A comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of virtual reality, 3D visualization and 2D visual interactive simulation: an exploratory meta-analysis

Abstract

Research on the application of 3D visualization and virtual reality (VR) in discrete-event simulation (DES) has received increased attention in the past two decades. The increasing popularity of the 3D display in DES is mainly due to superior display capabilities and the associated benefits that it offers. However, the 2D display also continues to enjoy active use to date, thus provoking some fierce debates questioning the need for the 3D and VR if the 2D interface suffices. Several studies comparing the effectiveness of the different visualization methods also produce different conclusions. This paper undertakes a meta-analysis of the different positions and synthesizes the findings from 162 studies on the impacts of the 2D display versus 3D/VR on user performance on various DES tasks. The results highlight four key findings. First, the perception that the 2D display is more effective for model development is misleading as 3D/VR offers overall better performance and quality of models. Second, 3D/VR enables more effective performance than 2D display for model verification and validation. Third, 3D/VR decreases the time taken for verification, validation, experimentation, and analysis of results, but can increase model development time. Finally, the latent variables such as the application domains and nature of the problems tackled have no direct or indirect influence on the efficacy of the 3D display/VR versus 2D on DES task performance.

Multiple criteria analysis of the popularity and growth of research and practice of visual analytics, and a forecast of the future trajectory

“…This section analyzes the multidisciplinary impacts of VA through research. The purpose is to evaluate the application areas where VA offers contributions through data analytics and information visualization to generate insights, knowledge discovery, and decision‐making (Kasprzyk et al., 2013; Alhadad 2018; Akpan and Shanker, 2019; Akpan et al., 2020). The section also examines the number of citations that VA publications receive from other fields.…”

Demonstration and evaluation of a digital twin-based virtual factory

“…A recent comprehensive survey [ 72 ] states that 3D/VR simulations offer higher performance in model development and have rapidly become a common modelling methodology. Moreover, the study reveals that 3D/VR provides faster results in terms of verification, validation, experimentation and analysis but requires a longer model development time.…”

Improving the success of simulation projects using 3D visualization and virtual reality

“…2.1. The perspectives and perceptions of a simulation project's success Computer simulation typically involves creating a model and simulating a system of interest that produces results to support essential business decisions based on set objectives (Akpan & Shanker 2017, 2018Pidd, 1996). However, for a simulation project to be considered a success, the user needs to accept the results as credible, implement the recommendations, and achieve a successful outcome (Akpan & Brooks, 2012;Akpan & Shanker, 2017;Jahangirian et al, 2017;Robinson & Pidd, 1998).…”

“…Further, the DES literature presents a loosed view of 3D visualization, equating it with VR, implying that both displays offer a three-dimensional perspective view (Akpan & Brooks, 2012). Although the 3D experience can provide the ability to alter the viewpoint of the observer including being able to "fly through" the system, it does not provide a complete VR experience in the conventional sense (Akpan & Brooks, 2014;Akpan & Shanker, 2018). Thus, the humancomputer interaction literature defines VR as a variety of systems with different levels of immersion, including full immersion into the virtual environment, and uses specialised hardware devices such as gloves and head-mounted displays (Hoffmann, Stefani, & Patel, 2006).…”

“…Also, the simulation literature posit that, the application of 3D/VR in discrete event simulation was managerially driven (Akpan & Brooks, 2005a;2005b;Rohrer & McGregor, 2002). Another area where visualization has significant impact is that it enhances effective communication among the stakeholders in a simulation project (Akpan & Brooks, 2012;Akpan & Shanker, 2017;2018;Bell, 1991;Kamat & Martinez, 2001).…”