Rinnai America Using VR to Demonstrate How Easy It Is To Install A Tankless Water Heater – Increases Lead Generation by 50%
Rinnai America hired Groove Jones to create a VR experience for DIYers and professional installers to show them how easy it is to install a tankless water heater. The VR experience was launched at the 2018 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Atlanta to rave reviews.
For those who have heard about tankless water systems but are overwhelmed by what it takes to install one, this VR experience is the key to overcoming those fears. In no time, you will get a firsthand experience of installing Rinnai’s newest system while a crowd cheers you on at the IBS trade show.
“Feedback was phenomenal from both customers and employees. The VR platform added a new layer to our tradeshow presentation, improving lead generation by 50% over previous years.”
– David Federico, Senior Brand Manager
Rinnai America Corporation
Yank the Tank – Learn by Doing
Groove Jones worked with Rinnai’s agency, Hitchcock Fleming & Associates, on the appropriately titled Yank the Tank experience. Yank the Tank starts off with a fun twist to remove an old water tank and ends with a business call to action. First, participants use fun tools to smash up an old water tank in VR before replacing it with a new Rinnai® Sensei™ tankless system.
Choose from a Lightsword, Sledgehammer, or a frying pan. These “tools” immediately get the user into the action as they smash away at the rusty old water tank before removing it.
The lightsword is fun, but the sledgehammer gives the user a good workout. Within 30 seconds, the old water tank is ready to be yanked!
After “Yanking the Tank,” the user walks through the step-by-step process of installing the Sensei tankless system.
The experience of educating the user presents a few practical challenges. They must determine the type of gas line to run and select the size of venting needed for the job. The application walks you through the decision-making process, providing hints and suggestions during the installation.
The Production – Learn By Doing
Significant research shows that people learn by doing. Taking part in an experience that simulates the installation process will give people more confidence in their capabilities than just watching a demo video. The VR experience uses the HTC Vive headset and controllers to allow participants to interact with the environment fully.
As part of the production, Groove Jones visited Rinnai’s headquarters near Atlanta, GA, to learn about the installation process and used actual product parts when creating the 3D objects in the VR experience. The team collaborated with Rinnai’s training teams to ensure that the experience was as close as possible to what a person would experience when installing it themselves.
“They took time to understand our company and our products. Ethan went above and beyond to engage with our customers and employees, functioning as part of our team. They were a great partner.”
– David Federico, Senior Brand Manager
Rinnai America Corporation
From Trade Show to Road Show
In 2018, Rinnai launched the #TryRinnai tour for game-changing new products, hands-on virtual reality installs, new rebates, exclusive Rinnai gifts, and complimentary refreshments.
The tour consists of 8 vehicles outfitted with the fully portable HTC Vive VR experience, with nearly 800 stops planned in 2018. Rinnai is using this experience at its trade shows.
About Rinnai America
Rinnai was founded in 1920 by Hidejiro Naito and Kanekichi Hayashi, who quickly established a tradition of constant improvement. They started by manufacturing and selling pressurized oil cooking stoves. By the early 1930s, they expanded into gas appliances, including cooking stoves, ranges, and space heaters, and since 1964, Rinnai has been efficiently heating water. Today, more than 30 million Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters have been installed worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.rinnai.us
