> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.altoura.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set Hand Representation

> Change the 3D model used to represent the learner's hands in the scene

## Overview

The **Set Hand Representation** action changes which 3D model is used to visualize the learner's hands in the training. Instead of standard hands, you can switch to gloved hands, tool-holding hands, pointers, or other hand representations based on your training context.

This provides visual authenticity — learners see hands that match the real-world scenario they're training for.

## When to Use

* **Safety equipment** — Show hands wearing safety gloves, latex gloves, or specialized PPE
* **Tool use** — Display hands gripping or holding specific tools (screwdriver, wrench, etc.)
* **Different personas** — Use different hand models for different learner types or roles
* **Accessibility** — Provide hand representation options (pointer, simplified hands, etc.)
* **AR/mixed reality** — Match hand models to the physical device being used
* **Context switching** — Change hand models when transitioning between different procedure phases

## Parameters

| Parameter  | Type                | Required | Description                                                                                                 |
| ---------- | ------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Hand Model | String or Reference | Yes      | Select from available hand model options (e.g., `"bare-hand"`, `"gloved-hand"`, `"pointer"`, `"tool-grip"`) |

## Available Hand Models

The exact hand models available depend on your Creator Studio setup, but common options include:

| Model                    | Description                 | Use Case                            |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `bare-hand`              | Ungloved human hand         | General procedures, inspection      |
| `gloved-hand-latex`      | Latex/nitrile gloves        | Medical, lab, safety procedures     |
| `gloved-hand-heavy-duty` | Heavy work gloves           | Machinery, industrial work          |
| `gloved-hand-safety`     | Safety/protective gloves    | Hazmat, hazardous material handling |
| `pointer`                | Simple pointing hand/cursor | Remote or limited interaction       |
| `tool-grip-wrench`       | Hand holding a wrench       | Equipment maintenance               |
| `tool-grip-screwdriver`  | Hand holding a screwdriver  | Assembly, repair work               |
| `tool-grip-pen`          | Hand holding a pen          | Writing, documentation              |

## Example 1: Switch to Safety Gloves

```
Action: Set Hand Representation
Hand Model: "gloved-hand-safety"
```

The learner's hands appear wearing heavy-duty safety gloves — appropriate for hazmat or high-risk procedures.

## Example 2: Switch to Tool-Holding Hand

```
Action: Set Hand Representation
Hand Model: "tool-grip-wrench"
```

The learner's hands appear to be holding a wrench, indicating they're about to perform maintenance work.

## Example 3: Switch to Pointer

```
Action: Set Hand Representation
Hand Model: "pointer"
```

A simple pointer or cursor hand appears, useful for inspection or remote interaction scenarios.

## Example 4: Return to Bare Hand

```
Action: Set Hand Representation
Hand Model: "bare-hand"
```

Standard ungloved hands return, appropriate for precision work or post-PPE stages.

## Best Practices

<Steps>
  <Step title="Establish context early">
    Set the hand representation early in a training phase so learners understand the scenario.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Match real-world context">
    Use the hand model that matches what learners would actually wear or use in the real scenario.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Transition between phases">
    Change hand models when moving between different procedure steps or safety contexts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Combine with color customization">
    Pair hand model changes with **Set Hand Animation Color** for additional visual clarity.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Document the meaning">
    Use **Show Panel** or **Show Text** to explain why the hand model has changed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test on mobile">
    Verify hand models are clear and recognizable on small screens.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common Patterns

### Safety Procedure with Gloved Hands

```
State: ChemicalHandling
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "gloved-hand-safety")
    → Show Panel
        Title: "Chemical Handling Procedure"
        Display Text: "You are now wearing safety gloves. This protects you from chemical exposure."
        Billboard: true
    → Set Interactable Objects (["chemical-container"], true)

  onExit:
    → Hide Panel
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "bare-hand")
```

Hands switch to gloved representation during chemical handling, then back to bare hands afterward.

### Multi-Step Procedure with Tool Changes

```
State: AssemblyStep1
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "tool-grip-screwdriver")
    → Show Text "Step 1: Use the screwdriver to open the panel."
    → Set Interactable Objects (["panel-screw"], true)

  onExit:
    → Hide Text

State: AssemblyStep2
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "tool-grip-wrench")
    → Show Text "Step 2: Use the wrench to loosen the bolt."
    → Set Interactable Objects (["bolt"], true)

  onExit:
    → Hide Text

State: AssemblyStep3
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "bare-hand")
    → Show Text "Step 3: Inspect the connection with your bare hands."
    → Set Interactable Objects (["connection"], true)

  onExit:
    → Hide Text
```

Hand representation changes as learners switch tools throughout the assembly procedure.

### Medical Lab Procedure

```
State: LabSetup
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "bare-hand")
    → Show Panel
        Title: "Lab Safety Briefing"
        Display Text: "You will now perform a sterile lab procedure. Glove up!"
        Billboard: true

  onExit:
    → Hide Panel

State: GlovedLabWork
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "gloved-hand-latex")
    → Show Panel
        Title: "Sample Processing"
        Display Text: "You are now wearing latex gloves. Maintain sterile technique."
        Billboard: true
    → Set Interactable Objects (["sample-vial", "pipette"], true)

  onExit:
    → Hide Panel
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "bare-hand")
```

Hands switch from bare to gloved when entering the sterile lab work phase, then back to bare afterward.

### Inspection vs. Repair

```
State: InitialInspection
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "pointer")
    → Show Text "Inspection phase: Use the pointer to identify issues."
    → Set Interactable Objects (["equipment"], true)

  transitions:
    - event: "defects-identified"
      target: "RepairPhase"

  onExit:
    → Hide Text

State: RepairPhase
  onEntry:
    → Set Hand Representation (Hand Model: "gloved-hand-heavy-duty")
    → Show Text "Repair phase: Now wearing work gloves. Perform repairs."
    → Set Interactable Objects (["equipment-parts"], true)

  onExit:
    → Hide Text
```

During inspection, a pointer hand indicates non-intrusive observation. During repair, gloved hands indicate hands-on work.

## Related Actions

* **Set Hand Animation Color** — Customize the color of the hand representation
* **Attach Tool** — Attach a tool object to the learner's hand
* **Remove Tool** — Remove an attached tool
* **Show Text** — Explain the hand representation change to the learner