Gamification in the framework of a real-time multibody simulation
Nikitina, Anna (2022)
Diplomityö
2022
School of Energy Systems, Konetekniikka
Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2022021819798
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2022021819798
Tiivistelmä
Simulation is a tool for assessing the quality of the developing product. Multibody system dynamics is an approach used for simulation of mechanical systems that allows the real-time simulation. When the simulation is running real-time, the use cases for it are expanded into marketing, training and maintenance, supporting the whole life cycle of the machine. The data obtained from the simulator used for these purposes can be then fed back into the research for continuous model improvement. However, the novelty of the simulator wears off easily for users, and they lose motivation to continue operating the simulator. Gamification is an approach used to increase user engagement and involvement that can be implemented on top of the existing system, including mechanical simulations.
This research focused on creating the gamified system on top of an existing excavator model created with Mevea software, as well as addition of hydraulic circuit parametrisation. The literature review helped establishing the systematised framework for gamification implementation. Based on it, game elements were implemented: leveling, continuous feedback and performance metrics. Leveling included tutorial with operation instructions, and independent soil loading exercises. Continuous feedback was provided by the meters on the screen, and the performance metrics were presented by the written feedback in the end of the exercise. The parametrisation was implemented using the spline editor that changed the shape of model's hydraulic valves characteristic curves. The user experience survey was conducted in order to collect the opinion about the gamified system.
The results of user survey showed that users enjoyed the gamified model and felt that it helped them to improve their excavator operation skills. Users also stayed motivated to try the simulator again. Unlike in previous research, the parametrisation was randomised even without user input, providing more diverse data for analysis. However, the data about the influence of hydraulic valves on the overall operation was not conclusive and requires further investigation.
This research focused on creating the gamified system on top of an existing excavator model created with Mevea software, as well as addition of hydraulic circuit parametrisation. The literature review helped establishing the systematised framework for gamification implementation. Based on it, game elements were implemented: leveling, continuous feedback and performance metrics. Leveling included tutorial with operation instructions, and independent soil loading exercises. Continuous feedback was provided by the meters on the screen, and the performance metrics were presented by the written feedback in the end of the exercise. The parametrisation was implemented using the spline editor that changed the shape of model's hydraulic valves characteristic curves. The user experience survey was conducted in order to collect the opinion about the gamified system.
The results of user survey showed that users enjoyed the gamified model and felt that it helped them to improve their excavator operation skills. Users also stayed motivated to try the simulator again. Unlike in previous research, the parametrisation was randomised even without user input, providing more diverse data for analysis. However, the data about the influence of hydraulic valves on the overall operation was not conclusive and requires further investigation.