Models in Machinations

Learn how a Machinations diagram represents a system, makes assumptions visible and lets you explore possible outcomes before changing the real world.

Testing a change in the real world can be slow, costly or disruptive. A model gives you a smaller, explicit version of a system to explore first.

In Machinations, a diagram represents the resources, rules and connections you choose to include. You can change those assumptions, Play the model and compare what happens. The result helps you ask better questions about a real economy or system; it does not guarantee what will happen outside the model.