Please join the DDINC team on April 9 for the 2014 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education conference and take a sneak peek at our amazing line-up of speakers, panels, workshops, sim demonstrations, poster presentations, and more. The online conference covers a wide range of subjects concerning virtual worlds and how we use these for education, virtual reality, smart games, arts and science, and the future of technology. We are very pleased to announce that our own President, Andrew Hughes, will be a featured Keynote Speaker at this year’s conference. Andrew is speaking about how utilizing Virtual Worlds and Gamification has enhanced learning and recruiting for corporations and universities. We look forward to seeing you all at the conference this year, and for more information please visit the Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education Conference website! Below is the detailed information about Andrew’s presentation: Featured Keynote: Using Virtual Worlds and Gamification to Enhance Learning Presenter: Andrew Hughes, CEO Designing Digitally Date/Time: Friday April 11th, at 7:00am PDT Location: Second Life - VWBPE Central Auditorium  

Think of any training project you have been involved in. Now, ask yourself, was it successful? Better yet, do you know what success for that particular training project should look like? If you answered no to either of those questions, or you answered yes by looking at how many people participated or received a passing grade, then you should take a closer look at needs analysis. Learning takes many different forms. The one most of us are familiar with is the passing on, or creation of, knowledge. This is the basis for traditional academic learning. However, most training, or at least successful training, isn’t simply academic in nature. We train because we are looking to do more than affect cognitive abilities. We train because we also want to affect behavior. This means that just measuring participation or passing won’t tell us if we were successful. Instead, we need to measure behavior, but not just any behavior. We need to make sure we are training to, and taking measurements of, the right behavior. This is where Needs Analysis helps out. What It Is In short, Needs Analysis is used to identify the gap between a desired behavior and the actual behavior, then map out how to remove the gap. Lots of different experts have come up with lots of different ways to perform a Needs Analysis, some even have helpful fill in the blank worksheets. But all of these variations have a few key points in common. The first is to start with a clear understanding of the problem or behavior you want to effect. Then, work out what is affecting it. How It Works Say you’re looking to reduce the number of back strain injuries at your warehouse facility. You have the behavior you want to affect, but to be successful, you still need to know why the injuries are happening. It could be that your employees don’t know proper lifting procedures. It could be that they do know but because of time or other pressures, they aren’t following procedures. It’s also possible that ignoring procedures has become a modeled behavior from more senior employees. Knowing which is your root cause helps ensure you can deliver the appropriate training, and deliver it to the appropriate audience. In a nut shell, you need to first define the problem and discover its cause, before you can build the right solution. What you need is Needs Analysis. Needs Analysis will help you take the gap between your employees’ current performance and your ideal goal for their performance and mold it into training that addresses and overcomes that gap. Perhaps your research reveals that the increase in back injuries is due to time constraints or pressures rather than lack of knowledge. You now know you need to create training focusing on ways your employees can manage their time on the job more efficiently. If you’d created your training without Needs Analysis, you might have assumed lack of knowledge was the reason for their injuries, and the training you developed from this would be less effective for them and more costly to you. Needs Analysis will fully equip you to create successful training for your staff. You’ll have a larger, fuller picture of your target audience and the steps you need to take to elicit improved behavior from them. You’re much more likely to get the results you’re looking for if you give it a chance to work for you.

The analysis phase of e-learning project development is perhaps the most critical as it helps you uncover information that is crucial for your project to be successful with your intended audience. There are several different types of analysis you should be aware of, all of which play an integral role in the overall operation and success of the project. Different Types of Analysis It is a good idea to perform the below types of analysis at various stages of your e-learning project. Some types of analysis require little effort and research, whereas others call for a more in-depth look at your organizational documents, audience surveys, and more. Needs Analysis Needs Analysis is used to determine the gap between where you currently are and where you’d ideally like to be. With this learning gap identified, you’ll be able to tailor the learning experience more effectively for your future users. You will get the information for a needs analysis from speaking with your targeted audience, managers, instructors, and human resource staff members. A great way to collect the information you are looking for is to conduct surveys and provide questionnaires to your users in order to assess their knowledge and skill-level prior to them engaging in your e-learning project. User Analysis User analysis is another important type of analysis that will help your developers better understand the audience. In taking a more in-depth look at the target audience group, you will then be able to design an e-learning project that they will respond to and be willing to participate in. It is helpful to identify the following in order to get a good idea of who your users are and what elements they will respond to and are looking for in an e-learning project: Demographics Education level Computer literacy Preferred type of learning Work responsibilities & roles Social characteristics The best way to get this information is to conduct interviews and provide surveys to your targeted group. Task Analysis A Task Analysis looks at the specific tasks your users will have to perform and what the intended learning outcomes of your project are. During this study you will be able to break down the tasks associated with a specific job role, skill, or learning outcome. This may include looking at task descriptions, difficulty of tasks, skills and equipment required, and the role of the environment in completing the tasks. In order to get this information you should speak with those considered experts in the field, look over relevant training materials, and observe those in the field. Important Analysis Questions To get a better idea of what you need to do in order to set your learners up for success with your e-learning project, it may be helpful for you to ask the following questions during the analysis phase: What do you expect users to be able to do once they have finished your course or training program? Have you found any specific performance mistakes that new users are making regularly? What resources or training tools do experts use to perform the specific tasks? Do you know the consequences the learner will experience if they fail to successfully complete your course? E-learning is a wonderful tool used for training and as a way to provide knowledge to interested individuals in a controlled and accessible manner. In order to ensure your project is successful and users are engaged, it is important to perform the above listed types of analysis. By taking a deeper look at the intended tasks, audience, and needs, you will better be able to control whether or not people are getting what you desired out of the course or module. Contact us today so we can help your organization with a needs analysis.

Drive Vermont has helped over 10,000 permit drivers learn the rules and regulations of driving in the State of Vermont. Franklin, OH April 15th 2014 - Designing Digitally, Inc., a full-service interactive design company, has partnered with the State of Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles to create an innovative learning experience for learner’s permit drivers in Vermont. This HTML5-developed free interactive program has been designed to help residents of Vermont learn to drive safely. The user-friendly system is visually appealing and accessible across multiple devices. The specifications for the project included accessibility features as well as access for users with low bandwidth or limited computer systems. With this in mind, Designing Digitally, Inc. built a fully HTML5 interactive learning experience that works on all major platforms and tablets. Logging in allows users to start back where they left off at any time, leaving them free to explore each 3D lesson at a comfortable pace. To reinforce what they’ve learned, users will encounter scenario-based questions that include multiple choice, drag and drop, matching, and even controlling a virtual vehicle through scenarios. At the end, learners will take a simulated drivers exam which prepares them for the DMV-issued exam they must pass to receive their driver’s permit. The HTML5 learning experience was developed with a web-based back-end learning management system to make it user-friendly for Vermont DMV’s administrators. By logging into the control panel, administrators can review all analytical data about students, groups, quiz questions, and the learning experience as a whole. They can also edit assessment questions at any given time. This allows the State of Vermont the freedom to update the system on their own as their policies and procedures evolve. Abby Hughes, Director of Business Affairs at Designing Digitally, Inc., remarked that, "Developing this tool for the Vermont DMV has been a great experience. It is always a delight to work with them." You can visit Drive Vermont at: http://drivevermont.vermont.gov/ You can read the case study at: http://www.designingdigitally.com/portfolio/elearning/drivevermont

What does it really take to have a strong, instructionally sound serious game? This is the question everyone is trying to answer in the training industry. With over a decade of experience we have perfected this approach to developing sound Instructional Design for Serious Games and would like to share with you our expertise. So rather than just tell you about it, we’ve created a HTML5 interactive infographic explaining the proper steps that will ensure you are following the Best Practices for Instructional Design of Serious Games. Click the image below to review these best practices and contact us today about having your serious game developed!  

An important aspect in serious game development is the use of analytics. Analytics, and more specifically learning analytics, signify the measurement, compilation, and analysis of data for the purpose of optimizing learning outcomes. Analytics are basically "actionable insights," which means they allow you to take a deeper look at the overall performance of a serious game and determine whether or not it is meeting your game objective. Understanding what, exactly, analytics are and why they are important to serious game development will help you in the design process and also in assessing the educational gain of your game. Why Analytics Are Important You may be wondering why it is a good idea (or necessary) to go the extra mile and perform an additional analysis. The answer is that learning analytics and assessments give you the data and information you need to measure how effectively the game is achieving your intended goal. There is also an additional benefit in that analytics provide you with detailed insight into what adjustments you can make to improve your results further. Analytics collect data and information about the user's experience throughout the game. This information indicates which tasks, rewards, and challenges are helping the learners accomplish the overall objective of the game and which areas they might be struggling with. There are various methods that can be used to collect data, all of which will give you a clearer perspective about how your game is performing and how your audience is interacting with it. The more data you have at your disposal, the greater your ability to make decisions that will ensure success. There are numerous ways developers can collect the necessary data, including the following:   Logging into the game as soon as the user begins, quits, or finishes - This will allow you to notate how many people played the game, how many actually finished it, and how many quit before completing Notating phase changes - This applies to games that are divided into phases or levels By recording when a user finishes a phase, you will be able to determine how the user is distributing their time within the game Logging user performance - This is done by recording when a user hits a certain milestone or level, which will help you establish the user's performance in the game Recording user interaction - This information can be used to determine whether or not a user understands the game mechanics   Learning analytics in serious games are imperative to the success of the project. There are many different methods that may fit best with your specific needs, and you must align the analytics to the goals and the learning outcomes. By making a point of collecting data and tracking user progress and other key points throughout the game, you should then be able to determine what is working and what isn't. Once you have a good understanding of how well certain objectives are being met and which are falling short, you will be better informed and able to adjust the game as necessary.

You may be thinking about investing in a serious game, or you may have a serious game already. We’re excited for you either way! Designing Digitally, Inc wants to help you along the way. We have a few questions for you once you have your serious game complete. So now that your serious game is built, what are you going to do? Go live with it and wait? Tell your coworkers? Make a blog post about it? Create a case study? Also, how are you measuring success and failure? What analytics are you tracking? More importantly, how are you marketing this to become a success? These are some of the many questions left to answer after the project is complete. Often times, when we are approached about a serious game, the focus is on the development of the game, and not so much how it is going to be utilized by client’s employees. The industry has the mindsets that once you build a serious game, people are just going to play it and reach your learning objective. This is called the Field of Dreams mentality; and it has failed our industry many times over. To ensure your serious game is a true success, you must have an integrated marketing plan in place. Our team at Designing Digitally, Inc. creates award winning serious games that have been proven to provide a positive return on investment. Companies that realize a high ROI from serious games do so because of a three reasons. First, creating an interactive and effective learning experience. Second, the serious game is engaging and entertaining; keeping the learner coming back to play. Finally, companies that realize a high ROI implement internal marketing strategies to encourage learners to play. To help with your internal marketing efforts, we have provided a list of five suggestions we hope you find useful. 1. High Score Board - Provide people with free lunches or bragging rights if they are a top performer at your game that week. Put the scoreboard on a TV or digital board so it is visible every day. Also, give employees reminders in emails of their scores, and use the board as much as you can in your existing marketing efforts. 2. Badge Awards - Provide individual awards for completing particular achievements. Such as, improving their rank on the leaderboard by 10 places in a month, or having the most cross sells per quarter within the game. 3. Make it a part of your Integrated Marketing Offerings - Encourage a culture where employees want to become top performers. Send people home as new hires with your game and inform them all top performers get to choose where they sit after their ninety day trial period. 4. Use more than money - Money goes a long way, but status is more important to people. For instance; why are we hesitant to tell people how much money we have in the bank, yet we splurge on luxury vehicles? It shows status. Use the leaderboards to show status to low performers and present them with just a few people above them that they can surpass with little effort. 5. Be a key player - Nothing encourages employee involvement like executive involvement. Imagine how much fun your employees would have trying to top your executive team’s scores. What better way to show the benefits of the skills the game reinforces than by having your executive staff also participating? Leading by example is one of the fastest ways to encourage greater morale and more active participation. Even though your serious game was built, there is much work to be done once it’s complete. Work that is often times overlooked by the industry. The team at Designing Digitally, Inc. hopes this educates our audience on what happens after the serious game is built, and how you can get the most from your game. For more information on how Designing Digitally, Inc. can help you develop and implement your serious game, contact us today!

Learning is an ever-important aspect of workplace training that has been transitioning to more informal methods over the last few years. The rise in the popularity of tablets, smartphones, and numerous social media platforms has changed the way organizations train employees and relay important information and policy changes. By embracing a learning culture and being open to change and adaptation across the board, businesses are not only setting their companies up for success, but are creating a more positive and effective environment for employees. Informal Learning Explained Informal learning is typically defined as "learning that takes place independently from instructor-led classes or course-specific work such as self-study programs, performance support materials and systems, coaching, mentoring, and/or online community-based learning through social and business networks." Informal learning approaches are seen as extremely useful and effective, largely because they are opening the door for social and interactive ways to soak up information. Examples of informal learning practices include team-building sessions that are comprised of employee/supervision collaboration and brainstorming. Yet another example of effective informal learning techniques includes "lunch and learn sessions," which offer the opportunity for employees to receive training while having lunch catered in or going out of the office for the meal. Other suggestions for developing a supportive and successful workplace through informal learning practices include the following:  Reward learning champions Have employees write book reviews Recognize learning achievements Use technology to share knowledge Encourage supervisors to become mentors and coaches Develop an informative self-instruction manual Share articles, books, and websites that leaders find useful Using social media as an informal learning technique can be a very effective tool if used correctly. Social media resources enable employees to seek out information and ideas on their own, which will allow for more resources and areas to get information from. Once again, social media also encourages employee collaboration and serves as a great platform for sharing ideas and mingling.  The Positive Impact of Informal Learning Informal learning methods promote the idea that working and learning are intertwined. Even though learning takes place at an individual level, by creating a learning environment that uses alternative techniques and supports collaboration and self-designed learning, businesses are changing the workforce. Informal learning methods give a better measurement of how employees are responding to training and help determine what should be changed in order to be more effective. This ability to evaluate reactions and attitudes towards the information that is being conveyed is hugely important to the overall success of a business. In the end, informal learning is impacting the business world on a social level and showing that it is important for companies to encourage curiosity and continue to come up with new methods and solutions for workplace issues. Creating a workplace where employees can collaborate easily, share ideas, and bounce information off of one another is a great way to establish a more positive work environment where individuals want to learn and be a part of the bigger picture. Through informal learning techniques and practices, you will be able to encourage employees to get involved and have more stock in your company. By establishing a climate that fosters learning, you are making positive steps for your company’s future and the future of your employees.  Contact Us today to learn more about ways we can help your organization create a successful informal learning program. 

Designing Digitally, Inc., a full-service, interactive E-Learning and Serious Business Games development company, has been selected for the 2014 TrainingIndustry.com Content Development Companies Watch List. "The strength of 2014 Content Development Companies Watch List demonstrates the growth this segment has been experiencing," Ken Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Training Industry, Inc. "The selected companies offer superior custom content services for all in-demand training subject areas." "This year’s Content Development Watch List showcases an expanded list of companies that are striving to provide their clients with quality, inventive, custom content to fully maximize their training investments," said Doug Harward, Chief Executive Officer, Training Industry, Inc. Regarding the nomination, President Andrew Hughes, of Designing Digitally, Inc. said, "We are honored to be selected for the 2014 Top Content Development Company watch list for the second year in a row. We look forward to enhancing our clients’ online learning experiences during 2014 and for years to come." You may view the 2014 Content Development Companies Watch List by clicking here. About Designing Digitally, Inc.: Designing Digitally, Inc. is a full-service E-Learning development firm and serious game developer. Located in Franklin, Ohio, Designing Digitally, Inc. has developed a number of serious business games and simulations, virtual worlds, and E-Learning solutions for companies around the country and the globe. Designing Digitally, Inc.’s overall goal is to add value to the clients that they serve by creating engaging, educational, and entertaining learning solutions. Interested in learning more about Serious Business Games and our development process? Read what our clients say about us and contact us today!  

In the 1989 cult classic Field of Dreams, mysterious voices instructed Kevin Costner, a struggling Iowa corn farmer, to build an elaborate baseball field amidst his crops. As the soft whispers on the wind told Costner, "If you build it, they will come," he felt an overwhelming desire to blindly construct his ballpark…even though the act would almost surely bankrupt him. Modern-day software developers often take on the same type of "Field of Dreams" mentality when they design Serious Games, 3D Simulations, E-Learning and other titles, simply because they believe that consumers will come out of the woodworks for a chance to play them. While this is true in a select number of cases, the vast majority of software titles end up never taking off for a number of reasons. We have listed some of these shortcomings below- An Abundance of Smart Marketing Have you ever noticed that epic blockbuster movies coming out of Hollywood are often advertised months in advance of the initial screenings? That’s because a smart marketing campaign will try to build up tremendous hype by the time release day comes around, so that consumers will work themselves into a frenzy with anticipation. The exact same concept should be applied to Serious Games, 3D Simulations and E-Learning, but only a handful of companies take pre-launch marketing strategies to heart. In fact, it is often only an afterthought due to tight budgets and inadequate planning, with developers expecting word of mouth to flood their online servers right from the start. It simply does not work this way. Gameplay that Exceeds Consumer Expectations It is also vital for Serious Games developers to make sure that the titles being created are in-line with what consumers are currently searching for. While it would appear that the main goal would be to create a title that’s extremely entertaining, the client will also expect a great learning experience that will empower his employees for years to come. At the end of the day, both traits need to be delivered because today’s brand of gamer is extremely unforgiving when it comes to even minor glitches, confusing gameplay and/or storyline issues. In today’s gaming world, "pretty good" is no longer good enough. From having a polished feel to implementing a simple user-face, developers have to ensure that their software titles can deliver a wow factor straight out of the box. At the same time, however, it is also important to keep in mind that over-developing a game is also a sure-fire path to failure, since it will be extremely difficult to become profitable. Enticing Player Rewards & Incentives Likewise, a great 3D simulation or E-Learning module will not only deliver fantastic content, it will also keep players motivated to advance. The easiest way to make this happen is to create very clear objectives and incentivize them with rewards, advancements or some type of prestige. Be forewarned though; the incentives have to present actual value to hold the gamer’s attention. Take Google News, for example, and their "News Badges" that were handed out for reading different types of content. This campaign started in mid-2011 to give readers a feel of an extra accomplishment for getting their daily doses of world news from the Internet giant, but the campaign ultimately backfired. Nobody cared that they had an extra icon next to their name because it was meaningless, and some even took offense to the obviously shallow marketing tactic. While it may seem like our staff at Designing Digitally, Inc. has Jedi-like powers due to our proven track record, our success has come from understanding what motivates the end-user to have fun and strive towards victory. Feel free to contact us to see how we can educate and inspire your organization.