Simulation technology provides powerful tools for analysis of information system (IS) designs, but it is a fact that the purpose of such technology is to enhance the quality of decisions made by human beings. On-line help and knowledge-based support, graphics, and Visual Interactive Simulation (VIS) and animation are particularly promising technologies to enhance the effectiveness of simulation from a human factors perspective. Based on literature review and two studies undertaken by the authors, the role of these technologies in simulation-based decision making is considered. The authors find that there are opportunities to improve the decision support role of simulation technology in IS with enhanced user interface technology but that there are further issues to address. Although there are many practical difficulties in experimental assessment of human factors in IS simulation, such research is essential in determining the relevance of simulation technology to decision support.
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