University of Inland Norway

Tasks-Interactions-Environment for Simulations and Serious Games (TIE-SSG) Framework: Exploring Practical Applications

The TIE-SSG framework paper presents a structured, evidence-oriented tool for evaluating and sequencing Simulations and Serious Games (SSGs) in healthcare education.

• The TIE-SSG framework argues that an SSG's instructional value depends on its fidelity across three dimensions (Tasks, Interactions, and Environment), and that these ratings should be matched to scaffolding and specific learning goals.
• The framework runs in three phases (prerequisites, assessment, and integration) and is supported by fillable fidelity tables, a fidelity-level guide, and a TIE diagram that visualises each tool's profile.
• In a phlebotomy case study of four serious games, low-fidelity Kahoot was judged suitable for foundational theoretical knowledge, moderate-fidelity StikkApp and VIDA were associated with procedural skill development, and high-fidelity 360Phlebotomy was positioned for contextual learning.