Augmented reality requires fundamental learning program design.

Augmented reality is—as author Debbie Richards explains in "Seeing the Possibilities With Augmented Reality"—technology that overlays information and virtual objects on real-time scenes in real time. While AR has been abuzz for a few years, it is only now really catching fire in the talent development sphere. Want to join in?

Here are tips to designing a successful program.

Find a solid business use case for AR. Do your homework and identify a good use case. Arming yourself with examples of others who are using it successfully will help.

Consider launching a pilot program. A pilot program will help you identify challenges and areas for improvement before you involve numerous employees. Identifying a business manager with a specific need can be key to your successful AR endeavor.

Determine your equipment and production needs. What kind of budget will you require? There will be rather significant initial costs. To get the biggest return on your investment, focus on content that is evergreen and that you can use for the long term.

Define your learning goals. Is your AR goal performance-support related? Do you want to enhance your face-to-face classroom instruction? Having a business stakeholder will help with these questions.

Further, make sure you include your IT folks in on your plans. And, at the culmination of your pilot program, measure your results and then iterate.

These tips were adapted from the December 2018 issue of TD at Work. Learn more at www.td.org/TDatWork.