Kiwifruit VR Training Module:
Lead designer on the project leading a team of developers, artists and tests to create an effective, engaging and efficient VR scenario to aid the Kiwifruit industry.
The Problem:
The Kiwifruit industry in New Zealand is our largest horticulture industry, producing 150 million trays of fruit for export annually. Throughout the year we need an all hands on deck approach to process that much fruit.
Seasonal staff turnover means our team was tasked with creating an efficient, effective, and engaging way to train new workers on the various techniques required throughout the season. SkillsVR has taken on the challenge and created an interactive VR experience, where staff can learn new techniques, get refreshers as needed, and practice as much as needed without risking the health and safety of the vine or the staff.
The Solution:
Our scenario opens with an introduction to the industry by our friendly kiwifruit/bird hybrid, Witi. Witi guides learners through their journey to master techniques for winter pruning. Necessary tools, processes, and personal protective equipment are covered as Witi explains how the upcoming gamified learning experience will work.
Once learners have had some time to practice cutting in VR, Witi demonstrates the proper pruning technique and uses time-warp technology to show the benefits or consequences of using a correct or incorrect technique; something seasonal workers would usually have no insight into. From there, learners practice and earn green and golden kiwifruits as points, with familiar video game sounds and feedback.
Once the learner has earned enough points, they get the opportunity to show the Orchard manager their stuff by completing an unassisted assessment. Gives the leadership team confidence that the skills have been learned and the learner is ready for the real deal. If a learner doesn’t pass, they are able to complete the training as many times as needed to learn the technique without putting the trees and vines at risk in the real world. Low-risk training with gamified rewards and higher retention, that’s the perfect way to train new staff, fresh to the industry.
