Making sense of complex systems through integrated modeling and simulation

Abstract

Making sense of complex systems is difficult due in part to the open, nonlinear, multi-dimensional, highly interdependent nature of such systems. For such systems, modeling and simulation may be the only viable means for facilitating the sensemaking process. In this chapter, we explore a particular form of modeling and simulation, called integrated modeling and simulation, which is well-suited to empower users to make sense of complex systems. We demonstrate the potential of integrated modeling and simulation through the Integrated Modeling Environment (IME).We also illustrate how the design of the IME respects important implications of sensemaking on integrated modeling and simulation. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.