Custom VR Training: The Guide to Create Your VR Simulation Solution

By 2030, 23 million jobs globally will be set to use virtual reality for training. The reasons are clear: VR training saves costs and ensures trainees' safety by keeping them away from potential harm.

 

The Onix team has the knowledge and capabilities to bring your VR training simulator to life, whether crafting realistic simulations for medical staff or designing VR simulations for skyscraper construction sites.

 

Based on our proven track record in developing cutting-edge VR solutions, in this article, our experts take a closer look at:

 

• the incredible business opportunities provided by the custom VR training app
• real-world examples of VR training implementation
• valuable insight and practical VR training simulator development & implementation tips.

 

Let’s get started!

VR simulation for the skyscraper construction site built by Onix team

What are the Benefits Of Virtual Reality Training?

Virtual reality training simulations can potentially grant compelling benefits to businesses of various industries. Let's review them.

 

Reducing training time and costs

In most cases, the training process can be quite expensive. For example, сomprehensive and real training of healthcare experts or firefighters could cost a lot more, including employees' well-being and, even possibly, their lives.

 

For this reason alone, it's a required initial investment. However, using virtual reality for training also allows for avoiding repeated courses and paying experienced trainers potentially high salaries compared to traditional training. 

 

Moreover, VR training solutions can speed up the ramp-up period for your trainees. As practice shows, employees who trained using VR completed training up to four times faster than the classroom and e-learn training. As a result, the quicker an employee can begin working, the faster you can enjoy a positive ROI.

Safe learning environment

Use of VR in training offers trainees a safe and controlled environment to practice and refine their skills. Unlike traditional training methods that may involve potential risks or hazards, VR allows trainees to make mistakes and learn from them without any real-world consequences.

 

VR training solutions allow learners to encounter true-to-life scenarios without facing real-world risks. Many scenarios enable trainees to improve their skills, learn how to complete dangerous tasks carefully, and learn from mistakes in a safe environment.

 

Training flexibility and scalability

Virtual reality in training offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries. Whether training a small team or conducting enterprise-wide programs, VR simulations can be easily customized and scaled to meet diverse training needs.

 

This flexibility allows organizations to adapt quickly to changing requirements and scale their training initiatives accordingly.

 

Enhanced staff productivity

VR enables employees to simulate the real world and experience various complex tasks. Thanks to this immersive and realistic experience, trainees receive hands-on experience without the risk. 

 

VR training simulation allows employees to practice an almost unlimited number of times, which will enable them to hone their professional skills as much as possible while improving their performance.

Source: The PWS study on the effectiveness of VR training

 

As you can see, VR training simulation provides excellent benefits and holds tremendous promise for businesses right now. But how can companies implement and leverage VR training simulation?

 

Below we show you the most promising VR training simulation opportunities for businesses and real-life examples of using VR.

 

 

Use Cases for VR Training Simulators

Before learning how to create VR training software, let's look at examples and areas of virtual reality training use.

 

Maritime training

Using virtual reality for training in the maritime industry has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing how seafarers are trained and prepared for the complex challenges of life at sea.

 

A marine VR simulator offers a highly immersive and realistic training environment, ensuring that both novice and experienced seafarers can acquire essential skills and knowledge safely, cost-effectively, and efficiently.

 

For example, the Onix team built a marine VR simulator game considering water physics and AHTS vessel architecture. The main concept of this virtual maritime simulator is to steer the ship to the oil rig, avoid traffic, extinguish any fires using the water guns, and keep the vessel within the marked area for 10 seconds. The captain uses a Vive controller managed as a “joystick” to interact with bridge controls.

 

Explore the endless possibilities of VisionOS app development to create immersive and interactive experiences that push the boundaries of innovation in virtual reality simulations.

 

 

Construction

The construction industry is known for being hazardous. And VR training simulations allow for modernizing construction working practices and building a safe and risk-free working environment. 

 

Read also: Guide to Custom Construction App Development

 

3D imitation and VR technology in construction allow for reproducing dangerous situations, preparing staff for emergencies such as problems with the construction area, breaks or fires, imitating work in bad weather conditions, etc.

 

For example, the Onix team developed a virtual reality simulation of the skyscraper construction site.

VR simulation for a skyscraper built by Onix

 

This VR training allows workers to simulate their work on construction sites, train their professional skills, and improve safety knowledge. 

 

Just see the video below.

 

 

Retail

Walmart provides an excellent example of how useful is virtual reality for training in the retail business.

 

"When you watch a module through the headset, your brain feels like you actually experienced a situation." 

 

This is how Walmart US Academies’ senior director Andy Trainor explained the effectiveness of the VR training approach.

 

Walmart started to use a VR training simulator to train over a million associates across the US. 

VR training simulator uses by Walmart

 

The company used Rift headsets to train employees to set up and operate their high-tech Pickup Towers. As a result, employees learned and remembered the information quickly, which allowed them to start work faster.

 

 

Healthcare

VR used for medical training has great potential to enhance clinicians’ skill sets and the health sector as a whole. Being immersive, VR training perfectly replicates real-world work allowing healthcare experts to improve their skills without risks. 

 

For example, one of the surgical training VR platforms, Osso VR, enables healthcare professionals to practice their surgical skills. The video below shows endoscopy VR training that provides a stunning level of reality and fidelity.

 

 

Read also: Implementing VR & AR in Medicine and Medical Training

 

Energy

With VR technology used for training, you can ensure electrical safety in your enterprise - just like tech juggernaut Intel did. 

 

With the help of VIVE’s Enterprise, Intel launched an Electrical Safety Recertification course. This VR training course contained immersive learning VR content and realistic risk management scenarios. As a result, the company was able to reduce training costs and increase employees’ effectiveness.

How Intel launched an Electrical Safety Recertification VR training course

 

Now that we know what VR training simulation is about, it's time to consider some must-have VR training simulator features when building a VR training solution.

 

Features of Virtual Training Simulations

Before starting VR training simulation development, let's look at the necessary functionality. We divided the VR training simulation functionality into three modules: web admin panel, cloud storage, and VR training app.

 

Web administration panel

This module allows adding, editing, and deleting VR simulation users’ profiles and editing training scenarios.

 

This module includes the following features:

 

• The user profiles feature includes creating user accounts that contain personal trainees’ information, their accomplished training programs, and metrics.

 

• The training programs feature lets administrators create, modify, and add VR training scenarios.

 

• The trainees’ performance analytics feature automatically assesses trainee’s effectiveness and shows their progress in the dashboard.

 

• The scheduling of training sessions sends trainees notifications about when the training program begins. 

 

Cloud storage

This module represents databases where you can store user information, 3D models, audio, video, visual assets, and training programs.

 

VR training software 

This module looks after running training scenarios, and processing received data from controllers or additional sensors like gloves. Also, VR training software creates audio and visual feedback for such devices as speakers, headsets, or smart glasses. 

 

This module includes the following features:

 

• In-app video streaming enables recording and playback of past VR sessions. 

 

• Virtual characters enable trainees to communicate with virtual patients, customers, etc.

How trainee interacts with virtual environment

 

• Virtual trainer feature represents a 3D character or just voice that provides trainees with the required instructions and guidance to complete the session successfully. 

How virtual characters enable trainees to interact with virtual patients

 

• Multi-user sessions enable trainees to pass training with other learners.

How trainees interact with other learners in the virtual environment

 

• Gesture-controlled interactions allow trainees to feel even closer to realistic conditions. Learners can directly interact with the virtual environment more flexibly using handheld controllers or wired gloves.

How learners interact with the virtual environment using handheld controllers or wired gloves

 

• Remote accessibility enables simulations often be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote learning and reducing the need for physical training facilities.

 

Read also: Virtual Reality for Meetings: Onix's Insights & Cases

 

These features make virtual training simulations an effective and versatile tool for various industries, including education, healthcare, aviation, military, and corporate training.

 

They offer a dynamic and engaging way to impart knowledge and develop skills while reducing costs and risks associated with traditional training methods.

 

 

How to Create Virtual Reality Training Solution: Onix Recommendations

To create VR simulations for employee training, you should follow some essential steps:

 

Define objectives and learning goals

In the initial stage, it is crucial to establish clear training objectives and learning outcomes for your VR training app. This involves defining the skills or knowledge areas that need to be addressed through virtual reality. Clearly outline what you want employees to achieve and learn through the VR training.

 

Target audience analysis

Understanding your audience is key to a successful VR training app. Analyze the demographics, experience levels, and preferences of your employees. Tailor the VR experience to match the needs and preferences of the target audience, ensuring that the training is effective and engaging for them.

 

VR hardware selection

Evaluate various VR headset options such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Oculus Quest based on the requirements of your training program. Consider factors like comfort, resolution, and interactivity when selecting the hardware that best suits your objectives.

 

Technologies and tools selection

Select a VR development platform or game engine, such as Unity3D or Unreal Engine. Choose a platform that aligns with your team's expertise and the requirements of your VR training app. Also, decide on the programming language for development, whether it's C#, C++, or JavaScript.

 

Ensure that the chosen language is compatible with your selected development platform. Moreover, list the necessary software tools for 3D modeling, animation, and VR development. This may include tools for creating 3D assets, texturing, and coding.

 

Below, a table shows the technologies and tools we recommend for building a VR training app.

Virtual environments

Design realistic virtual environments that replicate the real-world scenarios trainees will encounter. Pay attention to spatial layout, lighting, textures, and interactive elements. Use 3D modeling software like Unity or Unreal Engine to create and customize virtual environments.

 

Develop interactive simulations

Develop interactive simulations and training modules that allow trainees to practice tasks and procedures in a safe virtual environment. Incorporate interactive elements such as virtual tools, equipment, and controls closely resembling their real-world counterparts. Utilize scripting languages like Python to implement interactivity and logic within the VR app.

 

Integrate feedback mechanisms

Implement feedback mechanisms within the VR app to give trainees real-time performance feedback. Utilize audiovisual cues, haptic feedback, or text-based feedback to communicate performance metrics, errors, and areas for improvement. Feedback mechanisms help reinforce learning and facilitate skill mastery.

 

Incorporate assessment and evaluation

Include assessment and evaluation components within the VR training app to measure trainees' progress and proficiency.

 

Design quizzes, assessments, or scenario-based evaluations that test trainees' understanding and application of learned concepts. Use analytics and data tracking tools to gather insights into trainees' performance and identify areas for further improvement.

 

UX optimization

When designing a VR training app, it’s vital to conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback from employees. Understand how users interact with the VR app and identify areas for improvement.

 

Make improvements based on user feedback to enhance the overall user experience. Iterate on the design and functionality to address issues raised during user testing.

 

Optimize app performance to ensure smooth VR experiences on various hardware setups. This includes addressing performance issues and optimizing the app for different VR platforms.

 

VR training implementation is a multi-faceted process that requires careful planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the target audience.

 

By following these comprehensive steps, you can create a VR-based training application that meets your objectives and provides an immersive and effective learning experience for your employees.

 

What are the Virtual Reality Training Software Development Costs?

The cost of virtual reality training development comprises various factors. Below we list the main drivers that may influence your development costs.

 

 

Required VR app content

Depending on your business field and needs, you may have various training scenarios. Usually, virtual reality simulation development includes content such as:

 

• 3D environments to create a realistically rendered background
• Animations to provide an excellent user experience
• Virtual characters 
• Video and sound effects to make training programs more realistic
• Voice-overs that instruct and guide trainees to complete the session properly

 

This is the most common and essential VR app content. Developers can add extra objects and elements according to your requirements.

 

Team size

To calculate the total VR training simulator cost, consider the number of specialists you'll need. Usually, building a VR training app requires a team that looks as follows:

 

• Project manager
• UX/UI designer 
• Developers (backend and frontend)
• QA engineers
• 3D designer
• DevOps

 

Hardware

Another factor influencing VR training simulator development cost is hardware, namely VR headsets. You'll need to purchase VR headsets since your VR training simulator now has content that trainees interact with. 

 

Today, there are many choices of VR headsets, for example, Oculus Rift S, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Oculus Quest 2, Google Cardboard, Merge Headset, and Pico Neo 2. Headsets cost range from $50 to $1,000. 

 

Below is a comparison of prices for different VR headsets.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of VR headsets. Each choice has its characteristics and parameters. When choosing, you’ll want to consider your goals, requirements, and budget for your VR simulation development.

 

Outsourcing development company rate

The most significant factor is the range of global outsourcing development company hourly rates. Below, we gather the average rates of IT specialists from different countries and compare their hourly rates.

The quality of VR training app development services varies greatly and can range from subpar to world-class. The trick is finding a balance between quality and price.

 

Typically, VR training software development includes frontend and backend development and 3D aspects, which involve modeling, UV mapping, animation, VFX, etc. There is an option to buy ready-made 3D assets, but they still need to be optimized.

 

Building an MVP version of a VR training app with little design work may require approximately 100 hours. 

 

Developing a simple VR training simulation with little interactivity and design requires approximately 320 hours. 

 

And if you want a complex VR training solution with great interactivity and many custom graphics, it will likely require 8-12 weeks for development.

 

Below, we present approximate prices for building a VR training app.

Approximate prices for building a VR training app

 

It's important to note that these figures provide a sample estimate of costs. After reviewing the estimated cost, reach out for a proposal, enabling us to align on the best strategy and provide you with an accurate quote.

 

 

How Onix Can Help: Our Experience

As a leading development company, the Onix team has experienced VR and AR developers specialists who can help you build top-notch and high-quality VR training solutions that meet your company’s needs, goals, and budget. In this section, we're going to share with you our experience in building VR training solutions. 

 

The Onix team built an immersive and detailed VR experience for healthcare professionals.

Detailed VR simulation for healthcare professionals built by Onix

 

Using VR for training, medical staff can immerse themselves in the thematic story, choosing a training set from the main menu. The system will ask the user for further actions at the designated points, affecting the app’s future scenario.

 

Trainees can see hints both in video and audio form. The tree structure allows for creating complex training with the corresponding causative-consecutive results.

 

See the video below:

 

 

As a result, we've managed to build a fully-fledged VR medical training app with mobile VR support, 3D stereo 360 video, several control options, and the tree scenario construction structure.

 

Ready to Revolutionize the Way You Train Your Staff?

VR technology is the future for much of corporate training.

 

And while you're considering whether to implement VR training software, others are already leveraging it. A VR training app can provide a safe learning environment, fun and realistic experience, key training metrics, and many more advantages.

 

Would you like to vastly enhance your corporate training with a progressive VR solution? Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us, and our experts will create a truly immersive experience for your trainees.

 

FAQ

 

What determines the cost of a virtual reality simulator?

The cost of a virtual reality simulator is determined by factors such as the complexity of the hardware and software components, the quality of the VR experience, customization requirements, licensing fees for VR technology, and ongoing maintenance and support costs.

 

Additionally, factors like the scale of the project, the level of interactivity, and the integration of peripherals can also influence the overall cost.

 

What is Virtual Reality training?

Virtual Reality (VR) training is a simulated learning experience in which users interact with 3D worlds and activities using specialized headsets, gloves, and other equipment.

 

VR training offers realistic scenarios that can be used to replicate real-world conditions, providing an immersive and engaging way to learn and practice skills.

 

Can you name real examples of the best free VR training software?

Some of the best free VR training software includes Google Expeditions, Immersive Education Initiative's EDGE, and Mozilla Hubs. Each of these software solutions offers virtual reality simulations that provide users with immersive and engaging learning experiences.

 

What are the benefits of using VR in training?

Using VR in training offers a variety of benefits including:

 

• Increased engagement and motivation for learners due to the immersive experience.
• More realistic simulations that allow users to practice and hone skills with accuracy.
• The ability to quickly and easily create custom scenarios that can be used for various training objectives.
• Cost savings compared to traditional forms of training.

 

Is it possible to create custom virtual reality simulations?

Yes, it is possible to create custom virtual reality simulations. Various tools and software solutions are available that enable users to create custom VR scenes, which can be used for training purposes.

 

Additionally, many of these tools are Open Source or free, allowing users to access the technology without incurring additional costs.

 

Our development team can create a customized VR solution using cutting-edge technology. If you need to create special solutions in the field of virtual and augmented reality, we will be happy to advise and help you.