Interactive Visualisation for Supply Chain Simulation Models

Project description

The central research question of this project is how interactive data visualisation can improve users’ understanding of complex supply chain simulation models compared to static representations. Supply chain simulations often contain interconnected processes, timing dependencies, and performance indicators that are difficult for non-expert users, such as small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) stakeholders, to interpret effectively.

The design challenge lies in translating complex, time-dependent simulation data into an interactive visual interface that supports clarity, sense-making, and confident decision-making without increasing cognitive load. This project investigates how design elements such as dashboards, timelines, colour coding, and interactive exploration can help users identify bottlenecks, understand lead and buffer times, and form a clearer mental model of system behaviour.

Context

Supply chains are made up of many connected processes such as production, transportation, and storage. Delays or disruptions in one part of the system can affect overall performance. Simulation models are commonly used to analyse supply chains and support planning and decision-making. However, the results of these simulations are often presented using static diagrams, tables, or spreadsheets, which can be difficult to interpret without specialised knowledge.

This creates challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other non-expert users. Many users find it hard to understand how different processes relate to each other, where bottlenecks occur, or how timing changes influence system performance. As a result, simulation tools are not always fully used in practice.

Research in data visualisation and human–computer interaction shows that interactive visual interfaces can improve understanding of complex information. Features such as dashboards, timelines, colour coding, and interactive elements can help users explore data more effectively and focus on key aspects of the system. Despite this, many supply chain simulation tools still rely on static or limited visual representations.

This project is positioned within the fields of supply chain management and interactive data visualisation. It examines how an interactive visual interface can improve user understanding of supply chain simulation models. The focus is on improving clarity, usability, and user confidence, rather than on developing new simulation techniques. The project is particularly relevant for SME contexts, where clear and accessible decision-support tools are needed.

Results

The main outcome of this project is an interactive supply chain visualisation prototype designed to support user understanding of supply chain simulation models. The prototype includes two complementary views: a dashboard view that presents key performance indicators and timing information, and a model view that visualises process flows, dependencies, and potential bottlenecks. Together, these views provide a clearer and more accessible representation of simulation results than a traditional static model.

User evaluation results demonstrate the value of the proposed approach. Comparative ratings showed consistently higher scores for the interactive visualisation compared to the static model in terms of ease of understanding, bottleneck identification, and clarity of lead and buffer times. Usability feedback, supported by SUS-style questionnaire results, indicates that participants perceived the interactive interface as easy to use, well structured, and supportive of confidence. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed statistically significant differences in favour of the interactive model, with large effect sizes, suggesting that the observed improvements are substantial rather than marginal.

Qualitative feedback further supports these findings. Participants reported that the dashboard provided a helpful overview before exploring detailed process information, and that timelines and colour coding made delays and dependencies easier to interpret. These insights highlight the importance of layered information and interactive exploration when presenting complex, time-dependent data.

From a Technology Readiness Level perspective, the project can be positioned at TRL 4–5. A functional prototype has been developed and validated through user testing in a controlled, online evaluation setting. While the system is not yet deployed in a real operational environment, the results demonstrate technical feasibility and clear user value. The project provides a strong foundation for further development, integration with real simulation data, and evaluation in real-world SME contexts.

About the project group

This project was carried out as an individual research and design project. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with a focus on User Interaction, providing a strong background in software development, and human-centered design.

The project was developed over a period of 16 weeks and followed a structured, iterative way of working. The process combined research, design, prototyping, and evaluation, with regular cycles of analysis and refinement. User-centred design principles were applied, supported by qualitative and quantitative validation methods.

The project involved designing and implementing a functional interactive prototype, conducting user evaluations, analysing results, and translating findings into design insights. This approach ensured that both technical development and user experience considerations were addressed in parallel.

Video

https://interactive-supplychain-simulation.vercel.app/

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