Virtual world simulation for system design

Virtual world simulation has been integrated into rail system design programmes as an effective way to illicit key user information in representative environments to enhance the design process. System designers benefit from... [ view full abstract ]

Virtual world simulation has been integrated into rail system design programmes as an effective way to illicit key user information in representative environments to enhance the design process. System designers benefit from the opportunity to eradicate errors and fix bugs throughout the design lifecycle and the key stakeholders gain confidence in the system development. When user testing is fully integrated and written into the programme, aligned with project milestones, the outputs can significantly reduce development time. This can result in products reaching the market sooner. The user engagement in turn increases the end user buy in to change. Yet it is not enough to simply have user testing as part of a system design process. It has to be given sufficient time and resource to be effective. Too often human factors practitioners are forced to compromise best practice based on limited user involvement and clients seeking quick results. This paper will consider two case studies where virtual world simulation was utilised as part of the development cycle and examine the benefits and pitfalls experienced.