Heuristic Guideline

Description for Simulation Based Training Contexts

Virtual Reality Based Training

Manikin Based Training

System status visibility

Simulation system state should be transparent to the user at all times. 

The simulation mode (e.g. demo mode, normal mode, role mode, assessment mode, paused, or off) as well as the “state” of the simulated world should be transparent.

When equipment is attached to a manikin it should be obvious if that equipment is not working or turned on.

System - real world mapping

It is best to support natural perceptions (all modalities - visual, audio, haptic, etc.) and to support natural actions in the simulation environment.

Perceptual fidelity and support for "natural" action in the virtual environment are important to represent the physical world accurately.  Language should also be realistic.

The manikin should be as realistic as possible, but when it is a partial representation it should be made clear what won't be authentic.

User control and freedom

The user should feel he/she is in control of the simulated environment and, to the extent permitted by the training control, free to explore/interact with the system.

The user should be able to explore different information/views that is/are available as long as there is no interference with the pedagogical approach.

Trainees shouldn't be forced into a particular sequence of actions if flexibility in the real world would exist.

Consistency and standards

The user interface and basic system operations should be consistent so that users benefit from learning conventions within a particular system.  Additionally, simulation based training environment conventions across systems should be applied.

For instance, in the user interface language use should be consistent, the location of options/information should be consistent and typical interface commands should be used (e.g. to direct movement)

Interacting with the manikin and any attached equipment should be as similar as possible when going from one system to another.

Error prevention

Interfaces to the simulation based training should be designed specifically to decrease the potential for occurrence of slips and mistake.  This is important in it’s own right for general usability, but additionally assessed user performance in the training environment should be a reflection of the domain knowledge and skills demonstrated and not influenced by a user interface that itself means it is too easy to make a slip or mistake.

For instance, unnecessary ambiguity in language should be avoided.  Context sensitive disabling of options that will do nothing, only lead to errors, or cause  confusion helps.  Undo options where pedagogically acceptable can help.  A good help system for the actual user interface can help too.

Users shouldn't have to worry about the limitations of the manikin or equipment and the potential for an unnatural response to stop completion of a task during their performance.  When a "system" error does occur the trainee shouldn't be blamed for it and should have an opportunity to "go back" and repeat what was performed.

Minimize memory load

Interfaces should support recognition rather than recall, so that the user can focus on performing in the simulated environment and not on how to use the interface to that environment. 

For instance, making it easy to get to a drop down list reminder of actions that can be taken rather than having to remember an arbitrarily mapped set of keystrokes to command options.

Things the user has to remember that would not be necessary in the real world should be minimized.

Flexibility and efficiency of use

Make user interfaces as customizable and flexible as possible.   Efficiency in any necessary “unnatural” interactions is important, so that the user can focus on interacting with a perceived natural world.

The number of keystrokes to give a command when using a keyboard should generally be minimized.

If there is more than one way to perform a procedure with a manikin and that is acceptable in the training context the user shouldn't be constrained.

Aesthetic and minimalist design

Often the simplest and most minimal design options are often the best for ensuring usability.  The cognitive work involved in using the simulation based training environment that is required as system “overhead” and which wouldn’t exist in the real-world should be minimized.

The interface should only display what is needed and the layout should use whitespace and regions to aid readability and grouping what is related together.

Distractions in the manikin or attached equipment that serve no training purpose and which interfere with the user focusing on the task being trained should be avoided.