Commonwealth Bank Australia VR Series - Finding Common Ground — Immersive VR Training
Brennan Hatton
Published
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.