Title: A web-based simulation game as a learning tool for the design process of complex systems

Authors: Francesco Bianconi, Stefano A. Saetta, Lorenzo Tiacci

Addresses: Dipartimento Ingegneria Industriale, Universita degli Studi di Perugia, Via G. Duranti 1/A-4, 06125 Perugia, Italy. ' Dipartimento Ingegneria Industriale, Universita degli Studi di Perugia, Via G. Duranti 1/A-4, 06125 Perugia, Italy. ' Dipartimento Ingegneria Industriale, Universita degli Studi di Perugia, Via G. Duranti 1/A-4, 06125 Perugia, Italy

Abstract: While relational simulation games have been widely used for learning activities in areas such as business, management and communication, their development in the engineering field is still very limited. In this paper a web-based simulation game was designed in order to fill this existing gap in the development of relational simulation games related to engineering aspects and in particular to the design process of complex systems. An evaluation of a first web trial competition, carried out by questionnaires, shows a satisfactory achievement of the proposed learning tool objectives.

Keywords: learning tools; engineering design; design education; engineering education; complex systems; web-based games; simulation; gaming; design process.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2006.011365

Journal of Design Research, 2006 Vol.5 No.2, pp.253 - 272

Published online: 23 Nov 2006 *

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