Guide for clear models

Experienced modelers understand that a major purpose of modeling is to improve the clarity of communication among analyst, experts, and clients or decision makers. Clear descriptions are essential. While Analytica's influence diagrams and integrated documentation make it easier to make clear models than, say, with a spreadsheet or programming language, it doesn't guarantee that your model is clear. Here are some tips for making models easier for people to understand.

Diagram layout

See the section on Creating Lucid Diagrams

Descriptions

Clear descriptions for each Variables, Modules. and other objects are essential for a clear model that can be understood by other people -- or even by the modeler him or herself several months or years later.

They also know that someone, possibly themselves, may need to refine or extend a model months or years later. While they may feel that descriptions are unnecessary now, they may be absolutely critical later on.

Novice modelers often never fill in Descriptions. Some may add descriptions to a few at the end of the project if they have time. Experienced modelers often add descriptions as they build a model. Some find it helps to add the description before they write the Definition -- because writing the descriptions requires them to think carefully about what the variable represents, a prerequisite for effective writing the expression to calculate the variable.

If your model is.