Alarm.com
The Challenge
Alarm.com, the leading platform for the intelligently connected property, faced the challenge of training field technicians to install commercial access control solutions that integrate with their unified, cloud-based security platform.
The Solution
They partnered with the Gronstedt Group to develop an immersive, high-fidelity virtual reality installation simulation. Users strap on the Quest VR headset and have the initially startling experience of standing before circuit boards. They then learn to wire those boards with access control components that secure office doors with automatic locks and card readers. The photo-realistic view is so convincing that users almost feel they’re on-site, wiring an access control solution. They use their hands to route cables and connect wires. When completed, they get to walk over to test whether they've successfully secured two doors with a card reader, door sensor, request to access device and electrically controlled locking hardware.
“We are excited to launch the next level of our Alarm.com Academy programming with the Access Control VR learning experience, this will elevate our educational offering and will support our partners in a new way.” Katie Bernal, Sr. Director, Partner Ed & Dev Programs.
The VR program is self-paced with three different levels. Newbies can start with the “Learning Level,” where they’re guided by step-by-step video tutorials, feedback and guided practice. Next, they move on to the “Professional Level,” which mimics the real-life working experience. They're challenged to complete the installation tasks without step-by-step instructional handholding, but they're given all the resources they'd have in a real-world installation, including wiring diagrams. The final “Expert Level” is a free-play mode where they test mastery by withholding any guidance and applying time pressure with a ticking time-bomb. If the installation task isn’t completed in time, the place explodes. If they get it done sooner, they can add their names to a leader board.
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Multi-user functionality provides a shared learning space for students and instructors to interact seamlessly and learn with and from each other in the performance environment. A small class can meet and learn together. The program is multi-player across a vast array of devices. Students in a VR headset can interact with instructors from an iPad or PC, for instance.
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The program was launched at a conference with a fast-paced video trailer to rave reviews.
“Our partners thought it was very cool and gave a sense of having a teacher with them helping them through the exercise.” Ian McConnell, Manager, Digital Learning.