The Process

In preparation for rebuilding these foundational modules, I sat through the existing training to see what learners were experiencing. The trainings were based on old early VHS videos and documents in binders that were not user friendly as job aids. With how rare the learners are able to access a computer, we needed to make the learning modules impactful and memorable to best utilize what little time we have with the learner. With that in mind, we decided to create animations that visually show how processes work and create a short micro-learning experience to better fit with the small time windows the learner is allotted. This required multiple trips the plants to take photographs and videos of common activities the learner will experience on the work floor. We also gathered insight from trainers on their needs and what was important for the learner to know.

Storyboards and Animations

While building the modules, I was also in charge of developing storyboards and creating animations that would live inside the course. While I took charge on the 3D animations, I reached out to a vendor and established a contract with them to help create the vector style animations to show processes that involved people. To manage that interaction, I provided them with storyboards and art direction on the animations and provided them feedback as necessary.

3D Animations

While the vendor was developing the vector animations to show people processes, I worked in 3Ds Max to create the machine processes so that the learner can understand what is going on inside the machines they work with day to day. Below are a sample of 3D animations developed for this module.

Roll Out

To roll out the modules, we did a pilot run at two facilities. This meant doing a Train-the-Trainer prior to doing the live test run. The Train-the-Trainer sessions were the trainers first experience with the modules and they provided feedback that could make the learning sessions more entertaining and engaging. With their input added, we got trainer and stakeholder signoff and pushed out the modules.

Overall, the learners and trainers provided positive feedback. We did a survey about what parts they enjoyed and what could be improved before the official roll out to all facilities across the states.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I felt the experience hits on engagement and memorability. I would’ve loved incorporating an augmented reality experience since learners are not able to be on a computer frequently. Having an on-the-go learning experience would provide just-in-time training for the learner while they were on the production floor. The difficulty in implementing augmented reality is the fact that the environment is a manufacturing facility. It would create a risk for the learner to be looking at their devices with machinery and vehicles around them.