https://doi.org/10.24928/2023/0253

Development and Testing of a Digital Lean Tool to Sharpen Motion and Transportation Waste Recognition

Yasaman Arefazar1, Zofia K. Rybkowski2, H. David Jeong3, Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo4 & Sayyed Amir Hossain Maghool5

1Graduate Student, Department of Construction Science, School of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-2827-572X
2Associate Professor, Department of Construction Science, School of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-0683-5004
3Professor, Department of Construction Science, School of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-4074-1869
4Associate Professor, Department of Visualization, School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-0410-7203
5 Graduate Student, Department of Construction Science, School of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-1208-9092

Abstract

There is a need to create ways to communicate opportunities for motion and transportation waste reduction and productivity enhancement that align with the visual management characteristics of those practicing within the construction industry. In this study, researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive online simulation game that generates spaghetti diagrams as a tool for improving conceptual understanding of motion and transportation waste reduction, that could potentially be used by lean educators in the construction industry. The tool was developed using Unity™ and tested against a control group. To ensure the concept was relatable to participants across different roles, the commonly experienced activity of making spaghetti was chosen as the simulation scenario. Participant feedback from preliminary testing of the online simulation game indicated that the activity was enjoyable and appeared to heighten participant awareness of object placement. Metrics generated by the simulation—as well as post-play discussion—appeared to help participants perceive how elimination of motion and transportation waste can potentially improve their performance. The intent of the simulation is to spur post-simulation discussion with participants about identifying and reducing waste in their own varied processes such as job site operations and procurement.

Keywords

Motion Waste, Transportation Waste, Lean Simulation, Lean Construction, Online Game, Serious Games, Spaghetti Diagram, Productivity Awareness

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Reference

Arefazar, Y. , Rybkowski, Z. K. , Jeong, H. D. , Seo, J. H. & Maghool, S. A. H. 2023. Development and Testing of a Digital Lean Tool to Sharpen Motion and Transportation Waste Recognition, Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC31) , 674-686. doi.org/10.24928/2023/0253

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