Understanding Complex Systems Through Mental Models and Shared Experiences: A Case Study

Background. Our world today is made up of complex, socio-technical systems like large infrastructure systems, global logistic chains and information networks. Simulation games represent one way to enable participation and governance of such systems. Aim. The current study explores the development of mental models and shared experiences of professionals and students through a simulation game. Method. The simulation game SIMPORT-MV2 focused on the development of a new port area in the Port of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Insights in the perceived development of mental models were measured through questionnaires and through observations in the debriefing. Likewise, observations in the debriefing were obtained for measurements of shared experiences. Results. Results showed that participants perceived positive learning on their declarative, procedural and strategic knowledge (mental model) about the port project. A significant difference was found for both the overall perceived knowledge and the strategic knowledge between students and professionals. Furthermore, qualitative findings showed that players are enabled to probe designs of, to gain insights into, and to develop an understanding of complex systems in a safe environment through shared experiences. Conclusions. This study shows that it is possible to design a simulation game that represents such a complex socio-technical system based on a layered approach of agent, network and system behavior.