Background. The use of simulation games for complex systems analysis and design has been acknowledged about 50 years ago. However, articles do not combine all salient factors for successful simulation games, and often stem from a clear view of one particular field of science only. With combining multiple disciplines, connect analysis and design as well as research and practice, we provide deep insights in design and use of simulation games.Aim. This article analyzes the design and evaluation process of a variety of game-based projects and activities, using existing scientific concepts and approaches, in order to establish games as a valid research tool. Our focus lies on the approach towards the use of games as design instrument; using them as an intervention in a larger, complex context, in order to design this context. With our contribution, we aim at providing insights and recommendations on the design and use of games as valid research tools, the limitations of this use, possible pitfalls, but also best practices.Method. We carried out a literature review of related work to identify the most important scientific concepts related to our approach of game design. Further use of combined quantitative and qualitative case study analyses highlights the design process and results of our own game studies.Results. The analyses yielded a consolidated conceptualization of simulation games as research instruments in complex systems analysis and design. The results also include methods for the evaluation of simulation games, additional evaluation methods, and limitations to use simulation games as research instruments.Conclusions. We propose guidelines for using simulation games as research instruments that may be of value to practitioners and scientists alike.Recommendation. We recommend practitioners and scientists to apply the guidelines presented here in their efforts to analyze and design complex systems.

Abstract. For operational units in the security domain that work together in teams, it is important to quickly and adequately exchange context-related information to ensure well-working collaboration. Currently, most information exchange is based on oral communication. This paper reports on different scenarios from the security domain in which augmented reality (AR) techniques are used to support such information exchange. The scenarios have been designed with a User Centred Design approach, in order to make the scenarios as realistic as possible. To support these scenarios, an AR system has been developed and evaluated in two rounds. In the first round, the usability and feasibility of the AR support has been evaluated with experts from different operational units in the security domain. The second evaluation round then focussed on the effect of AR on collaboration and situational awareness within the expert teams. With regard to the usability and feasibility of AR, the evaluation shows that the scenarios are well defined and the AR system can successfully support information exchange in teams operating in the security domain. The second evaluation round showed that AR can especially improve the situational awareness of remote colleagues not physically present at a scene.

Serious games show to have positive impact on training results. Advantages of simulation games lay in the provision of a safe training environment, where users are able to play, test and probe without serious consequences. At the same time, it is important to engage learners by providing a motivating, challenging environment, which becomes meaningful to the player when skills and knowledge acquired within the game are transferrable to real work tasks. With the use of a participatory game design approach, we developed an immersive, meaningful virtual training environment to improve situational awareness skills. Feedback of game developers as well as from test groups shows that the participatory approach to game development lead to a meaningful experience within an authentic virtual training environment. High functional and physical fidelity, a high degree of realism, compared with challenging game elements makes the developed serious game an appropriate training tool for situational awareness skills.

Complexity is increasingly tied into systems of societies, technologies and organizations. As these systems are characterized by non-linear interactions, it becomes more and more difficult to manage, educate, understand and predict their processes and outcomes. This symposium presents cases of a variety of simulation games that facilitate in these different types of systems; it also examines the theoretical challenges of the design of simulation games for such complex systems. The examples show how both computer-based and traditional board games can be used in various domains to analyze and design complex processes such as asset management, manufacturing procedures, railway infrastructure innovations, and land use development. The case studies presented in this symposium introduce simulation games as alternative solutions to complex organizational and even societal problems.

Seaports are crucial interfaces in global intermodal freight transportation networks. Their complex operations, connectedness to external stakeholders, and increasing volumes of goods to be handled make them vulnerable to internal and external disruptions. Research has shown that disruptions in seaports can cause undesirable ripple effects, which negatively impact the operations of the entire transportation network as well as the surrounding economical and societal wellbeing. Containerized transportation plays a major role in the global trade network. Resilience of seaport container terminals is therefore imperative for a resilient and robust intermodal transportation network. Communication, information sharing, alignment of plans, and shared awareness of unfolding disruptions among planners and decision makers within terminal operations have been identified as important elements to improve the resilience of container terminals. However, in practice, the inter-dependencies between various planning and operational activities, and alignment of solution strategies have been largely overlooked. Addressing this gap, a novel approach for creating awareness of potential strategies for disruption management by training competencies for resilient container terminal operations has been introduced in the form of a simulation game. Several test sessions of a multiplayer tabletop game support the following two findings-first, the simulation game can be a useful means to train competencies for resilient transport operations from the perspective of the future planners and decision makers, as well as for soon-to-be professionals in container terminals. Second, the game may help participants to make choices that lead to resilient transport operations in container terminals.