Group 1 Barriers for SimTk
Barriers to using SimTk
Barriers to use of SimTk 1. “not invented here” Lost productivity Pride (my tools are better) Solutions: Payoff should be clear Darwinism Community: students can find support
Barriers to use of SimTk 2. Don’t know about it Solutions: Publicity and advertising by Simbios center
Barriers to use of SimTk 3. Support/continuity Solutions: “too big to die” Someone gets paid to provide support Grow user group (and its competence) by training Compare to SD/Fast: not well supported, continuity uncertain
Barriers to use of SimTk 4. Use of legacy models and code Solutions: SimTk plans to provide file translators and code emulators (e.g. SD/Fast)
Barriers to use of SimTk 5. Too hard to learn Solutions: Training: course materials and courses at Simbios Some end user applications (OpenSim)
Barriers to use of SimTk 6. Students prefer Matlab Solutions: SimTk will provide Matlab MEX file wrappers (and python, Java, etc)
Barriers to use of SimTk 7. I will have to share my work This is a misunderstanding: you can use SimTk without contributing.
Barriers to use of SimTk 8. Can I trust the tools? Solutions: Build reputation, large user base Peer review (like Amazon) SimTk provides demo simulations
Advantages for using SimTk
Advantages for use of SimTk Access to tools developed by others Never call PTC again to pay or get support Access to teaching materials Productivity Access to source code
Barriers to contributing to SimTk
Barriers to contributing 1. “freeloading” Solutions: Remember: you can’t get rich in biomechanics You can limit your contributions to non-commercial use
Barriers to contributing 2. Will I get academic credit? (it takes time to prepare a contribution to SimTk) (loss of identity, will work be seen as Stanford?) Solutions: Showcase your work to get more publications You can limit your contributions to non-commercial use Put your logo on your SimTk project etc.
Barriers to contributing 3. Will I lose my competitive edge? Solutions: You decide what to share, when, and with whom
Barriers to contributing 4. Overhead to be SimTk compliant Solutions: It has advantages too
Advantages to contributing
Advantages to contributing Doing good, “karma” Showing off Portability/independence/continuity Having a community Not reinventing the wheel Hosting service, source code control Forces students to leave legacy with documentation, good practices Satisfy NIH dissemination requirements