> Is anyone doing 3-D visualization of Vensim (or other) SD simulations?
We have created a 3-D interactive training simulation on change management
within large organizations (such as installing SAP, a merger or
acquisition, reengineering, etc.) using Powersim Constructor. Simulation
users can walk through an office tower and meet with employees, managers,
and senior executives.
The simulation uses a touch screen and voice recognition. No keyboard
required! On the downside, all this special equipment and the powerful
graphics card for the 3D graphics makes the installation pretty expensive.
> Did the 3-D animation provide faster/additional insight into the model
> behavior?
The 3-D environment is useful for three reasons--
1. It seems to be easier for managers who are unfamilar with simulation to
understand what they are supposed to do within the simulation exercise. The
3D environment uses more real-world metaphors than 2D environments.
2. More information can be displayed on a screen and easily digested. We
can load a 3D scene with a lot of information without confusing or
overwhelming the user.
3. Ideas can easily be reinforced in multiple ways. For example, you can
access more senior managers in the simulation by entering an elevator and
going up to higher floors. In some cases, higher floors are not available
if senior managers are inaccessible to the player (within the context of
who he or she is playing). When commitment for a change is waning,
breakroom conversations change, clouds appear in the windows outside the
office, the look of the employees changes, etc.
> What 3-D graphics tools are used? How are they interfaced?
We are collaborating with a company called Sense8, which specializes in 3D
interactive environments for business. Sense8 is based in Mill Valley, near
San Fransisco. Sense8 has its own tools for generating 3D spaces.
We used Powersim Constructor to model the simulation and connected it to
their software using Powersim Engine, which can be embedded inside of other
programs. It took us about 20 minutes to connect the Powersim model to
Sense8s software with the help of one of Sense8s C++ programmers.
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Michael Bean
micbe@powersim.com
Powersim-
Simulator Solutions Group
1700 Montgomery Street, Suite 111
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415-954-7149
Fax: 415-954-7147
http://www.powersim.com/services
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