Playing the insurance game

Researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) are to create a video game that will educate the construction industry on new weather-based insurance policies.

Construction projects can be halted by heavy rain or high winds, which can lead to costly delays. There are new ‘smart policies’ on the insurance market that factor in such risks. However, believing that there are very limited ways to help potential customers understand the benefits of these policies, two organisations have asked GCU to come up with a solution.

A team from the University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, led by Dr Soheeb Khan, has therefore set about developing a game that shows how such policies can help stakeholders better manage risks related to weather, settle claims faster and overcome some of the limitations associated with more traditional insurance policies.

The organisations that have engaged GCU are EHAB and DEAS Network Plus. EHAB is a platform that uses a wide variety of cutting-edge technology to manage weather risk in construction. DEAS Network Plus focuses on businesses which are adopting innovative technologies to offer advance services rather than just selling products.

The game, which is being funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), will show risk in different scenarios related to the construction industry for the stakeholders involved. The game will create an “engaging experience” that will help the player make a more informed decision when taking out an insurance policy.

Dr Khan said: “The majority of video games produced are for entertainment. However, their application can be beneficial for various sectors and disciplines in conveying information, simulation and education.

“This project brings together a range of disciplines and expertise that do not commonly work with each other in order to provide an innovative solution for a real-world problem.”

The finished game is expected in August, at which point EHAB and DEAS Network Plus will share via their own platforms.