Apple’s iPhone and iPad changed more than how we use emojis. What Fast Company calls “The 2007 Apple Effect” (scroll to middle of page) changed everything – including the training industry. Here’s how:
1. The Modular Software or App Revolution
The “there’s an app for that” revolution has made textbooks and manuals seem tedious as training materials, and like everything else – have gone digital, visual, and interactive. Taking things a step further, future technologies like VR, AR and gesture control are allowing for interactive simulated training environments to be nearly identical to the actual workplace.
This type of virtual interactive training is much better than eLearning, because it:
a) Allows trainees to ‘learn by doing‘ in a safer environment where training mishaps won’t mean a lost limb.
b) Offers an engaging alternative to workers – most of whom typically hate training, and enhances retention rates.
c) Keeps live equipment on the production line, making money for the business vs. offline for training.
d) Makes training exceptionally scalable.
All this makes training ROI a measurable reality.
2. Everywhere You Go
That “anywhere, any time” is a key part. Training has become modular, scalable, and portable – available to anyone with a tablet or smartphone. This is a huge time saver. It gives trainees the chance to prep ahead of on-site training and enhance the experience – and they can revisit that training at any time.
But what about the learning curve of technology? Well, it’s more of a learning blip at this point . . .
3. A new universal UX
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. – Steve Jobs
The iPhone/iPad gave the world an entirely new, wonderfully intuitive, user experience and touchscreens are everywhere now. Though you may still have to teach employees how to use training apps before they start, the Hallmark Apple features like pinching and zooming and swiping, are second nature to most people.
And for those few walking among us sans smartphones, they’re still easy to get up to speed. And it’s all about speed these days.
4. Everything by doing. Fast.
The iPhone was a major catalyst for moving telco carriers to up their speed game. Now almost every carrier supports 4G speeds. Videos load immediately, live chat and guides are quickly accessed – all of which translates well for interactive training apps.
But it’s also great for organizations who train this way. Though there was a time when Microsoft ruled the world, and then BlackBerry and Nokia, everything shifted after the iPhone. Businesses like Samsung and Xiaomi have built multi-billion-dollar businesses following the Apple model, while others, slow to react, have paid the price.
This shift has affected the training world, too. Instruction manuals included in tech packaging are now ignored as people seek out “how-to” videos instantly on their mobile devices, or download dedicated apps to learn new skills. Platforms like Lynda let anyone learn almost any (technical) skill by a simple subscription or download – and on the flip side, anyone with an internet connection can monetize their knowledge globally.
5. Monetizing Expertise
This decentralization of power opens the door for organizations to monetize their training apps by selling modules with broader implications to others in their industry. In this way training transcends being just a cost item, and into a profit center.
That really is revolutionary.
Technology has changed everything about the way we live and work – and it’s amazing to think how much the Apple effect has contributed to this new way of life, and will continue to. What’s coming next in the training world, and life overall?
Want to discuss more on how to revolutionize training in your organization? Reach out!
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