The market for augmented and virtual reality is set to explode. In fact, a recent Digi-Capital report projects that AR and VR will combine to be a $108 billion market in the next five years. Market researcher IDC projects even great gains, estimating that worldwide revenue from VR and AR could grow from $6.1 billion in 2016 to $ 143.3 billion by 2020. 

Augmented and virtual reality technologies have unique and interesting implications for talent development. For instance, augmented reality has the capability to provide embedded performance support that can assist workers on the job at their moment of need. Meanwhile, virtual reality offers an immersive environment that enables learners to improve skills and change behaviors through realistic practice. 

Case in point: Walmart Academy training centers recently announced that it has plans to incorporate virtual reality learning solutions by the end of 2017. Specifically, by using an Oculus Rift headset, some 140,000 Walmart employees are expected to be trained on simple, real-world customer service scenarios—like dealing with spills or preparing for Black Friday. 

Clearly, with AR and VR technologies becoming more mainstream, learning professionals should consider how they can use them in their own organizations. Chad Udell, managing director of Float, offers a few thoughts on getting started with augmented and virtual reality. 

In particular, Chad recommends that the best way to get started is to personally experiment with these technologies to better understand their capabilities and potential. With your own experience in mind, he says, you can realistically start to think about the types of learning opportunities and solutions that make sense for your company. What’s more, even if your organization is not ready to begin developing and rolling out AR and VR solutions, you’ll be better positioned to move quickly when the time is right. 

If you are interested in getting hands-on experience developing augmented and virtual reality solutions, check out ATD’s LearnNow: Getting Started with Augmented and Virtual Reality, facilitated by Chad Udell. In the meantime, be sure to watch Chad’s two-part video series below.  

How to Get Started with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality - Part 1

How to Get Started with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality - Part 2