Troubleshooting an Industrial AC Motor

Background

The International Society of Automation requested the development of a proprietary interactive online simulation that provides a safe and immersive environment for learners to practice effective communication, determine correct versus incorrect wiring procedures, and go through a series of troubleshooting steps to determine various causes of an electrical trip (e.g., incorrect and/or damaged wiring, overload condition caused by the machine that a motor is attached to, bad fuses and/or breakers, bad winding in the motor, and more).  A major requirement of this project was to recreate an industrial motor control unit and measurement tools (i.e., multimeter, probes, swivel clamp meter, locks, tags, etc.) in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.  This was a large custom graphics development job, and it was needed to allow for a fully accurate and engaging simulation.

Workflow

  • Simulation Design & Development

  • Advanced Variables Programming

  • Illustration

  • Graphic Design

  • Video Production & Editing

  • Audio Narration & Editing

 General Project Length: Up to 4 Months

The Result

Learners use this highly engaging 3-part simulation in a blended learning environment to work through a series of decision-making processes to troubleshoot, repair, test, and review issues with a malfunctioning factory conveyor that normally moves a line of frozen treats. 

While interacting with this simulation, learners are: 

  • Reminded to follow safety protocol to avoid a hazard

  • Prompted to view and carefully examine technical labels and diagrams to effectively service the industrial AC motor 

  • Given the opportunity to test various components to read electrical measurements

  • Allowed opportunities to fail in a safe environment

  • Provided useful feedback throughout the exercise to help with critical thinking

  • Allowed opportunities to test their work by safely closing the motor control unit before testing.

Standard Level 1: Basic Interaction Workflow

The standard design, development, and implementation of one eLearning solution of complex interaction includes:

  • Branded user interface

  • Complex variable and trigger programming

  • Character persona included to formally guide each lesson

  • Custom navigation

  • Custom UX (user experience) design

  • Interactive knowledge check and post-assessment questions with detailed feedback (e.g., drag-and-drop, matching, hotspot, free-form, and other interactive question types)

  • Custom interaction development (e.g., drag-and-drop, hotspot, click and reveal, 360 degree environments, tabbed interaction, media gallery, carousel gallery, etc.)

  • Professional photography, including 360-degree photography and interactive design

  • Professional video planning, production, and post-production

  • Repurposed learning design for instructor-led training, on-the-job training, in-person evaluation, etc.

  • Professional audio narration

  • Stock images

  • Embedded video

  • Learner evaluation

  • Custom completion status indication for each lesson within the module, Section 508 compliance