Can participatory ergonomics process tactics improve simulator fidelity and give rise to transdisciplinarity in stakeholders? A before–after case study

Abstract Production of high fidelity simulators requires stakeholders to remain engaged throughout the process, and development of research-oriented simulators requires the sharing of knowledge beyond individual disciplines. Failings in simulator design that compromise the goals of the End-user evidence a participatory problem associated with how actors are coordinated during its development. Participatory ergonomics has been shown to improve collaboration between eclectic groups in a variety of psychosocial settings and may help people transcend disciplinary boundaries, enabling them to anticipate problems, create solutions and produce innovation. A before–after approach involving design evaluations and Design Decision Group sessions with three stakeholder groups was used to evaluate and re-design a high fidelity rail simulator. Prior to re-design, the evaluation identified issues with functional design, task design, visual ergonomics, and tractability for the End-user, which meant that the simulator was unfit for purpose. Following the participatory ergonomics process, the second evaluation identified significant improvements in all these areas and solutions, providing compelling evidence that transdisciplinarity had occurred. Based on the pattern of continued engagement, the process produced further innovation and opportunity for collaboration in the long term. This study supports the utility of collaborative initiatives that energise iterative design processes, find common ground, and ensure that knowledge and methods are utilised in ways that transcend the boundaries of conventional disciplines. The study reveals a unique perspective and research scope on the design of a simulator facility, with insights about research-industry partnerships that highlight the value and necessity of participatory processes. This work contributes to the literature on participatory methods calling for more research on team function, and a corresponding framework incorporating participatory ergonomics and collective function is proposed for further study. Relevance to Industry The approach and lessons from this study are broadly generalisable to a variety of industry contexts, particularly those that would benefit from conditions where people with disparate views must work together with end-users to achieve a common goal and where exchange of knowledge is a crucial predictor for success.