A human centred approach to simulation: a case study of software to support system design and development

A technocentric approach to the use of simulation software in production system design uses it as an expert tool to assist system designers in a one ofs design. A human centred approach, in contrast, uses simulation sofmare to support teams of users to make key decisions about system design. In addition, it provides support for continued improvement and development activities by the users. In order to achieve these aims, the so&are must be easily usable by users, involve clear graphics to act as a protovping tool, and be suficiently robust to work within an industrial context. This paper describes three industrial experiences in the design and implementation of team based cellular manufacturing employing standard simulation software packages (highly complex graphic soffware: A UTOMOD, medium to high complexity: SIMA and low complexity: SIMKJEW) and accompanying standard participatory design techniques. Each failed to achieve the intended goal of human centred syslem design. Reflecting on this experience, principles for sojlware and design techniques capable of realising human centred simulation objective are offered.