How to Engage Learners Through Experience Not Slides

Immersive learning has firmly moved into the mainstream. It is a practical, proven approach that transforms how organisations develop their people. Instead of relying on static slides and passive content, immersive learning places individuals inside realistic scenarios where they can practise skills and make decisions in a controlled environment. Learners can then observe the results of those decisions without any real-world risk.

This blog explores what immersive learning is and why it drives deeper engagement than traditional training. It also outlines how our approach at Totem supports long term behavioural change through experience-driven design.

What is immersive learning?

Immersive learning is an experience-led approach that uses technology such as virtual reality, augmented reality, serious games, and simulations to recreate real-world environments. Learners explore, experiment, and apply knowledge through active participation.

This approach is grounded in behavioural science. People learn more effectively when they can act. They also benefit from testing ideas in context. Experiencing outcomes reinforces understanding and strengthens learning. Active participation strengthens retention and builds confidence because learners are part of the scenario, not observers of it.

How does immersive learning support real behavioural change?

Traditional training often focuses on information delivery. Immersive learning shifts the focus to decision-making. It also places greater emphasis on behaviour and the application of skills. This is essential for long term change.

People learn best when they can practise repeatedly. They also need the opportunity to reflect on outcomes. Being able to try again strengthens understanding and builds confidence. Research in learning science shows that repetition reshapes neural pathways, helping learners perform more automatically and with greater assurance. Immersive learning enables this consistent practice in environments that feel realistic but carry no risk.

Our simulations, such as Pretty Liquid with KPMG and Driver Safety with Applied Driving Techniques, demonstrate how practice-based immersive experiences create measurable improvements in performance and behaviour.

Why does psychological safety matter in immersive learning?

Psychological safety is a critical factor in effective training. Learners must feel comfortable experimenting without fear of judgement or negative consequences. Immersive learning environments naturally support this.

Because scenarios take place in a controlled digital space, individuals can test decisions. They can also learn from mistakes. This process helps them build confidence in a safe environment.

This approach is valuable in many contexts. It is especially useful for mental health conversations. It also supports safety‑critical decision-making. Leadership challenges benefit as well. Simulations like Don’t Walk Past, our mental health conversational game, show how structured safe practice environments strengthen learner confidence and support wellbeing.

How do practice-based methods strengthen immersive learning?

Practice-based learning emphasises learning by doing. Instead of absorbing information passively, learners are encouraged to take action. Every attempt strengthens understanding and reduces cognitive load, making skills more intuitive and easier to use.

Realistic scenarios improve transfer of learning. When practice happens in contexts that resemble real tasks, individuals can apply their skills more reliably on the job.

This principle underpins our work across serious games, simulations, digital twins, and VR. It helps organisations achieve significant outcomes. Examples include 99 percent engagement for PepsiCo and a 24% ROI for KPMG.

How accessible can immersive learning be?

Accessibility is essential in effective learning design. Our inclusive design principles ensure that immersive learning experiences remain usable and clear. They are also designed to stay engaging for as many learners as possible.

We incorporate readable text and simple navigation. Clear language is also a priority. Tutorials are included to support users who need guided onboarding. However, accessibility inside game engines can be complex. Implementing accessible features often requires adjustments to design and code. Testing can also demand additional time. Some implementations require further resources or specialist expertise.

Despite these challenges, accessibility strengthens the impact of immersive learning. Planning accessibility from the start reduces barriers. It also creates experiences that more people can use confidently.

How does Totem pioneer immersive learning?

We stand apart in immersive learning because we draw on behavioural science. Game design principles further strengthen our approach. Alongside these elements, we apply advanced technology to shape effective learning experiences.

We have been building impactful learning solutions since 2012. Over that time, we have continued to lead with proven, human‑centred design.

Our CEO, Helen Routledge, is recognised as one of the UK’s early pioneers of immersive learning. Her background in psychology and behavioural science informs everything we create. Under her leadership, we design learning that reflects how people think. Our work also considers how they behave. We focus on how they make decisions in complex environments.

We develop solutions in virtual reality. We also use augmented reality. Mixed reality is another tool we apply. Serious games remain a core strength. Simulations provide further opportunities for realistic practice. Each of these formats gives learners environments where they can build skills while maintaining complete psychological safety.

Our projects demonstrate this leadership clearly. Bears & Bulls is a multiplayer VR supply chain simulation that builds strategic capability. Virtual House is an assisted living simulation that helps health and social care professionals build confidence. Each example shows how immersive, experience‑led design can solve complex organisational challenges.

What outcomes can organisations expect?

Immersive learning delivers measurable impact.

Organisations benefit from stronger engagement. They also see improved performance. Teams gain greater confidence as individuals develop through realistic practice. Learners themselves gain practical experience in environments that mirror their real‑world work. This supports stronger skill mastery and deeper understanding.

Across our solutions, we see consistent results. Near‑total engagement is common. There are also clear reductions in unsafe behaviours. Many programmes achieve high pass rates. Knowledge retention improves as well. Immersive learning ensures that learners are not simply attending training but genuinely transforming their behaviour.

How can leaders get started with immersive learning?

A practical first step is to explore a specific challenge within your organisation. You can begin by identifying a behaviour that needs strengthening. Another option is to focus on a skill area that would benefit from structured practice. A process that requires safe experimentation can also be an effective starting point.

From there, we support organisations through consultancy. We also guide design and prototyping. Full development is available when teams are ready to scale. Our serious game design tools help L&D teams build confidence. XR delivery guidance offers further support, even for those new to immersive technologies.

Our approach is collaborative. We build solutions with our partners, not for them. Our IP principles promote transparency. They also support shared ownership. These foundations encourage long-term innovation and create pathways to scalable, effective immersive learning solutions.

Ready to transform your learning strategy?

Immersive learning creates lasting behavioural change by giving learners realistic practice, safer decision-making, and deeper engagement than traditional training can achieve.

If your organisation is exploring how to modernise training, strengthen capability, or introduce more experience-led learning, our team can support you. We design immersive solutions that align with your objectives and deliver measurable impact.

To discuss your goals or explore what immersive learning could look like for your organisation, get in touch with us. We’re ready to help you build learning experiences that drive confident performance and long-term behavioural change.