Scientific Modeling

[ninaksrs]

🔬 PHASE 1: Foundation & Modeling (Pre-Production)

Goal: Define the medical facts, the mathematical rules for GAMA, and ensure the educational foundation is accurate before development begins.

• Task 1.1: Co-Creation Workshop & Scientific Input
  • Action: Attend the initial workshop to brief the VR and Pedagogy teams on the realities of Dengue transmission and Aedes aegypti behavior in Vientiane.
• Task 1.2: Define Biological Parameters (The GAMA Math)
  • Action: Provide the exact numbers for the GAMA simulation (e.g., mosquito lifespan, incubation periods at different temperatures, flight radius, infection probabilities).
• Task 1.3: GIS & Environmental Baseline Setup
  • Action: Provide real-world geographical or layout data (house density, vegetation, typical breeding sites) of Ban Nong-Bone to guide the 3D Map Design and GAMA environment.
• Task 1.4: Review Content Outline & Gameplay Script
  • Action: Read the Pedagogy team's learning objectives and the VR storyboard.
  • Deliverable: Written feedback correcting any biological errors (e.g., ensuring mosquitoes bite during the day) and confirming alignment with MoH public health priorities.

⚙️ PHASE 2: Development & Calibration (Production)

Goal: Provide ongoing guidance so the 3D artists, writers, and backend developers don't deviate from the science.

• Task 2.1: GAMA Logic & Trigger Review
  • Action: Work with the Backend Developer to review the "Middleware" logic. Ensure that Unity actions (like flipping a tire) accurately reduce the mosquito spawn rate in the GAMA math.
• Task 2.2: Calibrate the Epidemic Scenario
  • Action: Run the GAMA simulation (without VR) to ensure it accurately simulates a real Dengue outbreak baseline. Provide feedback to adjust the infection curves.
• Task 2.3: Attend Key Milestone Meetings (Sprint Reviews)
  • Action: Join scheduled check-ins to look at the work-in-progress. Provide live feedback on visual assets (e.g., "The Dengue rash texture isn't quite right" or "The water in that tire needs to look stagnant").
• Task 2.4: Review Draft Educational Materials
  • Action: Read the drafted Facilitator's Guidebook and student worksheets.
  • Deliverable: Written feedback ensuring all medical terminology and medication rules (Paracetamol vs. Aspirin) are 100% accurate.

✅ PHASE 3: Testing & Final Validation (Pre-Deployment)

Goal: Officially certify that the combined VR + GAMA program is medically accurate, safe, and ready for schools.

• Task 3.1: Scientific Playtesting & Stress Testing
  • Action: Put on the VR headset and play through Modules 1, 2, and 3. Play "badly" to ensure GAMA triggers an outbreak, and play "perfectly" to ensure the outbreak stops.
  • Deliverable: Final list of mandatory tweaks before the game is locked.
• Task 3.2: Issue the Scientific Validation Document
  • Action: Formally approve the completed VR game, the GAMA algorithms, and the educational materials.
  • Deliverable:
    • Scinetific Validation Report by Sebastien Marcombe (Aedes Expert)
    • Validation Document (An official letter/certificate from the MoH/CMPE confirming the approval by MoH of the final project).

📋 ONGOING: Admin & Finance

Goal: Ensure the IRD and project managers have the paperwork needed to pay or reimburse the Scientific team.

• Task 4.1: Submit Expense Justifications
  • Action: Provide required financial documentation for time spent modeling, consulting, travel, or institutional support.
  • Deliverable: Supporting documentation (timesheets, meeting attendance signatures, or official invoices) to justify expenses to the grant providers.