Hi I'm Peter Shea.

As an instructional designer, I'm in love with simulations.

I'm interested in a discussion about the path to becoming a great simulation designer (as a non-programmer). Suggestions can include reading lists, organizations to join, projects to tackle, etc. I look forward to hearing what other people think.

Richard Clark, occasional LCB contributor, says:

Hi Peter,

• Selecting the appropriate type of simulation (knowing each types relative strengths and weaknesses)
• Determining the appropriate scope
• Modeling the system under simulation
• Making design decisions based on a well-developed model of how people learn
• Mapping skills/practices to be learned to scenarios in the simulation
• Choosing linear media vs. simulation scenarios
• Structuring the experience for maximum engagement

I'd suggest 5 books initially:

1. Learning by Doing, Clark Aldrich -- Gives you an overview of the world of simulation and practical advice on talking to the people who control the purse-strings.
2. Virtual Learning, Roger Schank -- Gives you a solid foundation for thinking about how people learn from simulations. Also contains many case studies of practical simulation designs.
3. Engaging Learning, Clark Quinn -- LIke having a brilliant designer at your side helping you design engaging games and simulations. Clark is quietly brilliant.
4. The Fifth Discipline, Peter Senge -- The best book on modeling business problems (and the world at large).
5. Chris Crawford on Interactive Storytelling, Chris Crawford -- Breaks down how you design the interface for games, simulations, and interactive stories. This also helps you think about turning points in a story (and in a simulation, which is sort of the ultimate reader-controlled story.) Chris is one of the world's best game designers and writes with wonderful clarity.

I could suggest many more, but these will give you the most value for your money. There are other books I can recommend depending on the subject area, whether you start shading into the development and programming side, doing user testing, quality assurance, etc.