Bit Space Development Ltd.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Manitoba Construction Sector Council is a not for profit organization funded by the province of Manitoba to address the HR needs of the construction sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bit Space Development Ltd.?

BIT Space Development Ltd. works MCSC and construction companies to develop virtual reality and augmented reality activities to engage and inform youth and adult learners in the classroom. MCSC and BIT completed three projects with funding through WCB Research and Workplace Innovation Program to improve the way safety in taught in the workplace.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the Hazard Awareness VR project was to inform youth about the 10 hazards on the construction site.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

BIT Space Development Ltd partnered with MCSC on other projects that were hugely successful so we knew they were the right fit.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

This project has been supported by a grant from the Research and Workplace Innovation Program of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. IBEW is attempting to change safe work practices of new entrants in construction by identifying, controlling and reporting incidents of safety hazards on the worksite. There are 5 modules developed for this hazard awareness resource that uses the latest virtual reality technology.

The five modules will include the following hazards:

1. Slips, Trips and Falls

2. Struck by, caught between

3. Fire, explosion, toxicity and asphyxiation

4. Ergonomics, elements, noise

5. Electrocution

Desired outcomes of this project:

 an increased awareness of safety hazards

 access to innovative safety tools by organizations who support youth transition to work in construction

 improved safe work practices of youth working on construction sites

Background The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in partnership with boilermakers, pipefitters, painters, other affiliated unions of the Manitoba Building Trades and the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba developed a series of virtual reality resources that will allow youth and new entrants in construction to spot hazards, assess risk and develop a plan to prevent injury.

With the use of 360-degree imagery, youth will virtually walk through a worksite. They will look up, down and around the site using oculus lenses. They will spot hazards, assess the risks and as a result, they will be able to explain how to work more safety on a construction site.

When youth click on the icon they will learn about each hazard and what needs to be done to avoid injury. This is an interactive way to teach safety and one that is as close to real life situations without actually being there. It is not enough for youth to hear about the hazards on the worksite.

They have to see it and experience what it looks and feels like. This will provide another tool for youth to learn about safety and one that is completely in line with the way youth learn today. It is important for youth to see hazards from trades outside of their own scope.

This is because trades work collaboratively on the same site and youth may start in one trade and switch to another trade over time. Exposure to all hazards is of greatest importance.

This will not replace current safety training only serve to supplement and enhance the way safety is taught to our youth and new entrants. Note: This application is intended as an awareness application and does not replace safety training at local safety associations or on the job training. Content is specific to the Province of Manitoba and uses examples that may not apply to all situations.

What was the team composition?

MCSC Executive Director compiled an advisory committee made up of Safe Work MB, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Boilermakers Union, Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, PCL and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to guide the direction of the project in partnership with the BIT team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

As a result, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers won a national award for their innovative strategies and their commitment to youth/adult learning. The resources have been disseminated across Manitoba in 40 remote Indigenous communities to youth grades 5-12, at career fairs and in schools in Winnipeg to over 3,000 youth. This technology is introducing educators to the changing face of learning.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The Executive Director of MCSC collaborated with the CEO of BIT Space Development to monitor progress throughout the project. BIT always went above and beyond expectations for the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The vendor's willingness to meet the needs of the customer was most impressive. If the advisory wanted something changed during development, BIT made every attempt to make the changes without question. This was excellent customer service. Their ideas were innovative and financially within reach. BIT helped us find the hardware at a reasonable cost to support the software developed. In addition, they helped us demonstrate the new hazard awareness at events across the province or were willing to have folks drop by their site to try it out!

Are there any areas for improvement?

none that I can think of

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of safety and training at the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association. We represent road and infrastructure builders in our province, and I specialize in training industry workers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bit Space Development?

We brought them on to remodel our training program. New entrants into the workforce have to go through what we call "the road builder safety training system." We were seeking a more applicable and realistic training tool—so we engaged Bit Space to create a VR training program.

We were also operating on a legacy website that required updating. We wanted designs and functionalities that would help us streamline some of our administrative tasks.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Dan (CEO & Founder, Bit Space Development) and his team took our existing 15-module training course and converted each into a VR setting. They would physically walk through different construction sites to capture the specific environments so that they could recreate the scene in VR.

They also created video tools for flagger training (the people on construction sites who use flags to direct drivers). They’ve developed a few videos to enhance the learning experience—it’s very different from just listening to someone with a PowerPoint, in a classroom.

As for the website, their team spearheaded a complete redesign. We had an initial discussion about the design and features we wanted. We were quite behind the times, so they’ve helped us step into the current state of the art.  

They’ve consequently integrated several plug-ins, so we now have functions like online course registration, online payments, and even e-commerce. At the moment, they’re working on a learning management system that enables our clients to easily access online learning aids.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with Dan. There were several others involved in our meetings and the production processes, but he was my main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Bit Space Development?

He was referred to me by the Manitoba Construction Sector Council, which is a government-funded organization dedicated to promoting and training the emerging workforce.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent somewhere between $40,000–$75,000.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in May 2016, and the engagement is still ongoing. They’re currently continuing to work on our website.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Dan and his team have helped us use different technology to provide creative classroom solutions. With the VR training experience—the feedback from our students has been extremely positive. They’ve offered a learning solution that far outshines our old conventional training.

Their work on the website has also made things on our end easier. Our new website is user-friendly, as they’ve made all resources easily accessible to our clients, customers, and students.

How did Bit Space Development perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s difficult to speak to the management approach because the projects were extremely collaborative. For the VR projects, we had a third-party project manager, and the website was internally managed.

I did really appreciate the extent that their team interacted with ours. In order to capture construction environments as realistically as possible, they took a very hands-on approach. The product of the engagement was extremely good, and I think the direction they took the projects in was creative and interesting.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a personal stake in ensuring that they provide excellent service. In one instance, Dan updated our training instrument—at his own cost—to make the product even better. He’s extremely client-focused and personable. It was a real pleasure working with the team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We were pleased with everything we got from Bit Space. I think we focus more on how we’ve developed and learned from our engagement with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

This applies to work with any creative supplier, but make sure to be involved in the project. Don’t just tell them you want something, and expect delivery—be part of the process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I work for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. We’re a membership-driven nonprofit organization to help service members in the community.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bit Space Development Ltd.? 

We wanted to create an app called Winnipeg VR. We wanted to give small business owners the opportunity to showcase their business and services through an interactive app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Bit Space Development Ltd. was responsible for all components of the app. We gave our input, but their team really took the lead. I don't know what technologies they used off the top of my head. The app is for both iOS and Android.

They also connected with our small business owners. We worked together to identify which members to showcase on the app, and then Bit Space Development Ltd. went out into the community to film the business owners. 

What is the team composition? 

Dan (CEO & Founder, Bit Space Development Ltd.) is our main point of contact. At least four members of their team have worked on our project. 

How did you come to work with Bit Space Development Ltd.? 

We're a community-driven organization, and Dan is an active member of the Winnipeg business community. He also sits on our small business advisory board. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent at least $15,000 CAD (approximately $11,400 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement? 

Our project began about a year and a half ago and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’re very happy with the close to 50,000 app downloads. The app showcases the Winnipeg market in Asia, which is a huge accomplishment. Bit Space Development Ltd.is responsible for the app going global. It’s a really positive offering for our members.

How did Bit Space Development Ltd. perform from a project management standpoint? 

Their team does great work. Dan has good ideas, but he excels at listening to the community and bringing their ideas forward. He’s able to work at the grassroots level to develop a unique product that’s specific to the community. 

Bit Space Development Ltd. is accurate with their timelines, which I appreciate. Dan is a man of his word. If he says he's going to do something, it'll be done. He always makes time for us based around our schedule. 

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Bit Space Development Ltd. is able to create something from nothing. They focus on the end user even when a product needs to serve a wide range of people. Dan worked with everyone from the mayor of our city to a small business owner with 1–2 employees. He provides each person with the same level of customer service and expertise. They’re an amazing company. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

I don't really have anything negative to say. If our members had any concerns about the project or format, we bring it to their attention and they always respond with solutions.  Winnipeg is slow to adapt VR technology but I'm hoping this app will encourage more people to jump on board. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Come with a list of your wants and needs. The more specific you can be, the better Bit Space Development Ltd. can understand what would make you happy. Dan will find a way to make it happen. The challenge is getting what’s in your head down on paper so that you can communicate it clearly. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a community liaison at Safe Workers of Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization focused on providing safety and health training awareness and resources for workers in the province of Manitoba, Canada. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bit Space Development Ltd.?

We reached out to Bit Space to develop a VR training app that would allow us to educate people about workplace health and safety through an immersive, interactive experience. We had done a lot of campaigns in the past but wanted to try something different to catch the attention of young workers about to enter the workforce. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we met with their team to brainstorm ways we could use VR technology in an educational format to grab the attention of our target audience. Then, they designed and developed a VR platform for iOS and Android called Level Up, which is an experience that immerses users into three different types of working environments: fast food, retail, and construction. Within the workplace simulations, users then interact with a supervisor and are asked to perform a hazard assessment of the workspace. This allows us to educate people about workplace hazards, workers' rights, and how to reduce injuries.

What is the team composition? 

We worked with Daniel (Owner and CEO, Bit Space Development), as well as a team of 4-5 others. 

How did you come to work with Bit Space Development Ltd.?

Our marketing team put us in contact with Bit Space, and we already had somewhat of a relationship with them before the project came up. We were impressed by their portfolio of work and knowledge in the VR/AR space. We also liked that a lot of their previous work was focused on creating educational platforms.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together for about a year from 2018 to 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Prior to having a VR platform, we participated in a lot of career symposiums and events, but trying to generate interest from young people in workplace health and safety issues has always been a challenge. Now that we have a VR platform, people line up at our booth like it's a ride at a fair. The VR experience is so exciting and new to most people that it's been a hugely effective tool for us. I never imagined it would have such a significant impact on what we're trying to do: get people interested and talking about important health and safety topics. 

How did Bit Space Development Ltd. perform from a project management standpoint?

Daniel was phenomenal to work with; his correspondence was always very prompt and thorough. Their team was responsive and quick to troubleshoot any issues or questions we had throughout the process, especially when we were using the VR equipment for the first time. They were also more than willing to send someone to meet us to walk us through how to use the software. I couldn't have asked for a better team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They could be taking on bigger, more lucrative projects from any company, but they're actually passionate about the kind of work nonprofits like ours are doing. It was also just great to be supported by a team willing to make our vision happen. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, but we're in constant discussions with them about how we can continue to evolve our campaign, and they've been very open to our ideas and feedback. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I provided business consulting services, specializing in the areas of curriculum design and development, educational technologies, and agile methodologies. As a certified ScrumMaster, now retired, I operated my own incorporated consulting company, spright.ca.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bit Space Development Ltd.?

Then a project specialist under contract to Red River College (RRC), I was the ScrumMaster attached to the project for which Bit Space Development (BSD) was hired. The team was brought on to develop an Augmented Reality (AR) learning platform that would ultimately be deployed in Manitoba schools.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to build a platform for Apprenticeship Manitoba that would allow students to explore a variety of skilled trades in a game-like, 360-degree augmented reality environment. The vision was an immersive 3-D virtual world where custom avatars used all kinds of tools and materials to build cool stuff.

Given that we had a small budget and only a few months to deliver, it was a tall order. Building interactive 360-degree panoramas was already possible, but the custom interactions, such as the word games and simulations, that we envisioned for the Apprenticeship project did not exist. What was needed was an editor to embed interactive hotspots onto 360-panoramas and a supporting game engine that could award and track points as users explored the environment.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Funded by Apprenticeship Manitoba, the project was managed by RRC's Teaching and Learning Technologies Centre (TLTC). Manitoba software development company, Bold Innovation Group, was contracted to build a prototype. The result was a WordPress frontend that was connected to a custom CMS. The prototype served up a gamified environment of high-quality, spherical panoramas of Winnipeg landmarks.

The primary Bold developer for that prototype was Dan (CEO, Bit Space Development), who subsequently spun off his own company, Bit Space Development (BSD). Following the successful proof of concept and Dan's proven expertise, development was transferred to BSD.

No other Manitoba company was known to possess BSD's skill-set at the time. Not only were VR and AR newly emerging technologies; nobody else was exploring the embedding of interactive 360-degree panoramas into a WordPress platform. The selection of Bold for the prototype and BSD for ongoing development was made by the director of RRC's TLTC. I was assigned to the project as a scrum master and project specialist under contract to RRC.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

BSD anchored to two separate projects. The first was completing WordPress development for Apprenticeship Manitoba, including a suite of embeddable JavaScript word games. The second, building upon what was learned in the previous project, was to design, develop, and launch BSD's own completely new CMS, called PanoPlā, that would serve up the embedded interactive content.

What was the team composition?

Development was undertaken by six senior RRC students working out of a project space in Winnipeg. Dan was the full-time resident development mentor, and I was the project’s dedicated ScrumMaster.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Both projects started in May 2015, and, by late August, the client’s expectations had been far exceeded. By September, both the WordPress system and PanoPlā were ready for beta testing. PanoPlā moved into further development with a new batch of students.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Considering the short timeframe and the nature of the deliverables, the team proved to be exceptionally effective. Although the students were new to agile development, they were expected to apply its methodologies within a framework of new communication tools that included Trello, GitHub, and Slack.

Daily standup meetings and diligent maintenance of our Trello boards proved to be very effective. A SMARTBoard connected to WiFi was also most helpful for both scheduled and impromptu live video meetings and demos with the client, as well as for communicating with other distributed resources.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Most impressive about BSD, which at the time was Dan himself, was the creativity, flexibility, and ability to leverage new and emerging technologies in innovative ways. Dan was committed to on-time delivery and consistently encouraged and supported interactions with his team. He was also constantly engaged with all stakeholders.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of offhand. Having retired in 2016 and moved to Vancouver, I have not since been closely connected to BSD. But from what I read in the media every now and then, BSD is doing just fine.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

At the time of the project, I was the director of the learning technology group at Red River College, a large institute of applied learning in Manitoba. We were working on a contract to promote awareness of the skilled trades among youth.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bit Space Development Ltd.?

We hired Bit Space Development to develop a custom, AR/VR game built on top of a panorama visual. The goal was to build a points-based game for young teens to explore skill trades.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to develop a prototype to demonstrate the utility of AR/VR for teaching. Ideally, it would be a curriculum resource that teachers could use without special training. It would also serve as an alternative to visiting trades locations.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Mostly, it was a matter of Dan (Owner & CEO, Bit Space Development Ltd) stepping forward and saying, "Yes, we can do this" when we asked them. They understood this was a “first time anywhere” job that would require agile responses to shifting requirements. Also, Dan’s background was in e-commerce and gaming.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We provided the initial theory, and Bit Space Development adapted it from there.
They created high definition panorama media that would focus on selected trades. They also designed a user interface for students to enroll, log in, and keep track of their scores. The game included a virtual store where players could trade in their points for rewards, and it also featured hotspots, an interactive functionality.

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of Dan and a project manager/education designer as well as six students that worked on the final project requirements. There was also an occasional contractor for custom artwork

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

A dean and VP at the college canceled the project about a month before its completion. So, the anticipated demonstration for the provincial government did not take place. 

Nevertheless, Bit Space Technology ended up using the core technology in other projects (e.g. the high definition media was readily used). Ironically but thankfully, some of the prototype work for our project evolved into related projects for the Manitoba construction sector.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project manager used Agile/Scrum to organize the student team. As the product owner, I was constantly informed. Their project management was superb. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their willingness to tackle entirely new projects was impressive. They also got great work out of relatively junior developers. Their “hustle” method of working ensured they delivered the results exactly as promised.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Dan could learn (and no doubt has learned) to push back on requests that are more idealistic than a realistic task.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior consultant at ChangeMakers, an advertising agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bit Space Development Ltd.?

We engaged Bit Space Development Ltd. when we were working with one of our clients to create a VR experience to help young adults learn about workplace safety.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We relied on Bit Space Development Ltd. to develop a version for iOS and Android using Unity, as well as a VR version for HTC Vive. They guided us through the process of identifying our needs and determining what the technology was capable of. We anticipated a target audience of young adults entering the workforce, and we tasked Bit Space Development Ltd. with writing scripts and creating design elements to appeal to those users.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 4–5 people.

How did you come to work with Bit Space Development Ltd.?

We learned of Bit Space Development Ltd. through an online search and from a reference. We met with several providers, but we determined Bit Space Development Ltd. was the best fit. They’re well-staffed, and they were able to usher us through our first VR project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement spanned about 12 months from 2017–2018. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We showcase the application at events, tradeshows, and career fairs, where the app is used by tens of thousands of users each year. We also won an emerging media award for the app.

How did Bit Space Development Ltd. perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated weekly. They adapted well to our needs and timelines. They added value to the project and made suggestions that worked better than specific ideas we had.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They work quickly and efficiently. There’s nothing we’ve asked of them that they said was outside of their abilities.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we worked well together.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Engage them from the conceptual stages because they are really helpful in providing that sort of advice.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the executive director of the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. The CFDC is a natural history museum focused on the display and curation of Canada's largest collection of marine reptile fossils and the world's largest Mosasaur.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bit Space Development Ltd.?

Bit Space Development Ltd. has helped us out with numerous projects including an augmented reality fossil hunt and two mobile audio guide projects.

What were your goals for this project?

For the mobile audio guide, our goal was to transition away from traditional proprietary handheld audio guides to use the ubiquitous mobile device all of our clients own. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The vendor came highly recommended through contacts in the industry.

Describe the project in detail.

Bit Space Development Ltd. developed an easy-to-use app that allows users to scan QR codes at various displays for audio commentary or select the station manually on their mobile device. We first made a project plan that incorporated the goals of the museum and rolled out along with regular updates to us. Bit Space Development Ltd. completed the app in beta before testing it to our approval. The app is available in the Google Play and Apple stores for our clients to use.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with the lead developer. They contacted us at each step along the way, occasionally requesting comment on development progress, look and feel, and other areas.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The app has been a big hit. Our clients have no issues using the app, and it has augmented our visitor's experience. As a result, we will be continuing to work with Bit Space Development Ltd. on the expansion of the audio guide as well as additional AR work in the future. It has been a very positive experience, and I would highly recommend their team.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was open and easy. Bit Space Development Ltd. was always available and responsive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The passion they bring to their work and the ease at which they communicate stood out to us. Bit Space Development Ltd. kept us informed and guided us when some of our vision needed tweaking.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We encountered nothing that required improvement.