DS-JAN23-PG16_Layout 1 06/01/2023 10:43 Page 1


FEATURE XR: AUGMENTED, MIXED AND VIRTUAL REALITY


Feature sponsored by


Training in The meTaverse Rehan Haque, CEO of metatalent.ai, examines how AI and metaverse


W


technologies can boost training and streamline onboarding for employees Utilising the capabilities of the metaverse


e live in a world where businesses constantly reinvent themselves to remain competitive. According to PwC’s most


recent annual Global CEO Survey, automation and digitisation goals feature in well over half of all the long-term corporate strategies of today’s businesses. This is why artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual worlds, or ‘metaverse’ related technologies and tools, have risen to prominence, particularly in relation to improving on-the-job training and upskilling new talent. During 2022, many businesses started to


benefit from the application of AI and metaverse technologies in providing streamlined training and onboarding for employees. Combining AI and metaverse technologies affords companies an incredible new opportunity to train and equip people with the necessary skills to navigate the future of work.


means that training can be conducted that activates employees’ senses. It also promotes interactive engagement methods via immersive VR, AR, and extended reality (XR) training. Virtual metaverse training environments can also be made to feel more lifelike using tactile, haptic technology, enabling individuals to learn by doing lifelike activities, and co-learning with their colleagues. Most importantly, these new virtual training


environments allow the creation of a fully realised world that can be manipulated to appeal to the learning style of a specific individual. This means that learners not only absorb and retain information faster, but they get far more pleasure and enjoyment from the process. It’s therefore of little surprise that metaverse learners are 3.75 times more emotionally connected to


“It’s estimated that over 23 million jobs will be impacted by virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) by 2030, and


that these technologies have the potential to deliver a £1.4 trillion boost to the global economy over the next eight years”


Indeed, the very nature of the future of work


across a multitude of different sectors will be hugely impacted by new AI and metaverse technologies. It’s estimated that over 23 million jobs will be impacted by virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) by 2030, and that these technologies have the potential to deliver a £1.4 trillion boost to the global economy over the next eight years, according to PwC forecasts.


the Real Value Of aI aNd MetaVeRSe tRaINING


AI and metaverse-based tools are benefitting both younger staff entering the workforce for the very first time, as well as established employees with a need to constantly upskill, advance existing aptitudes, or go through certain compliance training. In addition to this, due to the huge increase in


remote and hybrid working, post-pandemic, in- person training has become far more challenging. That’s why leveraging the latest virtual and augmented reality technologies can provide businesses with lucrative advantages. For example, employees that train in VR simulations learn twice as fast as e-learners and four times faster than classroom learners, according to the PwC 2022 US Metaverse Survey.


6


content than classroom learners and four times more focused than their traditional e-learning peers, according to PwC’s study.


Safe, SecuRe aNd flexIble leaRNING eNVIRONMeNtS


As the metaverse delivers a real-time setting for individuals to train in, they can immerse themselves in an environment that simulates any kind of real-world workplace situation, including high-pressure scenarios. Furthermore, as the environment is a virtual version of reality, it means that the learner can make mistakes without jeopardising the safety of themselves or others. Virtual training on the latest operational


processes in manufacturing, for example, can be optimised through the metaverse to perfect business processes, with huge increases in efficiency, staff productivity and noticeable increases in the elimination of waste materials and resources. In addition to improving on-the-job training


processes, metaverse training environments enable far more effective onboarding processes for new employees. When done well, the use of AI and metaverse technologies to boost onboarding has the potential to contribute positively to staff


1 DESIGN SOLUTIONS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023


retention rate. In turn, this will have an impact on overall satisfaction and thus productivity, as an employee settles in over time. Overall, the use of AI and metaverse


technologies for training current staff and onboarding new employees contributes positively to the recruitment process. Furthermore, it can reduce training time, whilst simultaneously increasing employee motivation and willingness to participate. Essentially, the metaverse can show employees what their job would be like before they even join.


IMPROVING eMPlOyee eNGaGeMeNt


Consider, for example, the fascinating experiment recently carried out by MGM Resorts, in partnership with the VR firm, Strivr, to allow job seekers to try out roles using virtual reality to reduce employee churn. Not only did this pilot study show how metaverse training can improve employee engagement, but Strivr CEO Derek Belch also noted that the data gathered from using VR “Can be very powerful for both the employee, as part of their candidacy for a role, as well as for the employer to make better data-driven decisions”. In addition, time and money – through training


and resources – can be saved on both ends if an employee isn’t suitable for a role. Now, more than ever, we have the power to connect candidates with roles they’re suited for and passionate about. This is key considering, during the recent so-called ‘great resignation’, many people quit jobs with which they were not enthralled about. The metaverse allows job candidates to try careers they’re likely to excel in, leading to greater job satisfaction, and therefore higher levels of productivity. With hands-on simulated training and exposure


into a new setting, the latest AI and metaverse training technologies can provide businesses and employees alike with the best tools to succeed; and equip employees with the necessary skills they need in order to navigate the future of work.


Metatalent.ai https://metatalent.ai


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60