Case Studies

Real Stories. Real Results.

Why Case Studies Matter

When you're exploring VR training or immersive technology, it can be tough to picture how it’ll work in your world. That’s why we highlight stories from teams we've helped, from law enforcement agencies to workforce development programs.

These are real clients facing real problems and how HEROES helped guide them to practical, measurable solutions using virtual reality.

We’ll keep adding to this library, but even one success story can spark new ideas.

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Case Study American River Immersive Education & Innovation Lab (ARIEIL)

Step 1: Get Clear on What Success Looks Like for You

When Heidi and Walter from American River College (ARC) first visited our Sacramento-based VR venue in 2019, they had a bold vision: create a first-of-its-kind immersive learning lab on campus.

They had a rough space layout and a passion for innovation—but no clear path to bring it to life. Their assigned IT lead was chosen simply because he happened to own a VR headset. 

They needed more than inspiration. They needed a guide.

A man wearing a black hard hat, a colorful face mask featuring the Hulk, and a high-visibility yellow vest stands outdoors near a modern building with a tree to the side.

Step 2: Discover What’s Possible Without the Sales Pitch

That first conversation turned into a strategy session. As we reviewed ARC’s goals for the American River Immersive Education & Innovation Lab (ARIEIL), we returned with practical ideas to optimize their plans, including:

  • Optimized room layout for real-world VR movement and flow

  • Balanced space and performance to accommodate up to 18 headsets

  • Tested hardware configurations hands-on to ensure the right fit

  • Developed custom solutions beyond standard playbooks

Impressed by our depth of knowledge and the clarity we brought to a complex initiative, ARC asked:

“Can you do this for us?”

From that moment, we stepped in to lead.

Group of construction workers inside an unfinished room with white walls, a blue accent wall, and a ladder, wearing safety vests, helmets, and masks.

Step 3: Test the Waters or Go Full Build

ARC opted to go all-in—and while ARC managed procurement, HEROES handled the rest:

  • Transformed an empty room and unboxed all hardware

  • Directed infrastructure installation (monitors, mounts, flooring)

  • Configured headsets, PCs, and network systems

  • Integrated plugins and custom workarounds for edge cases

Over the span of a few months, their empty room turned into a first-of-its-kind student VR lab. 

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Step 4: Get It Up and Running — the Right Way

To ensure adoption and sustainability, we delivered:

  • Created clear documentation for IT and faculty

  • Supported staffing with hiring and interview resources

  • Trained key leaders on classroom use, troubleshooting, and scaling

“HEROES didn’t just build the lab—they made sure our team knew how to use it, support it, and scale it. They’re still our first call.”

— Heidi, Faculty Lead, American River College

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Step 5: Stay Supported as You Grow

ARC insisted on a long-term support package to ensure ongoing success. With limited internal IT bandwidth, they needed a partner who wouldn’t disappear after install.

We’ve remained actively involved ever since—supporting updates, evolving use cases, and expansion into other campus buildings.

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“The lab is a source of pride, engagement, and representation of our commitment to student engagement and equity.” — Heidi, Faculty Lead, American River College

The Outcome

  • A fully operational immersive lab with 18 room-scale VR headsets and an Infinideck omnidirectional treadmill.

  • A shared cross-departmental resource serving students, faculty, and staff — from workforce development to design programs.

  • Flexible software deployment, open lab hours, and reservation systems supporting hundreds of students each term.

  • Integration into design, workforce development, and open lab programs.

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Today, American River College is recognized as a leader in VR implementation across California’s community college system. Their success has sparked district-wide interest — and an ongoing partnership with HEROES VR Solutions.

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Why It Matters

  • ARIEIL isn’t just a VR lab—it’s a case study in what’s possible when educational vision meets expert execution.

    With no roadmap and no playbook, ARC built something extraordinary—and they didn’t have to do it alone.

    “What may have begun as a ‘pipe dream’ is truly becoming a standard in higher education.” — Heidi, Faculty Lead, American River College

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Let’s Build What’s Next

Have a vision but unsure where to start? Whether you’re exploring immersive labs, VR workforce training, or department-wide access to virtual learning tools—HEROES VR Solutions is your partner from idea to impact.

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