Primer

About this model

The diagram represents a simplistic resource management system, which consists of a source node generating resources, two pools for storing resources, and a drain node that consumes resources. The source node continually generates black resources, which are then distributed to both pools at different rates. One pool is directly connected to the source node with a fixed resource flow rate of 2 resources per time step, which means it receives two resources from the source each time the diagram is executed. The other pool is also connected to the source with a flow rate of 1 resource per time step.

These pools act as reservoirs and are integral to managing the resources within the system. The first pool, after receiving resources from the source, sends them to a drain with a flow rate of 1 resource per time step, effectively consuming the resources. Additionally, the system includes a state connection from the second pool back to the source-pool connection, with a formula to modify this connection's behavior, although the modification specifics are not detailed in the given structure. This configuration suggests a feedback mechanism that could potentially alter the rate at which resources are transferred between the source and the first pool, based on the state of the second pool. The overall structure is designed to showcase basic resource generation, storage, and consumption dynamics, with an element of feedback influencing the flow between nodes.

“Primer” is a diagram in the Machinations Community by Anthony Pecorella.

You can open the original diagram in the Machinations app, press Play to watch how resources move through it, and change its values to see how the system responds. Machinations is a visual tool for designing, simulating and balancing game economies and other systems, where resources flow through sources, pools, drains, converters and gates.