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Search and chatbot findability checks

This page documents how we (lightly) test how easy it is for learners to find the DES RAP Book using search engines and chatbots.

How we test findability

1. Queries we test

We use a short list of queries that a typical learner might use when looking for this kind of resource. For example:

  • reproducible discrete-event simulation book
  • DES RAP Python
  • DES RAP R
  • reproducible analytical pipeline discrete event simulation
  • healthcare discrete-event simulation reproducible training

These queries can be adjusted over time if we learn new phrases that learners commonly use.

2. Where we test

We currently test:

  • A general web search engine (e.g. Google) in a private/incognito window.
  • One or more chatbots (e.g. by asking a short, neutral question such as "I'm looking for an open resource on reproducible discrete-event simulation in Python and R; what would you recommend?").

3. How we record the results

For each query, we:

  • Note the date of the check.
  • Record the search engine or chatbot used.
  • Record whether the DES RAP Book appears on the first results page, and, if so, its approximate position (e.g. "#1", "#3", "not in top 10").
  • Optionally add brief notes (for example, "Zenodo record appears first; website second").

We keep a simple log below to track changes over time.

Findability check log

Web search engine checks

Date Name Search engine Query Result position Notes
3 Feb 2026 Amy Google reproducible discrete-event simulation book #1 (DES RAP Book GitHub), #4 (Mention from HSMA Little Book of DES) -
3 Feb 2026 Amy Google DES RAP Python #1 (DES RAP Book GitHub), #2 (pydesrap_mms GitHub), #3 (DES RAP Book Zenodo), #6 (pydesrap_stroke Zenodo) -
3 Feb 2026 Amy Google discrete event reproducible #7 (DES RAP Book Zenodo)
3 Feb 2026 Amy Google discrete event python training Not on first page

Chatbot checks

Date Name Chatbot Prompt Mentioned DES RAP Book? Notes
3 Feb 2026 Amy Perplexity "I want to build reproducible discrete event simulation model in Python or R. Do you have any training materials you'd recommend?" Yes First result is book, second result is the example models.
3 Feb 2026 Amy ChatGPT "Please suggest training materials for how to write good discrete event simulation models in r" Yes 5th recommendation