VR Training for College of American Pathologists

VR Training for College of American Pathologists

Immersive onboarding experience for new lab staff at the College of American Pathologists
2025
Year
Mixed Reality
Tech
CAP
Client
What’s CAP Training VR App?

We developed a VR training experience for the College of American Pathologists to support internal onboarding and staff adaptation. The goal was to help new employees understand the role and structure of the organization’s laboratories, including what pathologists do, how different divisions operate, and what types of equipment and procedures are involved.

Through this interactive and gamified VR simulation, users can explore a realistic lab environment, interact with equipment, meet virtual colleagues, and perform basic tasks in key lab departments such as Chemistry, Cytology, Histology, Hematology, Molecular, Microbiology, and Blood Bank.

To guide users throughout the experience, we implemented AI-generated voice narration and interactive NPCs (non-player characters) that speak directly with users and provide real-time instructions via AI Text-to-Speech systems.

 

Client’s wants & needs
Onboarding Through VR Simulation

Design an immersive experience to introduce new employees to the lab ecosystem and help them understand the role of each department.

Interactive Gamified Training

Make the learning process engaging through mini-tasks, challenges, and interactions with lab staff and tools.

Accurate Virtual Lab Environment

Recreate real-world lab spaces, equipment, and workflows as close to reality as possible — including microscopes, analyzers, and lab stations.

Dual Deployment: VR + Desktop

Provide two delivery options: one for Meta Quest VR headsets and another for Windows desktop use, with matching functionality and assets.

Educational Scoring System

Integrate a progress-tracking and scoring system to reward users who complete the full experience.

How we did it?
01
Content Discovery & Scenario Design

We held in-depth collaboration sessions with the client to understand lab workflows and drafted a simplified yet accurate VR-compatible training script. Medical details were adapted for clarity and user engagement.

02
3D Environment & Equipment Modeling

Based on reference photos and technical specifications provided by the client, we recreated the entire BrightSide laboratory — including all rooms, departments, and lab machinery — in high-detail 3D.

 

03
AI Voice Guidance & NPC Integration

To improve onboarding clarity and reduce user confusion, we implemented AI Text-to-Speech voiceovers and embedded NPC lab staff who interact with the player. These virtual guides deliver instructions, contextual information, and training prompts in natural spoken language.

04
Interaction & Gameplay Development

We implemented core mechanics such as teleportation, task assignments, phone calls, interactions with lab equipment (e.g., microscopes), and decision-making moments. Users complete hands-on tasks and receive instructions from virtual characters.

 

05
Feedback Loop & Revisions

The app was tested internally by the client, who provided domain-specific corrections. We implemented all required changes to meet educational and usability standards for the medical sector.

06
Cross-Platform Deployment

After finalizing the experience, we optimized it for two platforms:
1. Meta Quest 2 and 3 VR version
2. Windows desktop version for standard PCs and laptops

Challenges we overcame

Understanding and adapting highly specialized medical workflows for a VR format

Recreating complex lab machinery and processes in an accessible and interactive way

Balancing scientific accuracy with simplicity to avoid overwhelming new employees

Ensuring compatibility across both VR and desktop platforms

Implementing AI-powered voice guidance that sounds natural and responds to user pacing

Project results

The College of American Pathologists now uses this application as part of its employee onboarding process. It helps new and existing staff better understand internal lab operations and their role within the broader organization.

The company also benefits from a stronger employer brand, showcasing innovation in HR training and medical education. The simulation has improved engagement, reduced adaptation time, and created a more memorable introduction to the workplace.

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