InfoComm 2019

Julian Abich, Ph.D., Sr. Human Factors Engineer

Last month I attended InfoComm 2019 in Orlando, FL. InfoComm is the "largest audiovisual and integrated experience event in North America." Why did my bosses make me go? Well, at the time, we didn't know, but the goal was to explore how other industries are approaching the user experience through technological innovations and see if there is potential benefit for training, human factors intervention, and/or human performance assessment. Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) have become popularized by the entertainment industry, boosting interest and technological advancements, and look where they are being used now. I came across a few potential products, such as a carbon fiber mesh screen that generates holographic images with the use of a projector, which provides 3D visualizations without the need of glasses. Can you see the benefit?

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On the exhibit floor, InfoComm offers free educational sessions at their Center Stage. There I learned about how a Fortune 500 copper mining company was using digital signage to connect its workforce in the field. Through its application, safety has improved and communication is more effective across the local, regional, and national levels. Their representative made an interesting comment about content novelty: one of the most effective ways to ensure employees pay attention to signs was to make sure the content was regularly updated and fresh. How can that concept be applied to the training industry?

Another session discussed how classrooms in over 60 schools across Manatee County, FL were revitalized with new displays and tablets. The concept was to update decade old-technology with modern equipment to better serve digital natives. The most important thing I got from this, which is something we at QIC champion as well, was that they weren't simply replacing physical white boards with digital ones, but were leveraging the technology to engage students by presenting the learning content in various ways, such as short videos or interactive exercises. The experience of learning is just as important as the content being learned, and this technology allowed them to create individual learning experiences for their students. How are you helping generate individualized learning experiences?
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The takeaway is not to get stuck in your view of the world. There are many facets to a problem, each requiring a different perspective. Step outside and see what everyone else is up to, it will broaden your mind and fuel the spark for innovation.

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