About the Series This series of articles is inspired and informed by Limits to Growth and its subsequent editions. In it, we will explore systems dynamics questions, and use Machinations models to answer them. Our conclusions so far In the last article, we used our model to understand why developed, post-industrial populations can decline: The model …

About the Series This series of articles is inspired and informed by Limits to Growth and its subsequent editions. In it, we will explore systems dynamics questions, and use Machinations models to answer them. Last time, we explored why the world’s population has grown. This time, we begin to explore what causes populations to decline – …

About the Series This series of articles is inspired and informed by Limits to Growth and its subsequent editions. In it, we will explore systems dynamics questions, and use Machinations models to answer them. This time, the question relates to the human population: What exactly has caused the surge in population over the last several centuries? …

The Danger of Averages One of the core and intractable challenges when simulating an uncertain future is the problem of quantisation: when an all-or-nothing outcome is distilled into an average that distorts the true meaning of the data. Though it’s often easier to say “Investing in this asset has an average return of 110%”, most …

Understanding the Event and Showcasing the Problem Using Monte Carlo simulation powered by Machinations, I was able to determine that Merge Mansion’s original Lucky Catch event is unfinishable. Having played Merge Mansion quite avidly for over a year, I had plenty of opportunities to try out the seasonal Lucky Catch event, which is regarded rather …

Unlike simple Gantt charts or flowcharts, modern project management diagrams need to account for multiple stakeholders, resource constraints, and varying outcomes. What is a Project Management Diagram? A project management diagram is a visual representation of how resources, tasks, and workflows interact throughout a project’s lifecycle. These diagrams help teams understand resource allocation, track financial …

Unlike simple flowcharts, strategic planning diagrams need to account for probabilities, resource allocation, and varying outcomes based on different conditions. What is a Strategic Planning Diagram? A strategic planning diagram is a visual tool that helps organizations map out decisions, evaluate options, and understand the potential outcomes of different choices. These diagrams are crucial for …

Unlike basic flowcharts, modern process optimization diagrams need to capture multiple paths, resource constraints, and performance metrics simultaneously. What is a Process Optimization Diagram? A process optimization diagram is a visual representation that maps out workflows, identifies bottlenecks, and illustrates improvement opportunities within business or technical processes. These diagrams help teams understand complex workflows, optimize …

Unlike simple flowcharts, modern game system diagrams need to account for complex player behaviors, multiple progression paths, and intricate balance mechanisms. What is a Game System Diagram? A game system diagram is a visual representation of game mechanics, player progression, and competitive elements within a game or gamified application. These diagrams help designers understand player …