Communication Design Quarterly Apr 2013 Open Access

Dynamic system models and the construction of complexity

Stuart Blythe Michigan State University

Abstract

Humans routinely fail to comprehend complexity and anticipate long-term consequences. Systems dynamicists try to overcome these weaknesses by developing computer-supported models that can account for multiple variables in non-linear relationships. Using programs such as STELLA and Vensim, systems dynamicists create stock-and-flow diagrams, equations, and, ultimately, interfaces that enable others to interact with the model. This paper describes how one such model was developed and speculates on roles that technical communicators might play in future projects.

Journal
Communication Design Quarterly
Published
2013-04-01
DOI
10.1145/2466489.2466495
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Topics
technical communication digital rhetoric
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