Design of Complex Problem-Solving Ability Training Games That Combine Simulation Spaces and Plots

Abstract

The most important thing in complex problem-solving is to recognize the characteristics of the crux of the problem, which is a very important "ability" in the workplace, and the need to understand the problem comprehensively before analyzing it is an important step in making decisions on how to deal with the problem. This study uses Gather Town to design a simulation company environment. The first learning objective of this game is that suddenly an important client is coming to visit, and in the absence of a redundant meeting room, the general manager assigns the "The Super Secretary" to coordinate with several key figures (NPCs, Non-Player Character) and propose the best solution to solve this complex problem. Good communication skills are our second learning objective. This game uses Google Forms to provide players with dialogues and interactions with key figures NPCs in the Gather Town simulation space, and different communication discourse content choices will generate different information and plot development. The participants of this preliminary study were 12 adults over 20 years of age in Taiwan. The results of the study showed that the participants' mean scores for flow, game elements, and game feedback were significantly higher than the median of the scale (i.e., 3), and their activity anxiety scores were lower than 3. In addition, the qualitative opinion feedback collected also showed that the learners also reported that the game was "very realistic, as if we were really discussing and negotiating with them". Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the digital situation simulation mechanism designed in this study has the potential to develop decision-making thinking and communication skills for complex problem-solving.

Save as a Favourite

Author Information
Chih-Chung Chien, Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology – National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Pei-Ching Ngu, Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology – National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Yen-Ting Ho, Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology – National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Huei-Tse Hou, Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology – National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

• Category: Innovation & Technology

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

All Posts