Learning to cook with VR

After winning a competitive pitch, Vancouver Community College (VCC) commissioned us to create a VR Culinary Arts Training experience training their cooks on 5 entry level recipes. An engaging and retentive learning experience that would bridge the gap between information in a text book, and cooking in a real kitchen. It was also important that the focus of the VR training was on the skills and techniques within each recipe, rather than just being a generic cooking game. What we did Understanding base recipes is key to being a successful chef. Working with a VCC subject matter expert (also a chef) we defined what the key learning points were for each of the five recipes we created. Then using point-of-view videos of the chef cooking each recipe, we storyboarded each one to ensure all of those points were captured, and be reflected in the gameplay. This process also meant distilling the VR environment to ensure the user remained focused on how to make the recipe, rather than being distracted by novelty of using VR. We also implemented steps that can easily go wrong, such as the Hollandaise Sauce breaking if you combine the butter and water too quickly, or even the Choux Pastry becoming too slack if the eggs are added too fast. The result The final result was an immersive, fun and educational training experience which guided the user through 5 recipes, and allowed them to test their knowledge with two additional advanced levels. It was a key objective that the VR experience reflected cooking nuances. Students found the experience great value, and a rewarding learning experience particularly with the ability to repeat the training without needing to purchase ingredients or be concerned about waste.