to bridge the gap between existing training strategies and the future of learning through technology-enabled blended learning solutions.
