SigLab Gameplay Mechanics

This document details the specific mechanics and systems that make the SigLab both educational and engaging.

Core Mechanics

Discrete Movement

• Trains move in fixed steps

• Each step represents a time unit

• Movement is controlled by signals

• Position is tracked precisely

Block System

• Tracks divided into blocks

• One train per block

• Block boundaries marked by signals

• Safety spacing maintained

Signal Control

• Three-aspect signalling

• Warning aspects

• Route indication

• Speed control

Player Interaction

Role-Based Actions

• Signal Operator

  • Change signal aspects

  • Monitor train positions

  • Control block access

  • Verify safety

• Route Setter

  • Operate switches

  • Set routes

  • Coordinate signals

  • Plan movements

• Train Operator

  • Move trains

  • Follow signals

  • Maintain speed

  • Handle coupling

• Safety Inspector

  • Verify procedures

  • Check compliance

  • Monitor safety

  • Document issues

Game Systems

Time System

• Discrete time units

• Turn-based progression

• Action timing

• Schedule management

Space System

• Track positions

• Block boundaries

• Signal placement

• Route planning

Safety System

• Block protection

• Signal compliance

• Route verification

• Emergency procedures

Learning Mechanics

Progressive Complexity

• Basic operations

• Advanced scenarios

• Complex situations

• Emergency handling

Feedback Systems

• Immediate feedback

• Error detection

• Learning points

• Improvement tracking

Skill Development

• Signal understanding

• Route planning

• Safety awareness

• Problem solving

Technical Mechanics

Magnetic System

• Train movement

• Coupling operation

• Position holding

• Force control

Signal Mechanism

• Aspect changes

• Route indication

• Clearing points

• Locking system

Switch Operation

• Blade movement

• Route selection

• Locking mechanism

• Position verification

Educational Elements

Railway Concepts

• Signalling principles

• Safety procedures

• Operations management

• System thinking

Problem Solving

• Route optimization

• Conflict resolution

• Emergency handling

• Resource management

Team Coordination

• Role communication

• Action planning

• Safety verification

• Problem sharing

Game Balance

Difficulty Levels

• Basic scenarios

• Intermediate challenges

• Advanced operations

• Expert situations

Success Metrics

• Safety compliance

• Operational efficiency

• Learning achievement

• Team coordination

Challenge Elements

• Time pressure

• Multiple trains

• Complex routes

• Special conditions

System Integration

Component Interaction

• Track and train

• Signal and movement

• Switch and route

• Safety and operation

Process Flow

• Signal to movement

• Route to switch

• Safety to action

• Learning to improvement

Next Steps

1. Review Gameplay Rules

2. Check Example Scenarios

3. Practice basic mechanics

4. Begin advanced scenarios