33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) - Osaka and Kyoto, Japan - 2025

https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0192

Simulation and Gamification in Lean Construction: an Overview of Current Applications and Integration Opportunities

Veronic Tuivai1, Ali Bidhendi2, Mani Poshdar3 & Kayvan Koohestani4

1Department of Built Environment Engineering, School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand. [email protected], orcid.org/ 0009-0005-1565-6568
2Department of Built Environment Engineering, School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand. [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-8285-5859
3Department of Built Environment Engineering, School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0001-9132-2985
4Department of Built Environment Engineering, School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-9988-3688

Abstract

The construction industry faces persistent challenges, including inefficiencies, schedule delays, and high injury rates, despite advancements in digital technologies. While simulation and gamification approaches have shown promise in improving efficiency, safety, and collaboration, their integration within lean construction remains unexplored. This study systematically explores the application and integration of these methods, focusing on practical implementation. Using PRISMA 2020 and Scopus as the primary guide and database, an extensive screening process with defined criteria was conducted. Through content analysis, key themes were developed to categorise approaches and their integration. Findings show widespread use of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), while digital twin technologies remain underutilised, and gamification remains limited to pedagogical environments. Integrating simulation tools with lean principles like takt planning and the Last Planner System (LPS) demonstrates transformative potential for time conservation and enhanced project outcomes. A social network analysis (SNA) was employed to explore relationships between fifteen lean construction principles and thirty-five simulation approaches. This revealed key links that enhance collaboration and workflow efficiency. The study highlights the importance human-centric considerations and industry-academia collaboration to overcome barriers and accelerate digital transformation, suggesting opportunities for better integration of simulation and gamification methods.

Keywords

Lean construction, simulation, gamification, real-scenario implementation, integration.

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Tuivai, V., Bidhendi, A., Poshdar, M. & Koohestani, K.. (2025). Simulation and Gamification in Lean Construction: an Overview of Current Applications and Integration Opportunities. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 1023–1034). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0192

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Tuivai, V., Bidhendi, A., Poshdar, M. & Koohestani, K.. (2025). Simulation and Gamification in Lean Construction: an Overview of Current Applications and Integration Opportunities. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0192

 

Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.

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