Unrepresentative Testing – The Papier Mâché Rhino

INTRIGUING THINGS happen in Japan, but these scenes from Ueno Zoo in Tokyo are an extreme outlier in unrepresentative testing.

Rhinos (depending on species) range in weight from 750 pounds to 8,000 pounds and stand anywhere from four and a half to six feet tall. Rhinos can run up to 40 mph and turn 180 degrees in a distance equal to their body length.

Simulation Training: Fundamentals and Applications : Improving Professional Practice Through Simulation Training

Unrepresentative Testing on a Large Scale

In this simulation, an escaped rhino is used to test responder capabilities. The obvious flaw is the lack of realism. The rhino is a papier mâché model propelled by zoo staff.

Simulating a rhino escape with a human propelled papier mâché model

This is a quintessential example of ‘unrepresentative testing’ and lends its name hereafter to the ‘Papier Mâché Rhino’ Anti Pattern.

Further Reading on Systems Testing and Simulation

• Simulation: The Practice of Model Development and Use
• Exploring Strategy Text & Cases Plus MyStrategyLab and The Strategy Experience Simulation
• Testing Complex and Embedded Systems
• Manual of Simulation in Healthcare
• Essential Simulation in Clinical Education