Advancing the State of the Art
The Decision Theater consists of an interactive 3D immersive environment built with cutting edge graphics technologies. The core component, called the Drum, is a 260-degree faceted screen that can display panoramic computer graphics or 3D video content. The Drum accommodates up to 25 people and includes tools for collecting participant input and interaction. This advanced environment enabled individuals to see a detailed 3D representation of the consequences of behavior, decisions and policy in order to examine potential future scenarios in new and exciting ways.
Modeling and simulation activities at the Decision Theater focus on policy-relevant models that are easily understood in our immersive visualization and decision-making environment. We focus on balancing the complexity of real-world phenomenon with clear, transparent modeling. Our goal is to build simulations that are easy to explore by our clients with the capabilities of Assisted Collaborative Decision Making (ACDM) in our immersive environment. We use a number of visual software applications that best suit model requirements: system-dynamics, geographic information systems, data mining, statistical analysis, and 3D modeling applications.
Our approach combines tools and techniques from academic, consulting, and policy analysis fields to create a dynamic environment that allows participants to engage in "What if?" analysis of multiple scenarios. Each model is constructed in close collaboration with stakeholders to identify the key variables that matter most. In this way, we are able to present decision-makers with visual depictions of their possible policy options.
The Decision Theater consists of an interactive 3D immersive environment built with cutting edge graphics technologies. The core component, called the Drum, is a 260-degree faceted screen that can display panoramic computer graphics or 3D video content. The Drum accommodates up to 25 people and includes tools for collecting participant input and interaction. This advanced environment enabled individuals to see a detailed 3D representation of the consequences of behavior, decisions and policy in order to examine potential future scenarios in new and exciting ways.
Modeling and simulation activities at the Decision Theater focus on policy-relevant models that are easily understood in our immersive visualization and decision-making environment. We focus on balancing the complexity of real-world phenomenon with clear, transparent modeling. Our goal is to build simulations that are easy to explore by our clients with the capabilities of Assisted Collaborative Decision Making (ACDM) in our immersive environment. We use a number of visual software applications that best suit model requirements: system-dynamics, geographic information systems, data mining, statistical analysis, and 3D modeling applications.
Our approach combines tools and techniques from academic, consulting, and policy analysis fields to create a dynamic environment that allows participants to engage in "What if?" analysis of multiple scenarios. Each model is constructed in close collaboration with stakeholders to identify the key variables that matter most. In this way, we are able to present decision-makers with visual depictions of their possible policy options.
“Looking at the future through simulation engages the brain to consider creative solutions to issues that have real world consequences.”
Catherine Eden
Executive director of Education, School of Public Affairs