SafeSim Design: A Digital Game-Based Learning Approach to Address Design for Safety (DfS) Competency

Sufiana Safiena, Juliana Tay, Yang Miang Goh*, Michelle Lim

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceedingpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The Singapore government enacted the Workplace Safety and Health (Design for Safety) Regulations in 2015. However, the construction industry continues to be the nation’s main contributor to workplace injuries. As such, there is a need to develop competency in Design for Safety (DfS) within the industry so that designers (i.e., engineers and architects) can anticipate and “design out” construction, maintenance, and demolition hazards and risks. One way to improve the DfS competency of designers is through digital game-based learning (DGBL), a research-based educational approach developed to motivate and engage learners through interactive gameplay. Thus, this study developed SafeSim Design (SSD), a single-player digital game, to educate designers on the difference between design risks and occupational hazards, conduct risk evaluation, and design out risks through various design-related controls. SSD incorporated different game design elements that could effectively support the learning needs of designers. In addition, the game content is a collective effort from the authors and industry professionals in collating design-related case studies, ensuring fidelity and authenticity. This paper presents the development process of SSD, including the different game design elements and the incorporation of specific teaching strategies. The study also demonstrates how SSD can be an effective teaching tool for professional development (PD). Future studies will include an experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of DGBL as an instructional tool in the context of the Built Environment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of The 17th East Asian-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction, 2022 - EASEC-17
EditorsGuoqing Geng, Xudong Qian, Leong Hien Poh, Sze Dai Pang
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages360-372
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9789811973307
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event17th East Asian-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction, EASEC-17 2022 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 27 Jun 202230 Jun 2022

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Volume302 LNCE
ISSN (Print)2366-2557
ISSN (Electronic)2366-2565

Conference

Conference17th East Asian-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction, EASEC-17 2022
CityVirtual, Online
Period27/06/2230/06/22

Keywords

  • Design for Safety
  • Digital game-based learning
  • Professional development
  • Safety training
  • Workplace safety and health

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