Causal tracing - forio.com/epicenter/synmind

#1

Hi Will,

We consider adding online causal tracing functionality to our Epicenter projects.
The idea is to show in our Epicenter dashboards the same causal graphs provided by Vensim explaining the causal relations of variables with other variables in the SD model. In addition we would linke to link the variables in the causal graph to the pages with related graphs or rulers. This would strongly increase the insight of users in complex systems modelled and the system dynamics.

Has this done by Forio users before? If so would they be willing to share there solutions or ideas and - if so - on what basis?

Kind regards

Joaquim de Witte (Synmind)

#2

Hi –

The easiest way to implement this is to use screenshots from the Vensim model with links to data and graphs.

Forio does provide an API (the model introspection API) which returns a list of variables including the variables that feed in and out of each variable. You could write your own visual widget to show the causal relations. One technique to automate this is to use a library like D3 to create force directed graphs.

WILL