Challenge

The client sought a way to replace part of their face-to-face hot-foods training with a more scalable, standardized digital experience.

They needed a simulation that would:

• teach step-by-step preparation standards
• reinforce food-safety processes
• reduce training time across stores
• improve consistency of work product
• support both visual and hands-on learners
• provide a safe way to practice tasks before entering the kitchen

The goal was to evaluate whether digital training could enhance or partially replace in-person instruction.

Solution

The 3D am/pm virtual kitchen functioned as an interactive training environment where employees both learned and performed real tasks under guided conditions.

A virtual kitchen that supported multiple learning styles

The simulation allowed learners to:

• move through the kitchen at their own pace
• interact with ovens, warmers, freezers, trays, tools, and packaged foods
• perform required steps in sequence
• receive text, voiceover, and visual cues reinforcing food-safety and quality

Training through interaction and performance

Learners carried out actions such as:

• opening appliances
• placing food into ovens
• setting timers
• checking doneness
• storing items safely
• completing preparation tasks from start to finish

These interactions created a training experience that was both instructional and assessed, mirroring real kitchen expectations.

Navigation before content

A short onboarding module taught learners how to:

• navigate the space
• interact with objects
• use audio/text instructions

Content + flow design

I storyboarded training modules, wrote voiceover scripts, and defined the actions required to complete each task successfully.

Technical + production contributions

• implemented front-end behaviors using a proprietary XML system for object transforms, animations, and timing
• coordinated closely with a programmer and 3D art team
• directed voiceover talent and integrated narration

Role

• End-to-end product management for a distributed team
• UX design for the simulation experience
• Front-end development and interaction design
• Storyboarding and instructional content writing
• Voiceover direction and integration
• Coordination with trainers, SMEs, and project stakeholders

Outcome

A third-party research firm evaluated the simulation in three phases before deployment. Results showed clear benefits across accuracy, efficiency, and preparedness.

Pre-deployment testing (simulation vs. face-to-face control groups)

Accuracy

• Two modules showed 67% and 83% improvements in accuracy compared to the control group.

Efficiency

• 60%, 77%, and 80% of simulation learners completed concepts faster across three modules.

Preparedness

• Learners reported feeling slightly less prepared than face-to-face trainees…
• …but trainers judged the simulation learners as more prepared to operate independently, showing higher actual readiness.

Consistency

• One module showed stronger consistency among simulation learners;
• Control learners were more consistent in three others.

Overall: the data showed clear advantages for accuracy and speed.

Post-deployment (1,150 stores)

• 60% of store managers rated the simulation “very useful” (highest rating).
• Unannounced testers found 69% of simulation-trained employees answered open-ended questions correctly vs. 52% of those trained traditionally.
• One key food-safety item showed 77% correct performance across all stores.
• Another item showed 81% correct performance among simulation-trained staff vs. 78% among non-simulation stores.

Expert recommendation

Both trainers and the research firm concluded that simulation training excelled at detailed task mastery, and was best paired with hands-on practice for the qualitative judgment calls required in a fast-paced kitchen.