new system - user training

[tingox]

When we have created a new control system ( known as "new system" forwards) for the Shopbot (a new way of operating it) we need to figure out how to train / familiarize users with the new way. This can be done in various ways.

• ask users to train themselves through regular hands-on Hattori courses
  -- cons: to low frequency, it will take a long time to reach critical mass of trained users, Hattori control system might be different from the new system
  -- pros: no extra effort required
• hold dedicated courses on use of the new system for groups of users until we have reached "critical mass" of trained users
  -- cons: requires extra effort, requires switching back and forth between new system and old system, requires dedicating timeslots (days?) for training, including time for configuring the shopbot
  -- pros: better match for users (we can course the users with highest shopbot usage first), better user satisfaction
• hold "theory of operation" courses for the new system
  -- cons: no hands on for users, possibly less user satisfaction
  -- pros: avoids changing Shopbot back and forth between new system and old system

other ways to do it are possible. We should have a plan for training of users.

[CISC]

My hope is that the new system will make it orders of magnitude easier to use the Shopbot, as already experienced by trainees on the Hattori courses.

I've been able to hold much shorter (2 hours vs 5+ hours) and more densely attended (12 vs 9) courses on the Hattori, and feedback from attendees has been that it is far less daunting to use the machine afterwards as it is easy to use, more or less failsafe and well documented.

If we can replicate that for the Shopbot I think the need for training for existing users would be close to non-existant and much easier to hold courses for new users.