Presentation
From Creepy to Credible: Redesigning Procedure-Focused Simulation Tools
SessionPoster Session 2
DescriptionHuman factors medical device evaluations use simulation to replicate critical procedures in a controlled, low-risk setting. Yet even when the environment is adequate, the tools we place in participants’ hands (i.e., “procedure-focused simulation tools”) frequently fail to support authentic behavior.
Many procedure-focused simulation tools—such as medical manikins and injection pads—may fall into the so-called "uncanny valley," potentially eliciting discomfort rather than engagement. This can occur when they include superficial details that have little impact on user behavior, while overlooking critical aspects of tactile, cognitive, and emotional realism that are essential for creating effective and immersive simulation experiences. Medical manikins often include details like teeth or eyelashes that do not enhance the realism of targeted use scenarios, while lacking more impactful features such as accurate body proportions and realistic skin texture. Injection pads can be awkwardly shaped, leading participants to perform injections at unnatural angles, and they are frequently available in only a single skin tone, which can limit both realism and inclusivity.
This poster highlights the gap between intended and actual fidelity in procedure-focused simulation tools and presents a framework for designing or selecting tools that better support valid, behaviorally realistic human factors evaluations. Drawing on lessons from immersive procedure simulations developed in earlier applied settings and on current development work for an intentionally low-fidelity manikin designed to avoid the uncanny valley, the poster organizes key insights into four domains of “focused fidelity”: task-relevant tactile cues, functional responsiveness, psychological engagement, and inclusive representation.
Attendees will gain practical criteria for assessing whether a simulation tool is “realistic enough” to elicit authentic user behavior, along with examples illustrating how prioritizing focused fidelity improves engagement and strengthens the validity of simulated-use data. The ultimate takeaway: It's time for our simulation tools to reflect the human factors standards they were designed to evaluate.
Many procedure-focused simulation tools—such as medical manikins and injection pads—may fall into the so-called "uncanny valley," potentially eliciting discomfort rather than engagement. This can occur when they include superficial details that have little impact on user behavior, while overlooking critical aspects of tactile, cognitive, and emotional realism that are essential for creating effective and immersive simulation experiences. Medical manikins often include details like teeth or eyelashes that do not enhance the realism of targeted use scenarios, while lacking more impactful features such as accurate body proportions and realistic skin texture. Injection pads can be awkwardly shaped, leading participants to perform injections at unnatural angles, and they are frequently available in only a single skin tone, which can limit both realism and inclusivity.
This poster highlights the gap between intended and actual fidelity in procedure-focused simulation tools and presents a framework for designing or selecting tools that better support valid, behaviorally realistic human factors evaluations. Drawing on lessons from immersive procedure simulations developed in earlier applied settings and on current development work for an intentionally low-fidelity manikin designed to avoid the uncanny valley, the poster organizes key insights into four domains of “focused fidelity”: task-relevant tactile cues, functional responsiveness, psychological engagement, and inclusive representation.
Attendees will gain practical criteria for assessing whether a simulation tool is “realistic enough” to elicit authentic user behavior, along with examples illustrating how prioritizing focused fidelity improves engagement and strengthens the validity of simulated-use data. The ultimate takeaway: It's time for our simulation tools to reflect the human factors standards they were designed to evaluate.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeTuesday, March 244:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
LocationRhinelander Gallery
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices