Embodiments of the present invention provide a collaborative visualization system, which integrates motion capture and virtual reality, along with kinematics and computer-aided design (CAD), for the purpose of, for example, virtual training on a task. A portable motion capture system tracks the movements of one or more trainers and records full-body motion capture data for one or more trainers performing one or more tasks. A virtual reality simulator receives the recorded motion capture data and animates scaled avatars within a three-dimensional virtual reality simulation responsive to recorded motion capture data. An immersive observation system displays the virtual reality simulation, including the animated avatars, as a three-dimensional image that appears to surround one or more trainees using one or more head mounted displays so that the one or more trainees can analyze the one or more tasks performed.