Ergonomics in Design: The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications

Game-based simulations are being designed to portray the immersive experience of live role-play while providing a cost-effective, visually compelling, and easily accessible medium for military training. In this article, we discuss issues involved in using role-play for cultural training and describe a pilot study comparing live role-play versus role-play in a recently developed simulation environment. Developers of training involving role-play should realize (a) the importance of proper preparation for all involved and (b) the significance of the game-based interface in allowing the user to be able to convey and appreciate the cultural and interpersonal aspects of the interaction.

In the first two articles of this series, we focused on key challenges and a process for approaching user-centered design (UCD). In this third article, we describe and summarize the “best of the best” best practices for UCD activities and a case study in which the best practices were leveraged. We conclude with strategic recommendations for making UCD a more effective and efficient methodology in the software engineering life cycle.

In this column, William F. Moroney reports on ergonomics issues that have appeared in the press. Contributions are invited. Please send electronic copy with references to moroney@udayton.edu.