Helping to recognize products

We created a game that may work for you.  The purpose of the game is to help folks understand our product categories based on either a visual cue (picture of the product), a text description of the product,  or a slang term associated with the product.

First we created a bank of 100 multiple choice questions with a product image and a text description.  Our answers were the categories, with one being the correct category in which the product belonged.  We provided feedback for incorrect responses only.  Then we saved the quiz with a new name twice, so that we had three quizzes.

There are three levels to the game, one the first level, you have 2 minutes to correctly answer 20 random questions from the pool.  If you are successful, you graduate to level 2.  If not, you can play level 1 again.  Eventually, you will be successful since we provide feedback.

On level 2, we modified the questions and removed the image, so that the only cue you have is the text description or the slang term.  Again we give you 2 minutes to successfully complete the level.  If successful, go to level3, if not repeat until you pass.

On level 3, the removed the text description and left only the image.  Same thing, 2 minutes to complete 20 queistions.  Keep retaking the test until you pass.

This is effective way to learn because of the challenge element and the way the feedback works, your mistakes are corrected so that when you see it again in the same or different level, you will recall the correct response.  A large pool of questions ensures a different experience each time you play the game, so you get exposed to a large number of opportunities to recall and get feedback. 

You can vary your question types, but probably not within a level.  By that I mean, do one level where the questions are matching type.  On another level do all multiple choice.  By keeping the question types consistent within a level, your learner can focus on the content rather than figuring out how he needs to interact with the content.  Another caution is to do a couple of tests with end users to make sure that the time limit is right.  If it is too long, the game is too easy; if too short, folks will give up.

Yes, I really like something like this.  I'll have to think about different ways of doing it, because we don't have quite the amount needed to do it the way you did, but...this is fun. 

Hi Ashley,

If you have many pictures in your course why not take your learners to a gallery for an exhibition check out this fantastic example by David Anderson://https://player.vimeo.com/video/204869957

That's a great idea as well, I'll possibly use it as the introduction part, though maybe not the quizzing.  We'll see!

Sounds like the training provided: 1) product picture, 2) product description, 3) one or more important bits of product info.  I'd rely on the learning objectives of the training to determine what to test on.  What do people really have to know?  Do they need to:

A. Identify the product by sight (meaning say the name of the image with or without prompting)?

B. Match product name with the image?

C. Identify a product feature when given the name or the image?

D. All of the Above (lol)

You see what I mean?  Don't create questions based on the info just to see if they remember.  For example, if they'll never have to do one of those things in the real world, then don't test them on it.

I definitely acknowledge your point on this one.  I'm not certain they'd need to know them all in way where they'd have to point them out.  I'm  glad this project is still in the early stages of development, I have a lot to think about lol.

Hi Ashley,

It all goes back to what you want the learners to be able to DO after taking your course... at least it should.

For example...

• If you want them to be able to identify products by sight, you might go with a visual solution.
• If you want them to be be able to match customer's needs to products, you might go with a matching solution
• If you want them to be able to "pitch" certain product features, you might go with a phrase choice solution.

There are lots of other possibilities, but my strong suggestion would be that you consider why you are sharing so  much information on products and what you want them to be able to DO with it. Perhaps in that way, you might even realize the answer lies in a "test" to see if they can use the job aids you've provided to help the remember all this info. Who knows?

Hope this helps,

Bob