Brennan Hatton

Finding Common Ground is a blended-learning virtual reality experience co-created with a major Australian bank to deepen understanding of discrimination based on sexual orientation and empower employees to act inclusively. The project transforms a real employee experience into a narrative-driven VR simulation that helps learners feel what discrimination feels like and practice appropriate responses in context.

The training begins with participants stepping into the shoes of “Jack,” who, while attempting to sign up for a partner-based gym membership, faces dismissive and discriminatory treatment from a customer service agent due to his relationship. This first-person perspective places learners directly in emotionally resonant situations, helping them recognise how bias and exclusion are experienced on a personal level and why they matter in everyday interactions. 

In a companion scenario, learners adopt the role of “Freddy,” a customer service representative who must decide how to respond when a colleague discriminates against a customer. This choice-driven segment highlights the importance of bystander intervention, allyship, and organisational accountability, encouraging participants to reflect on their own behaviours and to practise proactive, respectful action. 

By combining immersive embodiment with decision-making and reflection, Finding Common Ground drives stronger empathy, builds know-how for inclusive behaviour, and boosts confidence in handling discrimination at work. Pilot outcomes showed exceptionally high understanding of the emotional impact of discrimination and preparedness to act, demonstrating the power of VR to move beyond traditional e-learning into meaningful behavioural change.

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A two-application VR learning series created in collaboration with Carlton United Breweries as part of the multi-award-winning “We’re All In” program focused on workplace inclusion and interpersonal bias. These immersive experiences were designed to build empathy, increase awareness of subtle exclusion, and give learners actionable practice in inclusive behaviour. 

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1. Introverts & Extroverts (3+ parts)
   This experience explores how personality biases can marginalise team members with different communication styles: 
   • Empathy Experience — Introvert Perspective: Learners step into the shoes of Mark, an introverted sales director struggling to be heard among extroverted colleagues. 
   • Secondary Empathy Scene: Learners witness Mark’s personal reflections as he processes frustration and exclusion, deepening emotional insight. 
   • Behaviour Practice Module: Players act as a team leader, rehearsing inclusive meeting strategies to ensure all voices are heard. 
   • Reflection: A structured reflection segment invites learners to make meaning of their experience and apply insights into real-world behaviour. 

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2. In Groups & Out Groups (3 parts)
   This companion application focuses on social inclusion and organisational bias linked to group dynamics: 
   • Empathy Scenario: Learners embody a brewing manager who feels excluded when important decisions occur outside core work hours, receiving biased feedback when advocating to be included. 
   • Data & Insight Scene: Real-time feedback highlights bias identification and cognitive patterns, helping learners connect choices to outcomes. 
   • Reflection Module: Participants are guided through reflective takeaways to reinforce learning and encourage inclusive action. 

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This series formed part of a broader inclusion program that achieved industry recognition through the Institute for Learning & Performance (ILP) — winning Learning Technology of the Year (2019) and receiving Runner-Up for Learning Innovation of the Year (2019).

Participants reported greater empathy for different perspectives, improved ability to recognise subtle bias, and increased confidence in applying inclusive behaviours at work. By blending first-person VR experiences with guided reflection and behavioural practice, the modules help drive meaningful mindset and behaviour change.

Everyday Inclusion is a 3 part blended learning behavioural VR experience designed to help organisations build inclusive cultures by focusing on the everyday, practical moments where inclusion — or exclusion — happens. Built with Equal Reality’s human-centered design framework, this training places learners into realistic workplace scenarios where they recognise bias, practice inclusive responses, and reflect on the impact of their choices in real time

Rather than relying on traditional slide decks or policy briefings, Everyday Inclusion uses immersive simulation to develop real behavioural skills. Participants enter diverse social and professional environments — from team meetings and onboarding conversations to informal interactions — and are guided through decision points that challenge assumptions and highlight opportunities for allyship. By seeing the consequences of inclusive (and non-inclusive) actions from multiple perspectives, learners build both awareness and confidence to act in their daily interactions.

The experience is designed for broad organisational adoption: it supports multiple delivery formats including VR headsets and web-based access, enabling scale across distributed teams. Learning is reinforced through facilitated reflection and action planning, making Everyday Inclusion not just an awareness tool, but a practical vehicle for behaviour change.

Everyday Inclusion demonstrates the power of immersive technology to transform culture-building by making inclusion tangible, experiential, and personally relevant — helping teams move beyond concepts to everyday inclusive practice.

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