ABSTRACT
Sim designers have to understand their audience, including initial skill and interest level, language, and even technology platform. However, the audiences for Short Sims can be defined significantly more broadly than for most educational media. The role of good design is to fully meet the needs of increasingly broader audiences. Sims designed for the military or for business schools are typically in the third category, and reach an audience with a greater tolerance for ambiguity. Perhaps the single greatest audience-centric variable in creating Short Sims is setting their tolerance for ambiguity. As an unintended consequence of this wide-range appeal, Short Sims is typically used well beyond their original program. The ability of Sims to create comfort is unique and valuable. Once an organization begins developing simulations, they understand why there old ways failed.
