title: Designing simulator tools for rail research: the case study of a train driving microworld.
abstract: The microworld simulator paradigm is well established in the areas of ship-navigation and spaceflight, but has yet to be applied to rail. This paper presents a case study aiming to address this research gap, and describes the development of a train driving microworld as a tool to overcome some common research barriers. A theoretical framework for microworld design is tested and used to explore some key methodological issues and characteristics of train driving, enhancing theory development and providing a useful guideline for the designers of other collision-avoidance systems. A detailed description is given of the ATREIDES (Adaptive Train Research Enhanced Information Display & Environment Simulator) microworld, which simulates the work environment of a train driver in a high-speed passenger train. General indications of the testable driving scenarios that may be simulated are given, and an example of an ATREIDES-based study is presented to illustrate its applied research potential. The article concludes with a review of the design process, considers some strengths and limitations, and explores some future initiatives towards enhancing the systematic study of rail research in the human factors community.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK. anjum.naweed@cqu.edu.au
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naweed
authors.forename: G R J
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Hockey
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Clarke
mesh_terms: D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000379:methods; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D009790:Occupations; D011890:Railroads / Q000379:methods; D012106:Research