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Process mapping with a game
Communication about processes
8D Games developed a virtual reality experience for the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB) aimed at (new) employees. The VR experience provides an interactive understanding of all the steps involved in handling a case within the CJIB. Process mapping, but fun!
The challenge
1
Ensure that knowledge from the existing training is retained
2
Achieve the right balance between content and entertainment
3
Use process mapping as the foundation for the game design
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The importance of effective communication about processes
Process mapping is the visualization of processes within organizations. This helps employees understand their role in the larger picture and recognize the consequences if a part of the ‘machinery’ stops or malfunctions. This is crucial, especially for complex and large-scale processes. Additionally, process mapping enhances an organization’s capacity for innovation. When all employees have insight into the organizational processes, they can collectively identify and suggest improvements.
Process mapping often involves texts, diagrams, flowcharts, and tables. These tools help readers understand process information. However, these methods are not attractive or effective for everyone. As a result, process maps and corporate training are often used only once and then shelved. Moreover, not all information is retained after a single course or study session. Can this be done differently?
How we approached it
In developing ‘CJIB in VR,’ we began by analyzing the existing training materials and the needs of the employees. Together with the CJIB, we identified the main learning objectives and created an interactive concept to achieve these goals. The steps involved in handling a case within the CJIB served as the basis for a game design that cleverly taps into human behavior and psychology. We then developed and tested various prototypes with a small group of employees to ensure the content was both engaging and educational. A key challenge was translating complex legal and administrative processes into an understandable and playful environment without compromising the accuracy of the information. By working iteratively and incorporating user feedback, we were able to develop a game that is both educational and entertaining.
These were the results
In ‘CJIB in VR,’ the player assumes the role of a CJIB employee and navigates various scenarios that provide a realistic view of daily tasks. The player is responsible for assessing and handling different customer cases. These tasks can range from re-evaluating an inadequately handled case to answering customer questions and locating the correct information in the system. Through interactive assignments, the player learns to directly apply the theory from the existing training to practical situations.
The VR experience engages all the senses, ensuring better retention of information. This results in a playful and effective learning method that provides employees with a clear overview of the CJIB process. The virtual reality experience is used as a conclusion to the existing corporate training—a great way to solidify acquired knowledge and keep employees motivated to periodically refresh their understanding. After all, ‘putting on the VR headset to play a game’ is much more appealing than diving back into protocol books. An added benefit is that this digital tool can gather data on areas where many employees struggle. This information provides valuable insights for enhancing or supplementing the training materials.
Do you have ambitions to spice up your corporate training? Remember that ‘interactive’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘digital,’ and much can be achieved even with a modest budget. For example, we developed a board game about AI in healthcare that uses scenarios and process mapping (in this case, patient journeys). The game is used worldwide as a conclusion to an online course on the ethical use of artificial intelligence for healthcare professionals!