Practitioners' perception of the impacts of virtual reality on discrete-event simulation

This paper presents the results from surveying simulation practitioners from industry and academics who have used 2D or 3D software applications for discrete event simulation (DES) projects. The survey focused on the impacts of virtual reality (VR) on DES activities. The findings indicate the software used, the applications areas, the stages in the simulation modeling process where visual display is commonly used, and a comparative evaluation of the benefits and costs associated with modeling in 3D over 2D. Other results indicate possible influence of each of the two displays on simulation results, effects on users' understanding of the modeled system and any corresponding influence on decision making. The findings also incorporate the pitfalls to avoid when modeling in 3D, and speculations about the future of VR-based DES (VRSIM) practice.