LVC&G-AED: Live Virtual Constructive and Game Assisted Experimental Design II

Many professionals are involved with the creation of a Live Virtual Constructive & Game (LVC & G) environments and scenarios, from simulator programmers to subject matter experts. However, there is currently no systematic method for assembling environments and designing experiments or training from these multiple perspectives. To meet this need, Aptima proposes to develop LVC & G-AED (Live Virtual Constructive & Game - Assisted Experimental Designer), a decision-support system that will guide individuals through a ten-step research process from defining the research question, choosing variables of interest, and developing relevant measures. This process is both sufficiently high-level to capture the questions of the various professionals involved in simulation development, yet sufficiently rigorous to ensure that specific research questions are addressed. The focus of the Phase II effort is to build a working prototype of the AED tool, including the user interface, underlying exploration and optimization model, and knowledge database. This prototype will be demonstrated to be usable by any individual, regardless of background, enabling them to quickly and efficiently create scientifically valid experimental scenarios, saving manpower, time, and financial resources.