We were extraordinarily successful with our quality training product, launched almost 3 decades ago. We gained over 500,000 users, across Microsoft, GE, Toyota and hundreds of others. The reason for our success was interactive games and exercises.
Our initial product was built with a tool called Authorware (now removed from sale by Adobe). It was long before popularization of the word 'gamification'. Since that time, development tools have multiplied greatly but capabilities have gone backwards. Today the aim of tools is churning out junk as quickly as possible. Talking head with text, clip art, continue button is the norm. Many tools now promote converting boring Powerpoint into even more boring e-learning. Many promote 'gamification' with standard 'pop out' games that would make even a 3 year old yawn.
The key to gamification is that games:
- must be directly relevant to the topic, which means the must be customized (we use true historical situations to great effect)
- must be FUN, so much so that even the developer has fun playing them dozens of times
- produce a worthwhile learning outcome.
- able to be played meaningfully by anyone of any ability, from gamers to novices
The above is not possible with the current generation of 'pop out' tools.
Almost a decade ago, we set out on a revolutionary new path ... to develop a full training package in quality and Lean, using a 3D game engine. The result has been far better than I could have ever imagined. The medium has allowed more interactive games and far more interactive exercises. It has meant tens of thousands of lines of C# code, so development is not for the faint hearted. However, an ability to customize has opened endless possibilities. Literally, anything that can be imagined is possible ... well, almost anyways. Our product is about 8 hours training in quality and Lean, equivalent to 2 days' classroom training ... but far more fun than the classroom. There's over 50 modules across over 40 scenes, teaching every key aspect of quality.
It runs on PC's, tablets and phones. Central reporting on employee progress and quiz scores.
Hopefully we will see others follow our lead in using 3D game engines, to develop far more motivating and engaging training than is the norm today.