VirTra - Best Aerospace & Defense Website
Company: VirTra, Tempe, AZ
Company Description: VirTra develops training simulators, accessories, software and curriculum for law enforcement and military around the globe. VirTra was founded in 1993 and was one of the first virtual reality-based companies in the world. The company’s primary focus was and continues to be developing and delivering the world’s finest firearms and use of force training simulation systems.
Nomination Category: Web Achievement Categories - Industry
Nomination Sub Category: Aerospace & Defense
Nomination Title: VirTra
VirTra is a technology company that creates and provides training simulators, equipment and solutions for law enforcement and military worldwide. In such a visual industry, it is imperative to uphold the “show, don’t tell” theme that runs through the simulation training world.
As of February 2020, VirTra debuted a dynamic and visually appealing website designed to provide a modern, effective and informative user experience. Since the simulator technology built and sold by VirTra is advanced and contemporary, the newer website needed to reflect these offerings. What was once a stark blue-and-white website with little movement and customization was effectively transformed into a video-based platform with customized views.
VirTra’s main clientele consist of law enforcement and military. Both sectors have many differences in what they require in a simulator; each has different training methods, varied preferences in technology and varied purchasing methods. Due to these differences, the first page users land on asks if they are a member of law enforcement or a military branch. Based on their choice, a customized experience will follow. Everything from the video headers to the detailed information is tailored to law enforcement of military, depending on which pathway users follow.
Another level of precise customization is the simulator configurator. Not everyone accessing the VirTra website will know which simulator they require. It can be dependent on space, budget and other needs. Instead of letting prospective customers remain in confusion, the website is equipped with a unique feature that will assist– a configurator. Users answer simple questions about training needs and department requirements, then the configurator generates a PDF with thesimulator that is determined to be the best fit.
Part of the experience of owning a training simulator is learning how to utilize it in a way that best fits the agency’s training style. The latest feature is the VirTra Customer Portal – a secured section of the website that allows customers to share information about their simulator and training tips. Not only does it function as a forum, but it is also a hub for customers to access helpful materials such as user manuals and specification sheets.
Optionally, list the appropriate creative and production credits for the nominated achievement(s) you are nominating, such as the following: Advertising Agency/City: Client: Art Director: Cinematographer: Creative Director: Designer: Director: Illustrator/City: Music Producer/City: Photographer/City: Printer/City: Producer: Production Company/City: Programmer: Writer: Web Development Firm/City:
Emily Hatch, Marketing Communications Specialist at VirTra
Miranda Fuller, Director of Marketing at VirTra
Jake Olmos, Multimedia Specialist at VirTra
Jay Henry, Ultra Design Agency