Samsung Electronics has a vibrant culture that plays a signihcant role in how it operates. It takes a lot for new hires to fully comprehend the unique history and cultural significances that have enabled Samsung to dominate the consumer electronics and mobile industries. We were on a mission to find a more effective solution to onboard our employees that did not involve a costly trip to South Korea.
The solution was right in our backyard. We decided to use VR 360 video technology to transport our employees virtually to Korea. A benefit of VR 360 videos is the ability for the user to empathize with its content. It is referred to as the “total empathy machine.” These immersive experiences have a physiological effect on the body that allows users to connect with content in a deeper way. It transports users into experiences that trick the brain into thinking it is actually there. It is these tricks that make the experience more memorable and impactful.
What You’ll Need
When looking to shoot and deliver your own custom VR 360 videos, the Samsung Gear 360 4K camera, combined with the Samsung Gear VR Headset and a compatible smartphone, are economical choices. You’ll also need a microSDXC memory card and a tripod. That’s it.
The Gear 360 is point-and-shoot. The free Gear 360 PC/Mac app is an easy way to transfer videos from your camera to your laptop. Finally, you’ll need basic video editing skills using programs such as Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere. Both support editing and publishing 360 video content.
We identified areas to shoot in pre-production: HQ’s Digital City, Samsung Innovation Museum, Fabrication Factory, Samsung Electronics Leadership Center, and sites around Seoul. We developed a project plan, detailed checklist, and shot list for each video story. Our Learning and Development (L&D) colleague in Korea was the liaison with each facility, and Korean subject matter experts (SMEs) and on-screen talent were used. Always plan to scout the location ahead of the shoot to determine the various shots you’ll need, and then start a storyboard for each story.
When shooting 360 video, you can’t hide behind the camera, due to the front- and rear-facing lenses. Take into consideration the camera’s location and proximity to places the crew can “hide.” Using a Samsung smartphone as your camera remote allows you to control the camera from a safely hidden spot 30 to 40 feet away.
After the shoot, you’ll transfer the raw video to your computer using the Gear 360 Mac/PC app. The app “stitches” front/rear views together so you can edit. Editing 4K 360 video footage requires a high-end computer for adjusting orientation of the 360 sphere, adding 2-D text, or graphics/logos inside the 360 sphere. Finally, both editing apps publish your 360 videos in the proper file format required for playback in the headset.
Positive Results
In our onboarding program when we review the company history, we have users put on the VR gear and transport them to the Samsung Innovation Museum. When we review cultural awareness, we immerse them in a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant and review proper business dinner etiquette. Following each experience, the facilitator leads a discussion on how to apply this knowledge in their role at Samsung.
The results were positive: 96 percent of participants agreed (60 percent strongly agreed) that using the Gear VR equipment enhanced their learning experience positively. Additionally, 73 percent stated that using this tool increased their effectiveness in their role by more than 50 percent.
The future of learning is available now, and this technology will make your onboarding programs more impactful.
To learn more about this initiative, including a more detailed look at the 360 video production process, join us at our session at Training’s Online Learning Conference 2018 in Chicago. Visit www.onlinelearningconference.com and register today!
Steven Skiles and Bill Shafer develop learning media for Samsung Electronics America. Skiles has been an L&D professional for more than 17 years and leads the Learning Technology team. Shafer celebrates five years a t Samsung and has been working in L&D in the Dallas area for more than 21 years.