WTRI

Workplace Technologies Research, Inc. is a small consultancy based in San Diego, California. Comprised of Cognitive Psychologists, Economists, Product Designers and Developers, WTRI are best known for using technology to accelerate learning and develop expertise for businesses in a variety of sectors. One of their main methods for accelerated learning are their FutureView™ Virtual Worlds (specially designed learning simulations contained in Virtual Worlds).

My Role

From 2010-2013, I served as the lead designer for WTRI’s Virtual Mining Simulations. As a Cognitive Scientists specializing in Human-Computer interaction, my job was to serve as the link between the Cognitive Psychologists and the Development team.

Because WTRI is a small consultancy, my responsibilities within the organizing were extremely varied. First, I was part of the research team, constantly visiting mines and interviewing subject matter experts. Second, I served as an associate product manager, guiding the product during its development.  Lastly, I was lead designer. I was responsible for translating high-level psychology concepts into design elements. During this time I also studied and became certified in 3D and Computer-Aided design.

The Theory

The theory is simple: learning happens and expertise develops after repeated failure.  In other words, in order to learn how to do something well, one must fail many times. In order to become the greatest Basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan surely had to miss thousands and thousands of baskets.

However, when it comes to high risk occupations like mining, each failure could very well be your last. For that reason, we developed a simulation in which mining employees can carry out their job and learn safe work practices by reacting to dangerous situations and observing the likely consequences of unsafe behaviors. 

Desktop Research

To begin the project, we had to spend several weeks learning about the mining industry and mines in general. What were the different types of mines? How did they work? What were the risks and typical incidents?

Visits and Interviews

In the initial stages, we visited several mines in the U.S. and Australia. We interviewed the miners, observed their work, and even rode along with them in during their shifts.

Additionally, throughout the entire process we were in constant contact with real mining employees. We conducted interviews and provided updates on a regular basis.

Virtual Worlds and 3d Design

Personally, I had to spend a great amount of time researching 3d design and virtual worlds. I started to teach myself how to design in 3ds Max , animate the objects, and import them into the virtual world platforms.

Eventually WTRI even paid for me to take courses at the Virtual Design and Construction Institute. I earned certificates in 3d and Computer-Aided Design.

The Environment and the Equipment

The first thing we had to do was design the entire virtual environment.  For this, I personally created and imported almost every single 3d element into the virtual world: the vehicles, the uniforms, the buildings, the tools, and even the mine itself.

The Roles and the Flow

For the product we had to design based on the actual roles and workflows within the mine. The managers, the truck drivers, the maintenance crew, etc. all had to be able to carry out their jobs within the virtual simulation.

The Event Generator and Disaster Database

Because this was a safety simulation, we had to design a database of possible dangerous events. Not only did we have to define the incidents, but we also had to set their probabilities. Some events were assigned random probabilities (weather events, geological events, etc.).  Others had to have probabilities set based on the actions of the users (if user doesn’t inspect tires before their shift, increase the probability of tire explosion).

Once we had the database generating random events, we actually had to hook it up to the virtual world. This was where my job was as lead designer was very important. If the database told me that there was a tire explosion, I had to make it appear in the actual virtual world. Not only that, but I had to define and design the possible actions the user could perform in order to deal with each specific incident.

Metrics and Feedback

One of the advantages of virtual simulations is that we can measure nearly everything that happens. Designing the metrics and feedback meant working with companies to find out their KPIs and what things they wanted to track (ore recovery, loss-time injuries, equipment loss, near misses, etc.). From there, we had to design ways to measure and present these indicators during and after our simulations.  

Immersive Engagement

Learn not just what decisions need to be made, but how and why good decisions are made.

Accelerated Outcomes

Allows users to rehearse scenarios that may happen infrequently in a short period of time.

Detailed feedback mechanisms

Real time feedback and debriefs sensitizes workers to high potential energy interactions

Combining UX, Learning Theory, and Business Analytics

For this product, I had to learn and become proficient in at least 3 different fields

First, I had to serve as a UX Designer. I had to research the users, understand their needs, and design virtual world flows and interactions specifically for them.

Second, I had to study, understand and incorporate theories about accelerated learning. How do people learn? How can they learn faster? How can we help them?

Third, I had to serve as a business analyst as well. What are the KPIs? How do we measure them? How do we improve them?

Platform Independent UX Design

In the end, UX is not about a specific platform. It doesn’t matter if you are designing for virtual worlds, mobile apps, websites, or physical processes. UX Design is a way of thinking. No matter the product, no matter the industry, you must learn to research the users, understand their needs, and design specifically for them.