Virtual Reality (VR) can support effective and scalable training for procedures presented as step-by-step processes in machinery use, such as in an engineering room. Currently, many procedures are trained in closed experiences that do not allow for human errors or interaction with real subjects or machinery. Our goal is to address this gap by using VR training tools for guided procedural learning. To achieve this, we applied an existing methodology for designing such systems, called ProtoColVR, to develop a VR training simulation prototype for emergency procedures within an engineering room on a ship. The simulator, called OPVSim, employs end-to-end instruction, including a VR controls tutorial, step-by-step guided training based on graphs, offering different paths to the same goal, with feedback on correct and incorrect actions. We conducted a study with two groups of participants-cadets in training and experienced officers-to assess the effectiveness of the system developed using the described methodology. The study results reveal positive trends, including increased knowledge scores after using the simulator, and favorable outcomes for the prototype in terms of usability, presence, and workload. We discuss our findings, limitations, and the implications for designing VR training systems for guided procedural learning.

We present ProtoColVR, a methodology and a plugin designed for gathering requirements and collaborative rapid prototyping of virtual reality training simulators. Our methodology outlines the utilization of current technologies, the involvement of stakeholders during design and development, and the implementation of simulator creation through multiple iterations. We incorporate open-source tools and freely available environments like Twine and Unity to establish a reference implementation for requirements gathering and rapid prototyping. ProtoColVR is the outcome of our collaboration with a hospital and our Navy, and it has undergone testing in a development Jam. From these tests, we have gained valuable insights, including the ability to create functional prototypes within multidisciplinary teams, enhance communication among different roles, and streamline requirements gathering while improving our understanding of the virtualized environment.

This paper shows how current collaborative virtual environments (VEs) such as Mozilla Hubs and AltspaceVR can aid in the task of requirements gathering in VR for simulation and training. We performed a qualitative study on our use of these technologies in the requirements gathering of two projects. Our results show that requirements gathering in virtual reality has an impact on the process of requirements identification. We report advantages and shortcomings that will be of interest to future practitioners. For example, we found that VR sessions for requirements gathering in current VEs could benefit from better pointers and better sound quality. Current VEs are useful for the requirements gathering task in the development of VR simulators and VR training environments.