Training support for Naturalistic Decision Making: Serious gaming for adaptive performance of military personnel

Introduction: For effective decision making in the 21st century where operational environments are complex and uncertain, there is a strong need for training support and its practical application to naturalistic, real-world settings. In this contribution, we focus on training of adaptive performance using NDM approach. In particular, we introduce serious games (SGs) as a potential means to train adaptive performance of military personnel. Method: The design of our SG is explained with the aim of enhancing adaptive performance and effective decision making in complex and uncertain environments. The rule change element is introduced and other game design elements are described taking the perspective of Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM) approach. Results: The findings from a game design validation session show that participants were able to assess the situational change and adapt their actions during the SG play. Challenges of practical application of the training support into the Dutch Major’s school are described. Discussion: We discuss future directions of SG improvement within an NDM approach