Upfront Cost of Initial Training

Training new hires is time-consuming, taking 18-52 weeks, and often depends on seasonal disruptions for hands-on experience. This process not only occupies trainers' valuable time but also incurs significant costs, with starting salaries ranging from $25k to $70k. With Gen Z's frequent job changes every 2-3 years, this leads to repetitive and high recruitment expenses.

Cost of a Lack of Recurrent Training

At present, there is no formal recurrent training in place. Moreover, IRROPs account for approximately 8% of global airline revenue, which amounts to $908 billion annually. Of that 8%, about 1% is due to human error, roughly $725m/yr.

Product Strategy

Disruptions are intricate, and the primary aim is usually centered on mitigation strategies. To achieve a realistic gameplay experience, it was essential to deconstruct disruptions by examining their origins and resolutions. To streamline the creation of user stories and enhance our game engine, we developed frameworks that simplify these processes. By conducting rounds of generative research, which included in-depth interviews and visits to airlines, coupled with iterative feedback cycles on game builds, we managed to capture an authentic feel of operations control in the gameplay.

Learning Strategy

There was a lack of existing learning resources, and the materials provided were insufficient. Each airline believes its operations are unique. By researching the methods various airlines use to manage disruptions, we identified best practices. From this analysis, we established clear learning objectives, each paired with specific skills and tactics tailored to handle these scenarios effectively.

UX Design

Several of Boeing's designs have remained unchanged for two decades. We adopted a bold, ground-up approach to revamp their appearance. The user experience (UX) design incorporates the complexity of managing disruptions along with the essential communications involved. These designs now serve as inspiration for existing digital products Boeing sells.

Part 1: Instructional Levels

Learner-players progress through a series of instructional levels that teach basic to advanced disruption management.

Each level consists of a learning tutorial that introduces new disruption management concepts and skills, rounds of gameplay to practice mastery, and a checkpoint that serves as a test to pass the level.

As learner-players progress, trainers can track the growth of trainees.

Part 2: Scenario-Driven Free Play

During scenario-driven free play, learner-players have the option to select from a array of scenarios, each varying in difficulty and types of disruptions. Additionally, there is a scenario builder that allows learner-players to create their own custom scenarios. Free play also supports multiplayer to better simulate real-world operations. For those seeking a more competitive environment, a leaderboard is introduced, allowing learner-players to gauge their performance against others.

Part 3: Airline Data Free Play

Combining the game engine, real airline data, and airline business logic, we can continuously create future scenarios for a fully simulated airline operation.

For airlines, the gameplay is now configured to their operation. For learner-players, progression is personalized to their learning needs.