Melbourne Water’s Innovative Confined Space Entry Virtual Reality Simulator – Case Study

This case study is of an innovative project undertaken by Melbourne Water. The Confined Space Entry (CSE) Simulator, using VR technology, was analysed using the InnoWise™ framework and tools at the Critique phase.

Introduction

The CSE simulator aimed to address the safety issue related to entering the sewer network without adequate consideration of risks. The solution was an interactive, virtual reality (VR), simulator to change the way people perceive mandatory training. Melbourne Water partnered with Deakin University to design and build the CSE Simulator. The simulator was developed and tested by Melbourne Water in a pilot.  They are now ready to move to the next phase of its development.

Confined Space Entry VR Simulator developed by Melbourne Water

Confined Space Entry VR Simulator

The Workshop Results

A workshop was held with key stakeholders involved in the project’s development and deployment.  The Knowledge Pulse™ survey was conducted live to get instant responses to the questions and to foster group discussion.

The questions were designed to understand how the CSE simulator was tracking at the Critique phase for two components – one related to the feedback process used, and the realisation of the new knowledge and the solution that has been created.

Both the written and spoken answers were analysed to provide the following observations:

  1. The project’s key benefit was in demonstrating a new way of training using VR
  2. A formal feedback process was needed
  3. Focus was needed on developing knowledge objects
  4. The solution requires attention to make it robust and easier to use
  5. The next step was to:
    • develop a plan on how to increase the level of adoption, internally and externally to Melbourne Water, and
    • address potential road blocks.

This project and analysis also support the premise that:

  1. Having a University partner on board strengthens the trust for the solution.
  2. Having a strong driver, like safety, is key to garner sufficient energy to develop and implement the solution.

A Knowledge Canvas™ was developed to summarise the project’s evolution and the results from the survey. The Canvas prompts thinking about the knowledge aspects and behaviours that need to be managed.

The Benefits

The benefits as described by Gavin (Manager SHEQ – Innovation and Promotion):

“Using the Innowise framework focus’ the user’s attention on capturing knowledge through the innovation lifecycle. It introduces new concepts that don’t appear in traditional project plans eg: trust, energy, knowledge, collaboration etc.

The Knowledge Canvas helps focus your thoughts and ideas and be concise in exactly what you are trying to achieve.

The Knowledge Pulse questions are clear and enable feedback to be received in a constructive manner, focusing conversations on opportunities for improvement.”

Want to learn more

Are you curious about how the InnoWise way might benefit you? Discover how we can help on our services page, or share 15 minutes of your time with Lee so she can understand your challenges. Lee will quickly determine if one of our services can help you.  Book a free consultation now.