QUERY Information display challenge (SD6520)

[SDMAIL Mike Fletcher]

Posted by  "Mike Fletcher" <mefletcher at gmail.com>

During the recent System Dynamics Conference I mentioned to several
people the idea that the graphics display paradigms of SD should be
updated. The display paradigm dates from the 1950's where graphical
display options were limited, and it has not changed substantially
since.  Perhaps it should be reconsidered because of the advances in
the graphical display of quantitative (and dynamic) data that have
occurred since then.  Most people are familiar with the work of Tufte,
but there have been many other contributors as well. Many new ideas
have been devised, and often subjected to empirical tests to verify
the effectiveness.

Any paradigm for the graphical representation of SD insights set how
the critical data  (implications of stocks, feedback and delays etc.)
are transmitted to the audience.  The paradigm has a large flaw that
has resulted in a flurry of papers over the years - the fact that
stock and flow diagrams are strong in one arena, while being poor at
showing feedback loops.  Causal Loop Diagrams deal almost exclusively
with showing the feedback relationships, but ignore stock
accumulations, and have a rather unsatisfactory handling of delays.
Basic Time Series graphs are tried-and-true, but perhaps better
methods exist to transmit the insights they contain as well. (see
below). Some efforts to animate the dynamics have been done, but for
the most part from what I've observed at least, they were extensions
of the original paradigm.

Rather than argue whether Causal Loop Diagrams or Stock and Flow
Diagrams are best perhaps its is time to admit that neither is
adequate.  Perhaps its time for SD to look outside the field (and the
box) for more effective  graphical display paradigms that handles all
critical information that needs to be transmitted to an audience
equally well.

Below is an interesting piece showing the implications of the change
of stock accumulations over time.  It might serve as a think piece, or
at least challenge the field to think about better ways to display and
communicate the various critical portions of system structure and the
implications of dynamic behavior.

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Hans Rosling is professor of international health at Sweden's
world-renowned Karolinska Institute, and founder of Gapminder, a
non-profit that brings vital global data to life. He debunks a few
myths about the "developing" world. (Recorded February, 2006 in
Monterey, CA.)
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http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=hans_rosling


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Michael E. Fletcher
Posted by  "Mike Fletcher" <mefletcher at gmail.com>
posting date  Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:06:07 -0400