A001 / Democratization of Expertise
Holoroom How To
Honored at the 2015 Augmented World Expo
Selected as the Best Enterprise Solution at the 2015 Auggie Awards
Democratization of Expertise
Teaching DIY skills in a fun, interactive virtual reality environment
Once you start a home improvement project, there's no turning back. And in many cases, there’s no way to get hands-on experience other than to start the project.
At Lowe’s Innovation Labs, we’re looking to technology to provide skills and confidence without the risk.
We are creating next generation in-store experiences that empower our customers and associates with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to take on new projects.
01
Holoroom V1
Holoroom How To
What it is
Lowe’s pioneered the use of AR/VR technology in retail, extending its application beyond design with Holoroom How to - an immersive in-store VR installation that facilitates scalable DIY skills training.
How it works
By putting on a VR headset and holding a controller in each hand, the user is immersed in a DIY project – such as tiling a shower – and given instructions to complete the task.
From mixing the mortar to laying the pattern, the simulation walks you through each step of the process.
Haptic feedback, such as feeling the vibration of a drill through the controller, adds to the lifelike experience, without the waste or mess of testing a DIY project in the real world.
This three-store test in Spring 2017 found that the VR program improved unskilled DIYers to a memory performance level comparable to that of experienced DIYers.
The program demonstrated our ability to teach customers in an entirely new way, and give them the confidence they need to undertake a daunting renovation.
02
Holoroom V2
Holoroom How To: Red Vest
What it is
In 2017, we introduced Holoroom How To: Red Vest, an employee training platform to teach store associates how to use specific equipment in our stores through virtual reality.
How it works
The application projected a realistic simulation of a task, such as using a blind cutting machine, into the field of vision for a VR headset and custom modules guided employees through each step of the process.
Beginning in November 2017, Holoroom How To: Red Vest traveled to 10 markets nationwide, including Philadelphia, Tampa and cities throughout North Carolina with more than 400 associates participating in the experience.
The program demonstrated that hands-on practice could be a great way for associates to learn a new skill without the risk of wasting materials or disappointing customers.
After the life-like simulation, employees who experienced this training felt more confident and motivated to help our customers. Compared to standard training, associates who participated in the experience showed less hesitation, expressed higher confidence in their own ability, and reported higher satisfaction with the training.
Related News & Perspectives
-
Popular Mechanics
March 7, 2017
Lowe's Wants to Use a VR Holoroom to Teach You Home Improvement
-
Press Release
March 7, 2017
Lowe's Next-Generation VR Experience, Holoroom How To, Provides On-Demand DIY Clinics For Home Improvement Learning
-
Digiday
July 25, 2018
Lowe’s is using VR and AR to get people into stores
-
Retail Dive
February 7, 2018
Lowe’s sees the future of employee education with Holoroom