Getting Started With I Think and Stella

Getting Started with
iThink and STELLA

Version 10
Copyright, Trademarks, and Conditions of

Use
iThink software and STELLA software 1985-2013 isee systems, inc. All rights
reserved.
iThink and STELLA online Help, tutorials, and printed documentation 1997-2012
isee systems, inc. All rights reserved.
Mac2Win Porting Technology 1990-2008, Altura Software, Inc. All rights reserved.
Mac2Win Porting Technology is licensed from Altura Software, Inc. It is against the
law to copy the Mac2Win software for distribution or use by a third party without a
valid license agreement from Altura Software, Inc.
It is against the law to copy the iThink software or the STELLA software for
distribution without the prior written consent of isee systems, inc. Under the law,
copying includes translation of the software into another language or format.
Licensee agrees to affix to, and present with, all permitted copies, the same
proprietary and copyright notices as were affixed to the original, in the same manner
as the original.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
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or otherwise, without prior written permission from isee systems, inc.
iThink and STELLA are registered trademarks of isee systems, inc. Macintosh is a
trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.
isee systems, inc's Licensor makes no warranties, express or implied, including
without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose, regarding the software. isee systems, inc's Licensor does not
warrant, guaranty, or make any representations regarding the use or the results of
the use of the software in terms of its correctness, accuracy, reliability, currentness,
or otherwise. The entire risk as to the results and performance of the software is
assumed by you. The exclusion of the implied warranties is not permitted by some
states. The above exclusion may not apply to you.
In no event will isee systems, inc's Licensor, and their directors, officers, employees,
or agents (collectively isee systems, inc's Licensor) be liable to you for any
consequential, incidental, or indirect damages (including damages for loss of
business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like)
arising out of the use of, or inability to use, the software even if isee systems, inc's
Licensor has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental
damages, the above limitations may not apply to you.
January 2013
Getting Started with iThink and STELLA
Table of Contents
Basics ................................................................................... 5
The iThink/STELLA environment .......................................................... 6
Creating new model files ...................................................................... 14
Opening models ................................................................................... 14
Closing models ..................................................................................... 15
Saving models ...................................................................................... 15
Navigating between model layers ........................................................ 17
Zooming in and out in models .............................................................. 17
Finding entities in models .................................................................... 18
Tutorial: Building and running models ................................................. 20
Building models .................................................................... 24

The model building process .................................................................. 25
Building models ................................................................................... 26
Working with building blocks ............................................................... 28
Working with objects ........................................................................... 32
Working with pads ............................................................................... 36
Defining and editing entity equations................................................... 41
Defining graphical functions................................................................. 42
Defining global scales and ranges ........................................................ 44
Defining messages for building blocks ................................................. 45
Assigning polarity to building blocks .................................................... 47
Viewing building block values .............................................................. 48
Creating model interfaces .................................................................... 49
Laying out model pages ....................................................................... 51
Editing models ...................................................................... 53

Selecting model items .......................................................................... 54
Deleting model items and data ............................................................. 55
Cutting, copying, and pasting in models ............................................... 56
Adding color to models ......................................................................... 57
Setting model preferences .................................................... 60

Setting model security preferences ...................................................... 61
Setting model default settings ............................................................. 61
Setting interface preferences ............................................................... 63
Table of Contents iii
Setting model preferences ................................................................... 63

Setting equation preferences ............................................................... 64
Storytelling with models ....................................................... 65

Storytelling with models ...................................................................... 66
Defining storytelling buttons ................................................................ 66
Storytelling with Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) ................................... 69
Running models .................................................................... 75

The steps for running models ............................................................... 76
Selecting run specs .............................................................................. 77
Running models ................................................................................... 77
Running models using the command line ............................................. 78
Managing model runs ........................................................................... 79
Index .................................................................................... 81
iv Table of Contents
Basics
This guide is intended as an introduction to using iThink and STELLA. It covers the
basics of using the software, including creating and managing model files, and the
basic steps for building and running models.
A great way to get started with iThink/STELLA is to use the introductory tutorial
included in this chapter (see "Tutorial: Building and running models" on page 20).
In addition to this guide, you can find information about using iThink and STELLA
and model building in the following places:
Complete online tutorials, including advanced topics on building models and

creating interfaces, on the isee systems web site:www.iseesystems.com.
News, tips and tricks, and in-depth articles on best practices on the isee blog,
Making Connections: http://blog.iseesystems.com.
Complete online documentation for all features is available from the Help menu
in iThink and STELLA.
In this chapter
The iThink/STELLA environment ........................................................ 6
Creating new model files.................................................................. 14
Opening models ............................................................................... 14
Closing models ................................................................................. 15
Saving models.................................................................................. 15
Navigating between model layers .................................................... 17
Zooming in and out in models .......................................................... 17
Finding entities in models ................................................................ 18
Tutorial: Building and running models ............................................. 20
The iThink/STELLA environment

The following sections provide an introduction to the iThink and STELLA software
environment, including an overview of the main software window and how to use its
features, an introduction to the model layers, and information on how to use the
window's panels to view and edit entity properties.
The iThink/STELLA window

The iThink and STELLA window is organized into the following areas:
Tabs on the left side of the window give you access to the different layers of
the model: Interface, Map, Model, and Equation. Each layer provides a
different way of designing and presenting a model. Click a tab to navigate to
the layer you want to work with.
Panels on the right side of the window allow you to specify and edit properties
for the selected model building block, including equations, documentation, and
other properties. Click a tab at the bottom of the panels to navigate to the
panel you want to use. Panels are available when you are viewing the Map and
Model layers only.
The menu bar and toolbar along the top of the window give you access to
many of the commands you'll need when building and modifying a model.
The Run controller at the bottom-left of the window gives you quick access to
many of the commands on the Run menu. In addition, it gives you a visual
indication of the progress of a simulation.
The
and
buttons (at the bottom of the window, just above the Run
controller) allow you to easily adjust the magnification of the view by zooming
in or out of the model.
The following picture shows the Model layer, with the panels open, and the Equation
panel revealed.
6 Basics
Working in the iThink/STELLA window

iThink and STELLA provide the same interface tools and options you're used to
using with other Windows and Macintosh applications, including clicking, doubleclicking, dragging, and right-clicking.
Clicking Use clicking to select an item in any layer of a model. To select

most items in a model, click the item once. When the item is selected, it
becomes highlighted. To select a button, click its border. When a button is
selected, selection handles appear around the button.
You also use clicking to indicate where to add a new element on the Interface,
Map, or Model layers; to select commands from the menus; to select a toolbar
button; and to move from one layer to another by clicking a navigation tab on
the left side of the window.
Double-clicking Use double-clicking as a shortcut to view or edit the

properties of most items in a model. For example, to view the details of a
table, double-click the table pad icon in the model. To define the table's
The iThink/STELLA environment 7
properties, double-click the table pad's page to view the Define Table dialog
box.
Single- or double-clicking a button "pushes" the button so that it performs its
associated action.
Dragging Use dragging to select one or more items by holding down the
mouse button and then dragging to draw a rectangle around the items you
want to select. When you release the mouse button, the items within the
rectangle are selected.
You can also use dragging to move selected items to a new location on the
layer and to change the size of an item by dragging a corner of the item to
stretch it to a new size.
Right-clicking Right-click any element to see a shortcut menu of commands

that apply to the element. When the shortcut menu appears, choose the
command you want to use. For example, to view or change the properties of a
button object, right-click the button and then choose Open. The Button dialog
box appears.
Understanding model layers

The four tabs on the left side of the window give you access to the different layers of
the model: Interface, Map, Model, and Equation. Each layer provides you with a
different aspect of designing and presenting a model.
Interface layer Use this layer to create engaging end-user interfaces for
your models. For example, you can use the Interface layer to create a "flight
simulator cockpit" where users can interact with the model as the simulation
progresses. The Interface layer makes it possible for you to transform a model
into a compelling environment for learning.
Map layer Use the Map layer to lay out your thinking in the form of a highlevel map. During the mapping phase, you identify the key entities in your
model and organize them in relation to each other. When you view your model
on the Map layer, you are looking at the overall flow and design of the model.
You can also use the Map layer to provide high-level documentation about the
model by using the Documentation panel. When you're ready to specify
detailed properties for the model (for example, initial values and equations for
each building block), you move to the Model layer.
Note: When you start iThink or STELLA, the software opens to the Map layer.
Model layer Use the Model layer to transform maps into models that can be
simulated on your computer. The Model layer is often referred to as the
"engine room" for the models you create. When you work on the model layer,
you specify the details of how the entities interact with each other, the initial
values or equations for building blocks, and other detailed properties that
control how the model functions when the simulation runs.
Equation layer Use this layer to view a list of all the equations that make up
your model. You can also use this layer to delete model entities by deleting
their associated equations.
8 Basics
Note: The equations you see on this layer are created automatically and are
not editable here. To edit equations for a specific entity, use the Equation
panel.
This multi-layer design makes it easy for model builders to manage the visual and
conceptual complexity of the model by dividing different aspects of the model into
different layers: the Map layer gives you a place to lay out your thinking; the Model
layer gives you a place to define detailed model structure; the Interface layer allows
you to focus on how to present the model to users and how to provide them user
input/output access to the model; and the Equation layer allows you to see all the
equations at work in the model in a single place.
For model users, separate layers make it possible to unravel the intricacies of the
model in "mind-size bites." They can investigate the model layer by layer and focus
on only one aspect at a time.
To learn how to navigate from layer to layer in your model, see "Navigating between
model layers" on page 17.
Working with panels

Use the panels on the right side of the Map and Model layers to define and edit
properties for your model's building blocks while still being able to view the diagram.
Note: The panels are available only when you are viewing the Map and Model layers.
When you place or select a building block on the Map or Model layer, the panels
display options relevant to that building block so that you can define, view, or edit its
properties.
The panels that are available depend on the layer you are currently viewing and
what type of entity is selected:
Equation panel Use this panel to specify the equation or initial value for
the selected building block. You also use the Equation panel to assign units to a
building block and to select options and parameters that affect the building
block's equation.
Graphical Function panel Use this panel to define a converter or flow as

a graphical function.
Array panel Use this panel to transform the selected entity into an
arrayed entity and to edit array dimensions and elements available in the
current model.
Scales and Ranges panel Use this panel to define global scale and
range properties for the selected entity. This allows you to set the scale for the
entity for all graphs in which the entity is used in the model.
Messages panel Use this panel to define thresholds and messages for
the selected stock, flow, or converter. When a threshold for the entity is
crossed during the model's simulation run, the message you defined for the
threshold is posted.
Module Properties panel Use this panel to set module properties.

Documentation panel Use this panel to add notes or comments about
the selected entity.
The following picture shows the Equation panel open, with the stock named "Stock 1"
selected.
Note that the icon for the currently selected panel (
) as well as the icon and name
for the currently selected entity ("Stock_1") appear at the top of the Equation panel.
10 Basics
You can close the panels at any time to see the full diagram. If you prefer, you can
undock the panels. When you undock the panels, they become a floating window
that you can resize and place anywhere on your screen.
The following procedures describe how to work with the panels by
opening and closing them
undocking and docking them
resizing them when they are undocked
selecting them
viewing entity properties on them
editing entity properties on them
applying edits made on them
undoing edits made on them
To open or close the panels

When you first open a model and navigate to the Map or Model layer, the panels will
automatically be open. On the Model layer, the panels open to the Equation panel.
On the Map layer, the panels open to the Documentation panel (the only panel
available on the Map layer).
If you close the panels, they will remain closed on the layer on which you closed
them until you open them again.
To close the panels, click the

panels).
To open the panels, use one of the following methods:

Click the
window).
button on the panel bar (on the left side of the
button on the panel bar (on the right side of the iThink/STELLA
or
Select the building block's icon, and then choose Open Selection from the
Model menu.
or
Right-click the building block's icon, and then choose Open from the menu
that appears.
or
Double-click the building block's icon.
To undock and dock the panels
To undock the panels, click the

panels.
To dock the panels, click the
button in the upper-right corner of the

button in the upper-right corner of the panels.
To resize undocked panels
Click and drag the resize area

in the bottom-right corner of the undocked
panels until the panels are the size you want.
To select a specific panel

Click the appropriate tab at the bottom of the panels to select and view that panel:
Equation panel
Graphical Function panel
Array panel
Scales and Ranges panel
Messages panel
Module Properties panel
Documentation panel
To view entity properties on a panel

1.
Click the entity on the Map or Model layer to select it (or use drag-select to
select it).
The panels are enabled and the last viewed panel is displayed if the panel is
valid for the selected entity; otherwise, the appropriate default panel for the
entity is displayed:
On the Model layer, the default panel is the Equation panel.
On the Map layer, the default panel is the Documentation panel.
If the selected entity has been defined as a graphical function, the

default panel is the Graphical Function panel.
Note: If you closed the panels with the

panels.
2.
button, click the
button to open the
Click the tab for the panel that contains the properties you want to view. For
information about the options on a specific panel, see the documentation for
that panel in isee Help.
To edit building block properties on a panel

1.
On the model diagram, select the building block whose properties you want to
edit.
2.
Select the panel for the properties you want to view or edit. For information
about the options on a specific panel, see the documentation for that panel in
isee Help.
12 Basics
Tip: to automatically select the default field on the currently displayed panel,
double-click the building block.
3.
Use the options on the panels to make the edit you want.
4.
When you are finished making changes, apply your edits.
For more information about building blocks, see "Working with building blocks" on
page 28.
To apply edits made on panels

In general, changes you make on the panels are applied to the selected entity as
soon as you make the change.
Use the following procedure to apply all changes made on all panels for the entity
and to have the software check for errors in the entity's equation and other
properties.
Click
in the bottom-right corner of the panels.
The software applies any changes that are not yet applied and checks for
errors.
To undo or revert edits made on panels
To revert all changes made to the entity's properties since the last time you
applied changes, click
To undo only the last change you made, select Undo from the Edit menu (or
use CTRL+Z [Windows] or Command-Z [Mac]).
Creating new model files

Use the following procedure to create a new, blank model file.
Tip: You can create a new model file by copying an existing model file with the Save
As command. For more information, see "Saving models" on page 15.
To create a new model file

1.
From the File menu, choose New, or press CTRL+N (Windows) or

Command+N (Mac).
If you already have a model open in the iThink/STELLA window, a message
appears that asks you if you want to save changes to the currently open
model.
2.
Select whether or not you want to save changes to the currently open window.
A new, blank diagram opens in the iThink/STELLA window.
You can now start building the model and can save the new model.
Opening models
Use the following procedure to open an existing model.
Note: Opening an iThink or STELLA model that was created in a previous version
will automatically translate the model so that it is compatible with version 10. In
some cases, the translation requires additional manual updates to the model. For
more information, see www.iseesystems.com/translation.
To open a model
1.
From the File menu, choose Open, or press CTRL+O (Windows) or

Command+O (Mac).
Note: If you are opening a model created with a version of iThink or STELLA
prior to Version 10, a message appears that tells you the model will be
converted to Version 10 format (.ITMX or .STMX). Click OK to convert the
model.
If you already have a model open in the iThink/STELLA window, a message
appears that asks you if you want to save changes to the currently open
model.
2.
Select whether or not you want to save changes to the currently open model.
The Open dialog box opens.
3.
Navigate to and select the model file that you want to open.
4.
Click Open.
The model you selected opens in the iThink/STELLA window.
14 Basics
Closing models
Use the following procedure to close the currently open model.
To close a model
1.
From the File menu, choose Close, or press CTRL+W (Windows) or

Command+W (Mac).
A message appears that asks you if you want to save changes to the currently
open model.
2.
Select whether or not you want to save changes to the currently open model.
The model closes.
Saving models
When you save a model, the model's information is saved in two separate files: a
model file (.ITMX or .STMX) and a database file (.ISDB).
The model file (.ITMX or .STMX) contains the information that defines the
model, such as its entities, equations, interface objects, documentation, and
page layout information.
The database file (.ISDB) contains the simulation run data for the model, if
any.
Note: If you share your model by sending the model file to someone else and you
want to include the model's simulation run data, you also need to send the database
(.ISDB) file. For more information about the files you need to include when you
share your models, see Distributing models to users in isee Help.
To save a model
1.
From the File menu, choose Save.

If you have already saved this model before, iThink/STELLA saves the
changes to your model in the same model and database files.
If you have never saved this model before, the Save File As dialog box opens.
If you are saving a model that was converted from an older version of
iThink/STELLA when you opened it, the Save File As dialog box opens.
2.
Specify the location and name for the model file.
3.
Click Save.
The model file is saved with the name and to the location you specified.
Closing models 15
If there are saved runs for the model, a database file is also saved to the
location you specified, with the same name as the model file.
Note: If you are saving a model created with a version of iThink or STELLA
that is older than Version 10, the model will be saved with the new .ITMX or
.STMX extension. You cannot save a model as an earlier version.
To make a copy of a model

Use the Save As command to save a copy of the currently open model as a new
model.
1.
From the File menu, choose Save As.

The Save File As dialog box opens.
2.
Specify the location and name for the new model file.
3.
Click Save.
The new model file is saved with the name and to the location you specified.
If there are saved runs for the model, a database file is also saved to the
location you specified, with the same name as the model file.
Note: If you are saving a model created with a version of iThink or STELLA
that is older than Version 10, the model will be saved with the new .ITMX or
.STMX extension. You cannot save a model as an earlier version.
16 Basics
Navigating between model layers

To navigate between layers
You can view one model layer at a time. Use the following methods to move from
one layer to another:
On the left side of the iThink/STELLA window, click the tab for the layer you
want to display: Interface, Map, Model, or Equation.
From the View menu, choose the command for the layer you want to display:
Interface Layer, Map Layer, Model Layer, or Equation Layer.
Use a keyboard shortcut to move to the layer you want:
Interface layer CTRL+1 (Windows) or Command+1 (Mac)
Map layer CTRL+2 (Windows) or Command+2 (Mac)
Model layer CTRL+3 (Windows) or Command+3 (Mac)
Equation layer CTRL+4 (Windows) or Command+4 (Mac)
Zooming in and out in models

To zoom in one level at a time
Use one of the following methods:
From the View menu, choose Zoom In.
Click
Press CTRL++ (Windows) or Command++ (Mac).
in the bottom left corner of the window.
To zoom out one level at a time

Use one of the following methods:
From the View menu, choose Zoom Out.
Click
Press CTRL+- (Windows) or Command+- (Mac).
in the bottom left corner of the window.
To select a specific zoom percentage
From the View menu, choose the zoom percentage that you want: 25%,
50%, 100%, 200%, or 400%.
Navigating between model layers 17
Finding entities in models

Use the Find palette to find entities in your model. Once you find the entity you are
looking for, you can
Double-click it in the Find palette to navigate to the entity in the model. When
you double-click the entity, the default panel for the entity is displayed so that
you can view or edit the entity's properties.
Drag it into the Equation box on the Equation panel to define another entity's
equation.
Drag it into a box in the "Parameters" section of the Equation panel to define
an entity's parameters.
Drag it onto an input or output device such as tables, graphs, list input
devices, knobs, etc.
To find entities
1.
From the Interface, Map, or Model menu, choose Find, or click

the panels.
at the top of
The Find palette opens and displays a list of all model entities, sorted by type.
2.
Type a letter (or consecutive letters) in the name of the entity you want to
find. The Find palette updates to display only those entities that match the
letters you typed.
3.
Use the Show, Order, and Look in options at the bottom of the Find palette to
narrow the search and display found entities in the order you want.
Note: The Find palette stays open while you work on the model until you close it by
clicking
in the Find palette.
18 Basics
To navigate to a found entity
Double-click the entity's name in the Find palette.

If you are viewing the Interface layer, the software navigates to the Model
layer, highlights the entity's icon, and displays the entity's default panel so that
you can view and/or edit its properties.
If you are viewing the Map or Model layer, the software highlights the entity's
icon on the current layer and displays the entity's default panel so that you can
view and/or edit its properties.
If you are viewing the Equation layer, the software highlights the entity's
equation in the equation list.
To use a found entity in an equation

1.
If you haven't already done so, select the entity for which you want to define
the equation and then select the Equation panel.
2.
Use the Find palette to find the entity that you want to include in the equation.
3.
Drag the entity from the Find palette to the Equation box on the Equation
panel.
To use a found entity in an input or output device

1.
Navigate to the input or output device in which you want to use the entity.
2.
Use the Find palette to find the entity that you want to use in the input or
output device.
3.
Drag the entity from the Find palette to the input or output device.
Finding entities in models 19
Tutorial: Building and running models

This tutorial comprises a series of short lessons that will introduce you to the basic
features of iThink/STELLA. The tutorial walks you through the process of building
and running a simple model, which is a small portion of the sample model on the
Tutorials page of the isee systems web site.
Note: This tutorial gives you a basic grounding in how to use iThink/STELLA.
To build the entire sample model and to see more advanced tutorials, including those
that teach you how to perform sensitivity analysis, use modules, manage multiple
model runs, import and export data, and create model interfaces, see the Tutorials
page on the isee systems web site:
http://www.iseesystems.com/community/downloads/tutorials/ModelBuilding.aspx.
Starting a new model

1.
Start iThink or STELLA.

When you first start iThink or STELLA, a new model file automatically opens
so that you can begin building.
Tip: You can always create a new model file by choose New from the File
menu, or by pressing CTRL+N (Windows) or Command+N (Mac).
20 Basics
2.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the basic layout of the window:
The tabs on the left side of the window let you navigate to each layer of
the model (Interface, Map, Model, and Equation). Each layer lets you
view and work on a different aspect of your model. For more information
about the layers, see "Understanding model layers" on page 8.
The menu bar along the top of the window gives you access to the
commands you'll use to specify many of the options for your model and
to run your model. For descriptions of each of the menus and commands,
refer to the "Overview: Menus" topic in isee Help.
The toolbar beneath the menu bar gives you access to the building
blocks and other tools you'll need to build the model structure. The
toolbar changes to reflect the tools available for the layer you are
currently viewing. For descriptions of each of the toolbars and tools, refer
to the "Overview: Toolbars" topic in isee Help
Placing stocks
1.
If you're not already viewing the Map layer, navigate to the Map layer by
clicking its tab on the left side of the window.
2.
On the Map layer toolbar, click the stock tool
3.
Click on the diagram to place a stock.
After you place the stock, its name plate (with the default name "Noname 1")
is highlighted.
4.
With the name plate still highlighted, type "Population" to replace the default
name.
Adding documentation and color

When building a model, you may want to document one or more entities by giving
them brief descriptions or by changing their color.
1.
On the Map layer, select the entity that you want to document.
2.
On the right side of the window, click the panel open button
panels.
to open the
On the Map layer, only the Documentation panel is available. You'll see more
panels when you view the model on the Model layer.
3.
On the Documentation panel, type a description of the stock, such as Current

population.
4.
To choose the font style, size, color, and other options for the documentation
text, select the Rich text option.
5.
Select the font and color options you want to apply to the text.
Note: To apply options to the text you've already typed, first select the text,
then select the options.
Tutorial: Building and running models 21
You can use color to add organization or to provide visual cues for your model.
For example, if you were modeling a population of pink flamingoes, you might
color the Population stock pink.
6.
On the Map layer toolbar, click and hold the paintbrush tool
color from the palette.
7.
Click the stock to apply the color you chose.
to choose a
Drawing an inflow and an outflow

Now that you have the main stock for your model, you'll create and name the inflow
and outflow for the stock.
1.
On the Map layer toolbar, double-click the flow tool
Tip: Double-clicking keeps the tool selected so that you can use it many times
in a row.
2.
Click and hold where you want to start the flow, then drag the flow into the
Population stock until the stock becomes highlighted. The highlight indicates
that the stock and flow are connected. Release the mouse button.
3.
Now, add an outflow from Population by clicking and holding in the center of
the stock, then dragging the flow out of the stock. When the flow is the length
you want, release the mouse button.
4.
Deselect the flow tool by pressing ESC, or by selecting the arrow tool
the Map layer toolbar.
5.
Click the name plate of the inflow you created and name it being born.
6.
Name the outflow dying.
on
Note: This model is a greatly simplified version of a population model. In

reality, the "being born" flow would be determined by both birth rate and the
current population. Similarly "dying" would also be determined by the death
rate.
Entering the initial value for entities

In order for the model to run, all model entities that display a ? need to be defined.
To define entities, you must be on the Model layer.
1.
Navigate to the Model layer.
2.
Select the Population stock.
3.
On the Equation panel, type 100 in the Equation box.

Tip: On the Model layer, the panels are open by default. You can open and
close them by clicking the panel open and close buttons (
).
When you define the equation for stocks, you define their initial value. For
flows, however, the equation specifies the value of the flow over time. If you
22 Basics
enter a constant for the flow, the flow has a constant value over the course of
the simulation.
4.
Enter constant values for the flows the same way you entered initial values for
the stocks.
Give inflow a value of 20 and outflow a value of 5.
5.
Notice that the entity icons no longer display ?.
Creating a graph pad

Now that you've created a basic model, let's add a graph pad so that you can see the
data plotted when you run a simulation.
1.
On the Model toolbar, select the graph pad tool

below the entities you've already created.
and place a graph pad
2.
Push the graph's pin
3.
Click and drag a selection around the Population stock and its inflow and
outflow.
4.
Drag the selection onto the graph pad.
5.
Notice that the top of the graph now displays the names of the three entities
that you added to it.
down to attach the graph pad to the workspace.
Choosing run specs and running the model

Before you run the model, you'll want to select the options you want to use for
model simulations, including the simulation length and the time unit for the model.
1.
From the Run menu, choose Run Specs.

The Run Specs dialog box opens.
2.
In the From and To boxes, change the length of simulation to start at 1 and
end at 25.
3.
For the Unit of time, select Years.
4.
Click OK to close the Run Specs dialog box.
5.
From the Run menu, choose Run.

The model runs and the graph displays the results of the run for the entities.
Tutorial: Building and running models 23
Building models
This chapter provides a basic grounding in how to build models with iThink and
STELLA.
It begins by describing the very high-level process for building models, starting with
defining the purpose of your model. The rest of the chapter guides you through the
essential steps for placing and defining the entities that will make up your model
structure.
In this chapter
The model building process.............................................................. 25
Building models ............................................................................... 26
Working with building blocks ........................................................... 28
Working with objects ....................................................................... 32
Working with pads ........................................................................... 36
Defining and editing entity equations .............................................. 41
Defining graphical functions ............................................................ 42
Defining global scales and ranges .................................................... 44
Defining messages for building blocks ............................................. 45
Assigning polarity to building blocks................................................ 47
Viewing building block values .......................................................... 48
Creating model interfaces ................................................................ 49
Laying out model pages ................................................................... 51
24
The model building process

The following steps provide a high-level view of the model-building process, from
determining the model's goals to distributing the finished model. If you are new to
model building, use this procedure as a guide for organizing your thoughts and
getting started with model building.
Tip: For detailed information on most of these steps, refer to the "Guidelines for the
"Writing Process" chapter in An Introduction to Systems Thinking.
1.
Define the purpose of your model, the problem you are trying to solve,
or the story you are trying to tell.
Write your purpose statement down on paper and check back during the model
building process to make sure that your model addresses your initial purpose.
2.
Determine the model boundary.

Decide what needs to be in the model, what can or should be left out, and how
detailed your model needs to be. Look back to your model goals in step 1 and
make sure that your plan includes the entities and features that support your
goals.
3.
Map the model.

Identify the key entities in your model. You can think of this as determining the
"main chain," a sequence of stocks connected by flows that provides the
"backbone" of the model. Another way to start is to identify the stock you
consider to be the closest to the heart of the issue you're modeling, and then
add an inflow and an outflow to that stock. You can then build on to those
flows and stocks. In the end, you want to account for all the stocks, flows, and
converters required to model your original goals, and then make sure all
feedback loops are closed.
4.
Build the model.

On the Map layer, place the key entities in your model. On the Model layer,
assign equations and numerical values to the entities.
5.
Test the model.

Run the model and look for errors, anomalous values, strange or implausible
behavior, etc. Fix problems you identify, then re-run the model. Continue
testing and fixing until you are satisfied that your model is running correctly.
6.
Create an interface.
If you will be sharing your model with others, add objects on the Interface
layer to help explain your model and make it easy to interact with. You can add
text to describe the model's goals or to provide user instructions, and you can
add interactive objects such as buttons or other ways that users can change
the model's input values. You can also add graphs and tables that make it
easier to read and understand the results of the model's run.
The model building process 25
7.
Share the model.

Use tools such as isee RunTime, isee Player, and isee NetSim to publish
and share your model with others.
Note: For more information about using these tools, see the isee systems web
site (www.iseesystems.com)
Building models
Once you've spelled out the goals and boundary of your model and have developed
an initial map of the model (as described in "The model building process" on page
25), you need to add the information that will transform the model in your head into
a working simulation. This process is called building the model, and it requires you to
place the key entities in your model on the diagram, and then assign equations and
numerical values to those entities.
The following procedure is a high-level guide to the steps involved in building a
model. For detailed information about performing many of these steps, see isee
Help.
Steps for building a model

1.
Place the stocks and flows for the "main chains" in your model on the
Map layer.
When you were first planning your model, you identified the stocks and flows
that were central to the system or process you're trying to convey. Now, you
want to lay those out on the diagram and connect them to each other to see
how they connect and may interact.
Note: Be aware of unit consistency (each flow into or out of a stock must use
the same units of measure as the stock itself, except for "per time"; all stocks
in a main chain must use the same units of measure) and conservation laws.
2.
Add connectors.
Connectors function as conjunctions. Use them to join stocks and flows
together, and flows together with other flows, to transmit information and
actions from one entity to another.
3.
Add converters.
Converters have two main roles: they function as adverbs by modifying flows
(for example, indicating how quickly or slowly a flow is moving); converters
also convert units of measure from one entity so that they are compatible with
another, connected entity.
4.
Define graphical functions.

Graphical functions are graphs that show the relationships between entities in
a model. When one model entity changes, the other will change depending on
the assumptions or perception of what happens in reality.
26 Building models
5.
Define entities by adding equations and values.

If you haven't already done so, specify the equations and/or initial values for
the stocks, flows, and converters in the model. When defining constants, use
simple numbers for testing before you introduce more realistic numbers.
6.
Assign and check units.

If you did not assign units to the stocks and converters in your model already,
go back and do so. Then, check the model's units to ensure that the left- and
right-hand sides of equations have consistent units, and that conserved flow
chains have consistent units.
7.
Identify and highlight feedback loops in your model.

Make the model's feedback loops clear by assigning polarity to connectors and
flows in your model. Assigning positive ("+/s") or negative ("-/o") polarity lets
you visually indicate the cause-and-effect relationship between model entities.
You can also mark loops as either balancing ("-" or "B") or reinforcing ("+" or
"R") by placing a text box in the loop and then using the Format for CLD
button in the Text Box dialog box.
8.
Add objects to fill out detail.

On the Model layer, add buttons, graphs, tables, text, images, or other objects
to help you use your model and easily understand its output. Note that this
differs from using objects to create an interface for you model because these
objects are directly on the Model layer and are accessible only to those who
are looking at the model on the Model layer.
When you have finished building a first draft of your model, test it by running the
model and looking for errors, implausible results, and other problems.
Building models 27
Working with building blocks

Building blocks are the tools you use to construct the model on each layer.
The Map and Model layers provide five building blocks:
Stocks Stocks are accumulations. They collect whatever flows into them, net
of whatever flows out of them.
Flows The job of flows is to fill and drain accumulations. The unfilled arrow
head on the flow pipe indicates the direction of positive flow
Converters Converters hold values for constants, define external inputs to

the model, calculate algebraic relationships, and serve as the repository for
graphical functions. In general, they convert inputs into outputs.
Connectors Connectors connect model entities to each other.
Modules Modules are self-contained models that you can connect to other
models. Modules allow you to break a single model into well-defined "chunks".
Note: In addition to these building blocks, you can use sector frames to group
together functionally related chunks of model structure. For more information about
working with sector frames, see Sector frames in isee Help.
The following sections describe how to work with building blocks by
placing them on the diagram
selecting them to move or modify them
moving them
renaming them
moving their name plates
viewing or editing their properties
changing their colors
deleting them
To place a building block on the diagram

1.
On the appropriate layer toolbar, click the tool for the building block you want
to place.
Tip: To place multiple building blocks of the same type on the diagram, doubleclick the tool to keep it selected.
2.
If more than one type of the building block is available (for example, stocks),
click and hold the building block's tool in the toolbar to view a list of the
available types, then select the type you want to use.
3.
Click the diagram to place the building block.
28 Building models
4.
If you double-clicked to place more than one building block of this type on the
diagram, continue clicking to place the building blocks.
5.
When you are finished placing the building block, press ESC to deselect the
building block type.
Tip: For detailed notes on placing each type of building block, refer to the discussion
of the specific building block you are using in isee Help.
To select a building block
Click within the building block icon's border. The building block is highlighted.
For a flow, click within the circle portion of the flow icon.
To move a building block

1.
Click inside the building block icon's border and hold the mouse button down.
2.
Drag the building block to the desired location.
To move a building block with handles

A handle is a square block at one or more ends of a building block. For example, the
flow has a handle on each end.
Click and drag a building block's move handle to the new location.
For a flow attached to a stock, click and drag the flow's move handle to drag it
up or down the side of the stock.
To detach a flow from a stock, click and drag the flow's move handle away
from the stock.
To re-attach a flow to a stock, click and drag the cloud end of the flow onto the
stock.
For a connector, click and drag the connector's handle to the new position on
the entity to which it's attached.
To rename a building block

Building block names can be up to 65 characters long.
1.
Click the building block's name plate. The name plate and building block
become highlighted.
2.
Type the new name:
To replace the existing name, type a new name. The new name replaces
the existing name.
Working with building blocks 29
3.
To edit the existing name, hover the mouse pointer over the name. The
pointer changes to an I-beam. With the I-beam, click within the name
where you want to begin editing, then type your changes.
To create a multi-line name, press RETURN at the end of a line to move

to the next one.
When you are finished editing the name, click a blank space on the diagram.
To move a building block's name plate

You can position a name plate anywhere around the border of a building block's icon,
or inside the building block's icon.
Click and drag the name plate to its new location.
Tip: To constrain the position of the name plate to North, South, East, or West, hold
the CTRL key (Windows) or the Command key (Macintosh) while dragging the name
plate.
To view or edit a building block's properties

1.
On the model diagram, select the building block whose properties you want to
edit.
2.
On the right side of the window, select the panel for the properties you want to
view or edit.
Tip: Double-click the building block to automatically select the building block's
default field on the currently displayed panel.
3.
Use the options on the panels to make the edits you want.
4.
When you are finished making changes, apply your edits.
For more information about using panels, including making, applying, and undoing
changes to properties, see "Working with panels" on page 9.
To change colors for a building block
Use the paintbrush tool

to change the color of building blocks. For more
information, see "Adding color to models" on page 57.
30 Building models
To delete a building block

1.
Select the building block that you want to delete.
2.
From the Edit menu, choose Delete .

or
Right-click the object and then choose Delete from the menu that appears.
or
Press the DELETE key.
Working with building blocks 31
Working with objects

Objects help you communicate information about your model and allow users to
interact with it. Objects are classified into four groups: input devices, output devices,
annotations, and buttons.
Input devices allow you and your model's users to provide or adjust input
values for model entities. Input devices include objects like knobs, sliders, and
list input devices.
Output devices allow you to display model output in ways that make it easier
for model users to understand the results of the model run. Output devices
include objects like graph pads, table pads, and numeric displays.
Annotations include things like text descriptions, instructions, and images.
Buttons allow you to initiate actions, such as navigating to another page of

the model, executing a menu command, or unfurling the story of your model.
The objects you can use depend on the layer on which you are working. The
following table indicates which objects are available for each diagram layer.
Annotations
Input devices
Output devices
Buttons
Interface
layer
Map and Model

layer
Text box
Graphics frame
Loop pad
Graphical input device (GID)
Knob
List input device (LID)
Slider
Switch
Graph pad
Table pad
Numeric display
Status indicator
Information
Navigation
Menu
Hyperlink
Play Movie
Storytelling
Tracing
Many of the tasks associated with objects (placing them on the diagram, selecting
them, moving them, etc.) are the same, regardless of the type of object you're
32 Building models
working with. For details about using a specific object, refer to the documentation for
the object you want to use.
The following sections describe how to work with objects by
placing them on the diagram
selecting them to move or modify them
moving them
resizing them
moving their name plates
changing their colors
viewing or editing their properties
deleting them
To place an object on the diagram

1.
On the appropriate layer toolbar, click the tool for the object you want to place.
Tip: To place multiple objects of the same type on the diagram, double-click
the tool to keep it selected. This feature is not available for buttons, loop pads,
graph pads, and table pads.
2.
If more than one type of the object is available, click and hold the object's tool
in the toolbar to view a list of the available types, then select the type you
want to use.
3.
Click the diagram to place the object.
4.
If you double-clicked to place more than one object of this type on the
diagram, continue clicking to place the objects.
5.
When you are finished placing the objects, press ESC to deselect the object
type.
Tip: For detailed notes on placing each type of object, refer to the discussion of the
specific object you are using in isee Help.
To select an object
Click within the object icon's border. The object is highlighted.
Note: To select a button, text box, or graphics frame, hover the mouse pointer over
the icon's border or edge. When the mouse pointer changes to cross-hairs, click to
select the object.
Working with objects 33
To move an object
1.
Select the object that you want to move.
2.
Click and drag the object to the desired location.
Note: Moving an object is not the same as moving its associated pad (for instance, a
loop pad, graph pad, or table pad). The object's icon can appear in one location on
the diagram while the associated pad opens in another. For more information, see
"Working with pads" on page 36.
To resize an object
Use this procedure to resize buttons, list input devices, text boxes, graphics frames,
and pads.
1.
Select the object that you want to resize.
2.
Click and drag one of the resize handles until the object is the size you want.
To move an object's name plate

You can move the name plate for a loop pad, knob, slider, graph pad, or table pad.
You can position a name plate anywhere around the border of an object's icon.
Click and drag the name plate to its new location.
Tip: To constrain the position of the name plate to North, South, East, or West, hold
the CTRL key (Windows) or the CMD key (Macintosh) while dragging the name plate.
To view or edit an object's properties
Select the object whose properties you want to edit, and then choose Open
Selection from the Interface, Map, or Model menu.
or
Right-click the object's icon, and then choose Open from the menu that
appears.
or
Double-click the object's icon:
For buttons, text boxes, or graphics frames, select the icon first, then
double-click the icon.
34 Building models
For list input devices, double-click the empty space to the left or right of
the list's name or in an empty row in the list.
The object's dialog box or pad opens.

Note: If you are opening a pad, the last viewed page in the pad will be
displayed; right-click the pad and then choose Open, or double-click the pad
to view the object's dialog box. For more information, see "Working with pads"
on page 36.
Tip: For many of the objects, you can select the entities to be associated with
the object by dragging the entity from the diagram or from the Find palette
onto the object. For example, you can include an entity in a table by dragging
the entity from the model diagram or the Find palette. For more information,
see the Help topic for the object you are defining.
To change colors for an object

Use the paintbrush tool to change the background color of objects. Depending on the
type of object, you can also change the color of elements within the object (for
example, plot curve and scale colors in a graph pad). For more information, see
"Adding color to models" on page 57.
To delete an object
1.
Select the object that you want to delete.
2.
From the Edit menu, choose Delete.

or
Right-click the object and then choose Delete from the menu that appears.
or
Working with objects 35
Working with pads

Pads allow you to display model data on a collection of pages. Since a pad comprises
multiple pages, you can display a lot of information without using up a lot of space
on the diagram. You can easily turn pages in a pad to display the data you want to
view.
You can create three different types of pads with iThink/STELLA: loop pads, graph
pads, and table pads.
Each pad object is made up of a small pad icon, and the pad itself, as shown in the
table pad example below.
The pad icon represents the pad in the model. The pad floats above/below the layer
on which you place the pad icon. You can open and close a pad, resize it, pin it to the
layer surface so that it stays where you put it, unpin it so that it floats again, turn
pages in multi-page pads to view more data, and show or hide all currently open,
floating pads.
Note: When you first place the pad, the pad itself hides the pad icon (which is helpful
if you want to pin the pad in place). You need to either close the pad or move it to
see the pad icon as you can in the above example.
The following sections describe how to work with pads by
opening them
closing them
moving them
resizing them
renaming them
36 Building models
pinning and unpinning them
changing their color
turning pages in them
showing them when they are unpinned
hiding or showing their icons
locking or unlocking them
printing their contents
deleting pages or data from them
Note: For general information on working with pad objects (placing, selecting,
naming, etc.), see "Working with objects" on page 32.
To open a pad
Select the pad's icon, and then choose Open Selection from the Interface,
Model, or Map menu.
or
Right-click the pad's icon, and then choose Open from the menu that appears.
or
Double-click the pad's icon in the diagram.
The pad opens.
To close a pad
Click the "X" button in the pad's upper-right corner.
Note: You cannot close a pinned pad. To close it, you must unpin it first.
To move a pad
Click and drag the pad's title bar to the new location.
Note: You cannot move a pinned pad. To move it, you must unpin it first.
To resize a pad
Click and drag the pad's size box

make the pad larger or smaller.
(in the lower-right corner of the pad) to
Note: You cannot resize a pinned pad. To resize it, you must unpin it first.
Working with pads 37
To rename a pad
Pad names can be up to 65 characters long.
Note: You can also name and rename pages within pads. For more information, see
Loop pads, Graph pads, and Table pads in isee Help.
1.
Click the pad icon's name plate. The name plate and icon become highlighted.
2.
Type the new name:
3.
To replace the existing name, type a new name. The new name replaces
the existing name.
To edit the existing name, hover the mouse pointer over the name. The
pointer changes to an I-beam. With the I-beam, click within the name
where you want to begin editing, then type your changes.
To create a multi-line name, press RETURN at the end of a line to move

to the next one.
When you are finished editing the name, click a blank space on the diagram.
To pin or unpin a pad

Pinning a pad to a diagram layer makes the pad visible whenever you are viewing
the layer on which it is pinned.
Pinned pads move along with the layer to which they are affixed when you click,
drag, scroll, etc. on the layer.
Unpinned pads "float," either above or below the layer, and disappear from view
when you click on the layer or navigate to another layer.
By default, pads are unpinned when you first add them to the diagram.
Notes: When a pad is pinned, you cannot move or resize it unless you first unpin it.
You cannot pin a pad to a layer other than the one on which it was added. For
example, you cannot pin a graph pad added on the Interface layer to the Model
layer. You can, however, view all unpinned pads regardless of the currently displayed
layer by using the Show Pads command (for more information, see "To show all
unpinned pads" on page 39).
If you are viewing an unpinned pad on a layer other than the one to which it
belongs, the
is grayed out and you cannot pin it until you move it to the
appropriate layer.
To pin a pad to its current location, click the

corner.
To unpin a pad, click the
38 Building models
icon in the pad's upper-left
icon in the pad's upper-left corner.
To change colors for a pad

Use the paintbrush tool to change the color of pads. For more information, see
"Adding color to models" on page 57.
To turn the page in a pad

If a pad contains more than one page, use the page turner
(in the pad's lowerleft corner) to move between pages. If the pad has only one page, an "x" appears in
the bottom triangle of the page turner
The page number for the currently displayed page appears at the top of the pad for
loop pads and table pads (next to the pad's name) and just above the page turner
for graph pads.
To move to the next page, click the upper triangle in the page turner.
To move to the previous page, click the lower triangle in the page turner.
Note: When you re-open a closed pad, it re-opens to the page that was displayed
when the pad was closed.
To show all unpinned pads

Open, unpinned pads disappear from view when you click anywhere on the diagram
or navigate from layer to layer.
You can tell when a pad is open, even if you can't see the pad, because the open
pad's icon looks "grayed out".
From the View menu, choose Show Pads (or press CTRL+H [Windows] or
Command-H [Mac]).
To show or hide all pad icons

By default, when you add a pad to a model, the pad icon is always visible, even
when the pad is open or invisible.
You can choose to hide all pad icons in the model, or to show all pad icons.
To hide all pad icons, from the View menu, choose Hide > Pad Icons.
To show all pad icons, from the View menu, choose Show > Pad Icons.
Working with pads 39
To lock or unlock a pad page

For table and graph pads, you can lock any page in the pad. When a page is locked,
the currently displayed values will not be overwritten during subsequent simulation
runs until the page is unlocked.
Note: You cannot delete pad data with the dynamite tool while the page is locked.
To lock a pad page, navigate to the page you want to lock and then click
the pad window.
To unlock a pad page, click
in
in the pad window.
To print pad data

You can print the contents of one or more pages for the selected pad by using any of
the following procedures:
Select the pad, then, from the File menu choose Print Graph Pad, Print
Table Pad, or Print Loop Pad.
or
Right-click the pad and then choose Print Graph Pad, Print Table Pad, or
Print Loop Pad from the menu that appears.
or
Press CTRL+P (Windows) or Command-P (Mac).

or
In a graph or table pad, click
in the pad window.
To delete pages or data from a pad
To delete a page from a pad, turn to the page in the pad that you want to
delete, click the dynamite tool
on the Interface, Map, or Model toolbar, and
then click the upper triangle in the pad's page turner
to delete the page.
To delete the currently displayed values from a graph or table pad, click
in
the pad page (or right-click the pad and then choose Delete [Windows] or
Clear [Mac] from the menu that appears).
Note: The
is available in the pad page only if the pad is unlocked.
To delete entities or scales from a graph pad, click the dynamite tool
on the
Interface, Map, or Model toolbar, and then click the item in the pad that you
want to delete.
To delete data from all graphs and tables in the model, from the Interface or
Model menu, choose Restore > Graphs and Tables.
Note: Locked graphs and tables are not affected by this command.
40 Building models
Defining and editing entity equations

Use the Equation panel to define, view, edit, or delete the selected entity's equation.
To define entity equations

1.
On the model diagram, select the building block whose equation you want to
define.
2.
On the right side of the window, select the Equation panel.
3.
Use the options on the panel to specify the equation for the entity. The options
available depend on the type of entity you've selected. For detailed
descriptions of all equation options, see Equation panel in isee Help.
4.
When you are finished defining the equation, click

the model to apply your edits.
or click elsewhere in
For more information about using panels, including making, applying, and undoing
changes to properties, see "Working with panels" on page 9.
To edit entity equations

1.
On the Model layer, select the entity whose equation you want to edit.
2.
Click the Equation panel.

Tip: If you are viewing the Model layer and you double-click an entity, the
Equation panel automatically opens and the cursor moves to the Equation box.
3.
4.
In the Equation box, edit the equation as needed:
To edit the equation, click in the equation and type the changes you
want.
To delete the equation, highlight the entire equation by selecting it, and
then press DELETE.
Click
to apply the changes to the equation.
If there are errors in the equation, a

appears in the Equation box. Click
to display a message that explains the errors.
5.
To fix the errors, edit the equation as necessary and then apply your changes
by clicking
Tip: You can include entities in the equation by dragging them from the Find
palette. For more information, see "Finding entities in models" on page 18.
Defining and editing entity equations 41
Defining graphical functions

A graphical function is a sketch of a relationship between an input (which itself can
be an algebraic relationship) and an output.
You can choose to define the graphical function's input by specifying an equation, or
you can use the default equation (Time).
For example, you may have a time series of data (sales per month, or average
temperature per month). In these examples, the value of the graphical function is
dependent on time. In other cases, you might have a graphical function where the
value is dependent on other entities. For example, the death rate for an animal
population is dependent on the availability of food, the productivity of a worker is
dependent on the number of hours worked, etc.
You can define a graphical function for a flow or a converter.
To define a graphical function

1.
In the model, select the flow or converter for which you want to define a
graphical function.
2.
On the Equation panel, define the graphical function's input by entering an

equation in the Equation box. To use the default equation (TIME), leave the
Equation box blank.
3.
On the Graphical Function panel, select the Graphical check box.
4.
On the Graph tab, use the two boxes beneath the graphical function grid to
specify the minimum and maximum values for the X-axis.
5.
Use the two boxes to the left of the graphical function grid to specify the
minimum and maximum values for the Y-axis.
6.
In the Data Points box, specify the number of data points.
7.
Use one (or a combination) of the following procedures to define the values for
the data points:
On the Graph tab, click and drag to draw a curve that represents the
function. As you draw the curve, the software determines the values
associated with each data point in the curve.
On the Points tab, use the table to specify the value for each data point
in the function.
Notes: To specify values for the X-axis values (in the first column), first
click
above the column to unlock the column, then type the values.
You can paste values that you've copied from another source into either
column. For more information, see Importing and exporting data with
copy and paste in isee Help.
8.
At the bottom of the Graphical Function panel, click the appropriate picture to
select the type of graphical function you want to use: Continuous,
Continuous extrapolation, or Step. For more information about these
options, see Graphical Function panel in isee Help.
42 Building models
9.
When you are finished defining the graphical function, click

right corner of the panels.
in the bottom-
To define a separate graphical function for each element

When you define a graphical function for an arrayed flow or converter and you clear
the Apply To All check box, you need to specify a separate graphical function for
each combination of dimensions and elements in the array.
For example, if the array has two dimensions, and one dimension has three elements
and the other has four elements, you need to specify 12 separate graphical
functions. Similarly, if the array has three dimensions, and one dimension has two
elements, one has three elements, and one has four elements, you need to specify
36 separate graphical functions.
1.
Select the arrayed flow or converter for which you want to define separate
graphical functions.
2.
Clear the Apply To All check box on the Graphical Function panel.
A table appears at the bottom of the Graphical Function panel so that you can
define the graphical functions for up to two dimensions at a time.
The row of boxes above the table indicates the combination of elements and
dimensions you are currently editing in the table.
In the following example, the table allows you to define the graphical functions
for the "Department" and "Employee Type" elements for the "Boston"
dimension.
3.
To define a graphical function for any cell in the table, click the cell, then use
the options at the top of the Graphical Function panel to define the graphical
function for the cell (see steps 4-8, in the previous procedure).
4.
When you have finished defining the graphical functions for the currently
displayed combination of elements and dimensions, click the
display the next combination of elements and dimensions.
button to
Tip: You can move backwards through the displayed element/dimension

combinations by clicking the
button.
Defining graphical functions 43
5.
Repeat steps 3-4 until you have defined graphical functions for each
element/dimension combination.
Tip: You can define a graphical function for a specific element/dimension
combination by selecting the elements you want in the boxes above the table.
The table adjusts to display the appropriate cells in which to define the
graphical function for the selected elements.
To delete a graphical function

1.
In the model, select the converter or flow for which you want to delete the
associated graph.
2.
On the Graphical Function panel, clear the Graphical check box.
Defining global scales and ranges

Although you can define scales and ranges for an entity that is used in a particular
input or output device (such as a graphs, tables, or sliders), if the entity is used in
multiple input and output devices in the model, you may want to document or define
this information in one place.
Tip: Once you define global scale and range information for an entity, you can
override the global value for a specific instance (for example, in a single graph) by
editing scale or range values in the dialog box for the specific input or output device.
To define global scales and ranges for an entity

1.
In the model, select the entity for which you want to define global scales and
ranges.
2.
At the bottom of the panels, click the

panel.
3.
Use the options on the Scales and Ranges panel to define global scale and
range values for the selected entity.
4.
Click
tab to view the Scales and Ranges
below the panel to apply your changes.
44 Building models
Defining messages for building blocks

The message posting feature allows you to have messages appear during a model
simulation whenever a building block's value meets criteria that you define. For
example, you can specify that a text message appears when a stock's value exceeds
the value you define.
You can define multiple messages for a single entity to provide ongoing information
to your users as the simulation progresses and the entity's value changes.
By using messages in your model, you can provide model users with information
about model output while the simulation progresses. In addition, messages give you
a way to coach model users toward a deeper understanding of model structure and
behavior.
When defining messages, you can specify that the software displays text, pictures,
movies, or sounds at the specified thresholds. You can also use message posting to
navigate users to a specific location in the model (for example, a sequence of
coaching screens).
Note: During the simulation run, any entities that have messages defined for them
will post their messages when their threshold criteria have been met. All visible
messages (text, pictures, and movies) appear in a message window, which floats
above the model's surface. If you assign a sound only to the message, the model will
pause and play the sound, but no visible message box appears.
To define a message, you first need to create one or more message stakes for an
entity. A message stake defines the criteria for when the message should appear:
the value threshold that triggers the message, and whether the entity's value must
be greater or less than the value threshold.
For example, you might create a message stake for an entity that says that a
message should appear when the entity's value drops below a value threshold of 50.
You could also create a second message stake for the entity that appears when the
entity's value rises above a value threshold of 100. Further, you can define multiple
messages for each message stake, so that one message appears the first time the
entity's value crosses a threshold, a second message appears when the entity's value
crosses the same threshold, and so on.
After you create and define the criteria that triggers a message, you specify the type
and content of the message that should appear (for example, the exact text, picture,
sound, etc. to be displayed).
Tip: You can suppress all message posting for a model by selecting the Disable
Posters check box in the Model Preferences dialog box.
To define a message for a building block

1.
On the model layer, select the building block (stock, flow, or converter) for
which you want to define a message.
2.
Select the Messages panel.
Defining messages for building blocks 45
3.
At the top of the panel, click in the message stake box to add a message
threshold stake.
4.
Use the options beneath the message stake box to define a minimum and
maximum value range and the criteria for when the message should be posted
(for example, "Post the message when the entity's value becomes > 1000.").
For detailed descriptions of these options, see Messages panel.
5.
With the message stake still selected, use the options under "Message
Properties" select the type message you want to appear: Text Message or
Media Message.
Note: If you selected > or < in step 4, the message stake has a double-sided
arrow head (
). Each side can have a different set of messages. Click a side
to highlight it, then define its message type and content.
6.
Use the rest of the options under "Message Properties" to define the content of
the message (text, image, movie, sound, and/or navigation). For detailed
descriptions of these options, see Messages panel.
7.
To define additional messages for the same message stake (for example, to
have a different message appear the second time the message threshold is
met), click the "Message 1" box and then select Add New. Use the options in
the "Message Properties" section to define the second message. Repeat this
step to define more messages for the message stake, as needed.
8.
Use the options under "Frequency" to specify how often per simulation run the
message should appear.
9.
When you are finished defining the message stake, click

right corner of the panels
in the bottom-
10.
To create a new message stake for the selected entity, repeat steps 3-9.
11.
To define messages for a different entity, select the entity in the model
diagram, then repeat steps 2-10.
To edit a message
You can edit the definition of any message you have already defined.
1.
On the model layer, select the building block (stock, flow, or converter) whose
message you want to edit.
2.
Select the Messages panel.
3.
In the message stake box, select the message stake for the message that you
want to edit. If the message stake has a double-sided arrow head (
the side for which you want to edit messages.
46 Building models
), select
4.
Use the options on the rest of the panel to edit the message. For detailed
descriptions of these options, see Messages panel.
5.
When you are finished editing the message, click

corner of the panels.
in the bottom-right
To delete a message
You can delete a message stake (and all its associated messages), one or more
messages defined for a single message stake, or all messages defined for an entity.
To delete a message stake and all its associated messages, select the stake in
the message stake box, then click the Delete button below the message stake
box.
To delete one or more messages defined for a message stake, select the
message stake in the message stake box, select the message that you want to
delete in the box at the bottom of the "Message Properties" section, and then
click
To delete all messages for the selected entity, click the Delete All Messages
button at the bottom of the Messages panel.
Assigning polarity to building blocks

Assigning polarity to flows and connectors in your model allows you to visually
indicate the cause-and-effect relationship between model entities. Assigning polarity
can also make it easier to tell a story about the feedback loops in your model.
A positive polarity (+/s) means that, when the cause increases, the effect
increases; the relationship between the entities goes in the same (or "s")
direction.
A negative polarity (-/o) means that, when the cause increases, the effect
decreases; the relationship between entities goes in the opposite (or "o")
direction.
For example, in the following model, when being born increases, its effect is to also
increase Population (note the "+" polarity sign at the right end of the being born
flow). This is a positive polarity. Conversely, as dying increases, the effect is to
decrease Population, a negative ("-") polarity.
Assigning polarity to building blocks 47
An odd number of -/o links around a loop signifies a Balancing loop. An even number
of -/o links signifies a Reinforcing loop.
For connectors, you can choose the polarity you want to assign (positive or
negative), based on the interaction between the two entities.
For flows, the polarity is determined by the flow's association to the attached stocks:
an inflow always has a positive (+/s) influence on a stock and an outflow always has
a negative (-/o) influence on a stock. Although you can't select their polarity, you
can choose whether or not to display their polarity in the model.
Note: The default polarity symbols that are displayed on the diagram are - and +. If
you prefer to use the letter symbols (o and s) instead, select the Use Lettered
Polarity check box in the Model Preferences dialog box.
To assign polarity to connectors
Right-click the connector's handle, choose Polarity from the menu that
appears, and then choose +/s, -/o, or None.
To display polarity for flows
Right-click the circle portion of the flow icon, choose Polarity from the menu
that appears, and then choose +/s, -/o, or None.
Viewing building block values

When you are building and testing a model, it's often useful to be able to determine
the numerical value taken on by a given entity at a particular point in time.
You can do this by hovering the mouse pointer over any building block while the
simulation is paused or stopped. The entity's numerical value appears.
For an entity that has been loaded into a table or a graph, hovering displays a small
graph with the entity's value.
Tip: If the model has not yet run, hovering over an entity will display the entity's
initial value.
48 Building models
Creating model interfaces

An interface provides a way for model users to interact and understand a model
without getting bogged down in the details of the model's structure.
A model interface allows your model's users to interact with the model by changing
model inputs, running the simulation, and viewing its output. The interface also gives
you a way to organize the model for clear communication by laying it out in pages or
by using the storytelling feature, and by adding text and graphics that help clarify or
point out important points in the model.
The following procedure is a high-level guide to the steps involved in creating a
model interface. Use the links in each step for more information about the step.
Steps for creating a model interface

1.
Specify the size of your interface.

The first step in defining an interface is to specify how large the interface will
be, both in number of pages (for example, three pages wide and two pages
high) and in page size/resolution (for example 800 x 600) visible on the
Interface layer.
Note: The size you specify can be completely unrelated to the size of the actual
model structure on the Map and Model layers.
2.
Create a "Home" page.

Use a Home page on your interface to introduce the model and its context to
model users. Include a title, illustrations, and other introductory material by
adding text, images and information and navigation buttons. Use information
buttons to display text in pop-up windows that appear when the user clicks the
button (for example, use an information button to display supplementary or
lengthy text that you don't want to clutter the main interface). Use navigation
buttons to allow users to move to a place you select in the model interface (for
example, to a specific page or object on a page) and then to move back to the
Home page.
3.
Create a "Simulation Lab" page.

Add interface objects that provide a "laboratory" environment where users can
experiment with the model. Let users modify model inputs, run simulations and
view results by providing interface objects such as graphs, menu buttons,
numeric displays, status indicators, sliders, and switches.
4.
Create an "Assumptions" page.

Allow users to change initial values or assumptions about the relationships
defined in your model by including knobs and graphical input devices.
Creating model interfaces 49
5.
Create a story.
Tell a story with your model by using the storytelling feature. Storytelling
allows you to customize the sequential unfurling of the entities in your model.
You choose which entities are revealed and in what order. Storytelling also
allows you to intersperse text, graphics, sounds, or movies between each
entity that is being revealed. Finally, you can simulate the structure that is
showing on the diagram, in mid story. For more information, see Overview:
Storytelling.
50 Building models
Laying out model pages

Laying out your model in pages model allows your model's users to more easily
navigate and view your model. By laying the model out in pages, you can break the
model views into numbered pages that indicate the order in which model users
should view sections of the model. In addition, when you lay your model out in
pages, you can print the model and have the printed output be organized in the way
you wish.
You can lay out pages separately for the Map/Model and the Interface layers. This
allows you to set different page sizes depending on the needs your have for each
layer (navigation vs. printing).
If you are planning on printing the model, you may want to lay out the pages for the
Map/Model layer before you start building the model so that you can set up the
correct page size for your printer and build the model within those pages. At
minimum, you should show the pages so that you can take them into account while
you build.
If you are laying out pages on the Interface layer to assist model users in navigation,
you may want to wait to lay out the Interface layer until have you have built and
tested your model.
Note: If you will be publishing your model with isee NetSim or are saving the model
so that it can be used with isee Runtime, you need to take special care when laying
out model pages. For more details, see Page design for isee NetSim and isee
Runtime in isee Help.
To lay out model pages on the Interface layer

1.
Open the model for which you want to lay out pages.
2.
Go to the Interface layer.
3.
From the Interface menu, choose Interface Prefs.

The Interface Preferences dialog box opens.
4.
To display pages on the Interface layer, select the Show Pages check box.
5.
Use the Width and Height boxes to specify the size of the Interface layer in
pages. For example, to divide the Interface layer into two pages across, type 2
in the Width box and 1 in the Height box. The Total Pages value updates to
indicate the total number of pages you've specified.
6.
Click the Page Size button.

The Page Size and Runtime Options dialog box opens.
Use the options in this dialog box to select the page size, home page, and
other page size-related options.
7.
When you are finished selecting page size options, click OK to close the Page
Size and Runtime Options dialog box.
8.
Click OK to close the Interface Preferences dialog box.
Laying out model pages 51
The Interface layer now shows dashed lines that indicate the boundaries of the
pages you specified.
9.
Create and/or arrange interface objects on the pages. When you define
navigation buttons, you can specify camera, return, or page navigation
(previous page, next page, and home page). For more information about
defining navigation buttons, see Defining navigation buttons in isee Help.
Tip: To easily move many objects at once, zoom out from the model and then
use drag-select to select multiple objects at once, then drag one selected
object to move them all the same direction and distance. Note that pinned
table and graph pads will not move.
To lay out model pages on the Map/Model layer

1.
From the Model menu, choose Model Prefs.

The Model Preferences dialog box opens.
2.
To display pages on the Model layer, select the Show Pages check box.
3.
Use the Width and Height boxes to specify the size of the Model layer in pages.
4.
Click OK.
5.
Create or arrange your model on the Model layer pages.
52 Building models
Editing models
This chapter explains basic procedures for manipulating model items, including
selecting them, deleting them, and copying and pasting them. In addition, this
chapter describes how to modify model items by adding color to them.
In this chapter
Selecting model items ...................................................................... 54
Deleting model items and data......................................................... 55
Cutting, copying, and pasting in models........................................... 56
Adding color to models .................................................................... 57
53
Selecting model items

Use the arrow tool
to select building blocks and objects on the Interface, Map,
and Model layers so that you can move, edit, or delete them. You can also use the
arrow tool to select items on the Equation layer.
The arrow tool is selected by default when you first create a new model file or open
an existing model file. The arrow tool is automatically reselected after you select and
use any other toolbar item or tool.
Tip: You can re-use the last toolbar item you used (for example, a building block or
object) without having to reselect it from the toolbar by pressing and holding the ALT
key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh) and then clicking the diagram.
To select model items with the arrow tool

1.
On the Interface, Map, Model, or Equation tool bar, select the arrow tool
it is not already selected).
2.
Select the building blocks and objects that you want to modify:
To select a single item, click the item on the diagram.
To select more than one diagram entity at a time, use SHIFT+click to

select the entities.
(if
or
Click and drag to draw a rectangle around the items you want to select.
When you release the mouse button, all the entities within or touching
the rectangle are selected.
The selected items will be highlighted.
Note: Some selected items display resize handles instead of being
highlighted. These items include buttons, list input devices, text boxes,
graphics frames, and sector frames. For more information about
selecting these items, see "Working with objects" on page 32 and
"Working with pads" on page 36.
Once you have selected the building block or object, you can move, open, or edit it.
For more information, see "Working with building blocks" on page 28 and "Working
with objects" on page 32.
54 Editing models
Deleting model items and data

Use the Delete (Windows) or Clear (Mac) command and the dynamite tool
remove items and data from your model.
You can use the Delete or Clear command and the dynamite tool
to
to
Delete building blocks and objects from the Interface, Map, and Model layers
Delete equations (and their associated building blocks) from the Equation layer
Delete entities in graphs and tables
Delete pages from loop, graph, and table pads
Delete data from graphs and tables
Reset the scale on graphs
To delete a model item with the Delete/Clear command

1.
Select the items that you want to delete.
2.
Choose Delete (Windows) or Clear (Mac) from the Edit menu.

or
Right-click the item and then choose Delete (Windows) or Clear (Mac) from
the shortcut menu that appears.
or
To delete a model item or data with the dynamite tool

1.
On the Interface, Map, Model, or Equation toolbar, click the dynamite tool
The mouse pointer changes to the dynamite pointer
2.
Hover the fuse end of the mouse pointer over the item you want to delete.
On the Map and Model layers, the item that you are hovering over will be
highlighted.
Note: Because the dynamite is a powerful tool, you should use it with caution.
We strongly recommend that you always double-check that the correct item is
highlighted before you apply the dynamite.
3.
Click the item to be deleted with the dynamite pointer.

For a complete list of the items you can delete and instructions for deleting
each, see Dynamite operations in isee Help.
Deleting model items and data 55
Notes: The dynamite tool remains selected until you click the item that you want to
delete. To deselect the dynamite tool without deleting anything click the arrow tool
.
If you delete an entity that has an associated input object (for example, a slider,
switch, or knob), the associated input object will also be deleted.
Cutting, copying, and pasting in models

Use the Cut, Copy, and Paste commands to edit your model and to transfer model
information to other applications.
To cut or copy a model item
Select the items that you want to cut or copy and then choose the appropriate
command (Cut or Copy) from the Edit menu.
or
Right-click the item and then choose the appropriate command (Cut or Copy)
from the shortcut menu that appears.
To paste a copied model item

1.
Deselect the copied items by clicking the diagram (or in an outside application)
where you want to paste the copied items.
2.
From the Edit menu, choose Paste (or right-click and then choose Paste from
the shortcut menu that appears).
Note: The software does not allow two building blocks with the same name in a
model. If you paste a building block, the software gives the copy the same
name as the original building block, with a number appended to it. For
example, if you copy a stock named "Population", the pasted stock will be
named "Population 1". You can rename either stock, as long as you give them
different names.
56 Editing models
Adding color to models

You can change the color of most model items, including building blocks, objects,
backgrounds, as well as model output by using the paintbrush tool
the paintbrush tool to color items on all model layers.
. You can use
To use the paintbrush tool, you first need to select the color that you want to apply.
The following sections explain how to
select and apply a color
apply a color to multiple items at once
select the default color for a building block or object
undock the color palette
create a custom color
To select and apply a color

1.
On the Interface, Map, Model, or Equation toolbar, click and hold the
paintbrush tool
to reveal the color palette.
2.
While holding the mouse button down, drag to select the color in the palette
that you want to use.
3.
Release the mouse button.

The color palette disappears, the paintbrush tool displays the color you chose,
and the mouse pointer changes to the paintbrush icon.
Tip: To select a color that is already used somewhere in the diagram, select
the paintbrush tool, and then press CTRL+SHIFT (Windows) or CommandSHIFT (Mac). The paintbrush pointer changes to an eye dropper
. With the
eye dropper, click the item whose color you want to copy. The paintbrush tool
takes on the color of that item.
4.
Click the part of the item that you want to color.

For a complete list of the items you can color and instructions for coloring
each, see Paintbrush operations in isee Help.
Adding color to models 57
Note: The paintbrush tool remains selected until you click the item that you want to
color. To deselect the paintbrush tool without coloring anything click the arrow tool
.
To apply a color to multiple items at once

1.
Select the color that you want to apply to multiple items.
2.
With the paintbrush, click and drag a rectangle to surround the items that you
want to color.
3.
Release the mouse button.
To select the default color for building blocks and objects

You can specify a default color for any building block or object for the current
session.
1.
Select the color that you want to use as a default color.
2.
ALT+click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac) the building block or object icon in

the Interface, Map, or Model toolbar.
The toolbar icon changes to the color you selected. When you next place that
building block or object on the diagram, it will use the new default color.
To undock the color palette

You can undock the color palette from the toolbar so that it remains visible for easy
color selection. When you undock the color palette, you can place it anywhere in the
iThink/STELLA window.
1.
Click and hold the paintbrush tool
The color palette appears.

2.
While holding the mouse button down, drag down or to the side until the
pointer is off of the color palette.
A dotted outline of the palette follows the mouse pointer to indicate where the
palette will appear when you release the mouse button.
3.
Release the mouse button to place the palette where you want it.
Note: You can reposition the palette after you undock it by clicking and
dragging the palette window's title bar.
4.
When you are finished using the palette, click the "X" button in the palette
window. The palette will be available (docked) the next time you click and hold
the paintbrush tool.
58 Editing models
To create a custom color

You can create your own custom colors and have them appear in the color palette for
future use.
Note: When you close the palette or the model, the new color is not saved to the
palette; however, if you saved the new color as a custom color (by clicking the Add
to Custom Colors button in the Change palette color dialog box) the color is saved
and available in the future from the Change palette color dialog box.
1.
Undock the color palette.
2.
ALT+click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac) the color in the palette that you
want to change.
The Change palette color dialog box opens.
3.
Use the options in the dialog box to change the color.
4.
When you are finished, click OK.

The new color appears in the color palette and you can use it to color items in
the model.
Adding color to models 59
Setting model preferences

The software allows you to tailor model building and sharing preferences so that you
can consistently use the options you prefer.
Model security preferences let you select the model features that users
have access to when they use your model.
Model default settings let you select the default values for many of the
interface, model, equation, and run preferences that you can set for your
models.
Interface preferences let you select the visual characteristics of the

Interface layer for the currently open model.
Model preferences let you select the visual characteristics of the Map/Model
layers and to specify other settings that affect entities on the Map/Model layers
for the currently open model.
Equation preferences let you select the visual characteristics of the Equation
layer for the currently open model.
In this chapter
Setting model security preferences .................................................. 61
Setting model default settings ......................................................... 61
Setting interface preferences ........................................................... 63
Setting model preferences ............................................................... 63
Setting equation preferences ........................................................... 64
60
Setting model security preferences

By default, model users have full access to all model features. By setting model
security preferences, you can control which features users have access to when
using your model. You can hide workspace features such as toolbars, navigation
tabs, scroll bars, zoom controls, and the Run Controller. You can also set a password
for the model so that model users cannot change the security preferences.
Model security preference settings take effect immediately and apply to the current
model only.
To set security model preferences

1.
From the File menu, choose Lock Model.

The Security Preferences dialog box opens.
2.
Select the options you want to use. For descriptions of each of the options in
this dialog box, see isee Help.
3.
Click OK.
Setting model default settings

Default model settings control the default values for many of the interface, model,
equation, and run preferences that you can set for your model. By specifying
defaults, you can customize the software's settings to ensure that all models you
create in the future use the settings you prefer by default (for example, fonts for text
boxes, portrait or landscape print orientation, whether flows are uniflow or biflow,
and many other settings).
Note: You can override most default settings for a specific model or item in a model
by editing the setting for the model or item in the appropriate dialog box.
Changes you make to the default settings take effect immediately for all new models
you create after you change the settings. For the currently open model, or for any
previously saved models, changes you make to the default setting take effect
depending on whether the setting is local or global:
Local settings Changes to these settings take effect immediately for all
changes/additions to the currently open model and for all previously saved
models that you edit in the future, but do not affect any existing model entities
in previously saved models.
Global settings Changes to these settings take effect immediately for the
currently open model, but do not affect any previously saved models.
The description of each setting in the Default Settings dialog box indicates if the
setting is local or global.
Default settings are organized into the following categories:
Setting model security preferences 61
Model These settings include many of the preferences in the Model

Preferences dialog box, including whether or not to show pages or to enforce
unit consistency, the font used for entity names, and which building blocks to
animate during model simulations.
Object These settings allow you to select defaults for object-related options,
including displaying navigation arrows and the name of the associated entity,
and retaining ending values.
Stock/Flow/Converter Use these settings to select default settings for

flows, stocks, and converters, including the type for flows in your models,
whether or not stocks are forced to take on negative values, and the default
size of converters.
Table/Graph These settings include several preferences in the Define Graph

dialog box and Define Table dialog box, including whether tables report
beginning or ending balances, the report interval for tables, and the colors
used for tables and graphs.
Text Block Use these setting to select defaults for the font style, font size,
and alignment of text in text boxes, as well as several other settings in the
Text Box dialog box.
Run Specs These settings include many of the simulation preferences in the
Run Specs dialog box, including the simulation length, unit of time, and
simulation speed.
To set model default settings

1.
From the File menu, choose Default Settings.

The Default Settings dialog box opens.
2.
In the Default Settings box, select the category for which you want to specify
default settings: Model, Object, Stock/Flow/Converter, Table/Graph,
Text Block, or Run Specs.
3.
Select the default settings you want to apply for that category. For descriptions
of each of the options in this dialog box, see isee Help.
4.
To select default settings for a different category, repeat steps 2 - 3.
5.
When you are finished setting model default settings, click OK.
62 Setting model preferences
Setting interface preferences

Interface preferences allow you to select the visual characteristics of the Interface
layer, including the number of pages on the layer, and the fonts used for labels on
the layer.
The preferences you select also apply if you print the Interface layer (with the File >
Print Interface command) or save the interface to a file (with the File > Save As
Image commands).
Interface preference settings apply to the current model only.
To set interface preferences

1.
Navigate to the Interface layer.
2.
From the Interface menu, choose Interface Prefs.

The Interface Preferences dialog box opens. For descriptions of each of the
options in this dialog box, see isee Help.
3.
Select the options you want to use.
4.
Click OK.
Setting model preferences

Model preferences allow you to select the visual characteristics of the Map and Model
layers, including the number of pages on the layer, the fonts used for labels on the
layer, the size of the alignment grid, the size of converter icons, which building
blocks are animated during a simulation, and many other options related to how
entities are displayed on the Map and Model layers.
The preferences you select also apply if you print the Map or Model layers (with the
File > Print Model command) or save the model to a file (with the File > Save As
Image commands).
Model preference settings apply to the current model only.
To set model preferences

1.
Navigate to the Map or Model layer.
2.

The Model Preferences dialog box opens. For descriptions of each of the
3.
4.
Click OK.
Setting interface preferences 63
Setting equation preferences

Equation preferences allow you to select the visual characteristics of the equations
list on the Equation layer, including the order in which the equations appear in the
list, and whether or not entity documentation and unit information is included.
The preferences you select also apply if you print the equations list (with the File >
Print Equation command) or save the equations to a file (with the File > Save as
Text command).
Equation preference settings apply to the current model only.
To set equation preferences

1.
Navigate to the Equation layer.
2.
From the Equation menu, choose Equation Prefs.

The Equation Preferences dialog box opens. For descriptions of each of the
3.
4.
Click OK.
64 Setting model preferences
Storytelling with models

Storytelling gives you a way to "tell the story" of your model's structure. Instead of
presenting the entire map of your model to model users, leaving them to find their
way on their own, you can use the storytelling feature to unfurl the model's structure
one small chunk at a time.
With storytelling, you, as the model builder, decide which parts of the model to
reveal, and in which order. To help tell your story, you can add text, graphics,
sounds, or movies between each element that is being revealed. Finally, you can
simulate the structure that is showing on the diagram, in mid story.
By revealing one part of the model at a time, and then demonstrating how that part
functions by running just a piece of the simulation, your model's users can more
easily associate the model's structure with its behavior.
Taken as a whole, storytelling allows you to breathe life into the communication of
your model and its insights.
In this chapter
Storytelling with models .................................................................. 66
Defining storytelling buttons ........................................................... 66
Storytelling with Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) ............................... 69
65
Storytelling with models

To create a story for your model, you begin by placing a storytelling button on the
Interface layer of your model.
Once you've placed the storytelling button, you build the story in the Create Story
dialog box by selecting the model elements you want to include in the story.
You can then refine the story by testing and editing it (by adding, removing,
reordering, and regrouping elements) until it's ready to distribute to model users.
For information about how to place and define a storytelling button, and how to edit
and test a story, see the following section.
Defining storytelling buttons

Use the following procedure to place a storytelling button in your model and to select
the model entities that will be revealed when the button is clicked.
Note: You can add storytelling buttons to the Interface layer only. You cannot add a
Storytelling button to the Map or Model layers.
For more information about the types of buttons you can add to your model, see
Buttons.
To define a storytelling button

1.
On the Interface toolbar, click and hold the Information button tool
then select the Storytelling button
and
tool.
Tip: You can specify the button type in the Button dialog box, regardless of the
type you select to place in this step, by selecting the type you want under
"Button Purpose" and then clicking the appropriate button to define the type
you selected. You can also change the button's type by right-clicking it,
selecting Change To, and then selecting the button type.
2.
Click the diagram to place the button.

The Button dialog box opens and the Create Story dialog box opens on top of
that.
3.
Click the Build Story button. The model appears on the Story Building tab.
4.
On the Storytelling tab, select the elements you want to include in the story:
To select elements one at a time, click each element in the order in

which you want to add it. When an element is included in the story, its is
icon highlighted.
Note: The initial story sequence is determined by the order in which you
select elements, but you can edit the sequence later in the Create Story
dialog box.
66 Storytelling with models
To select more than one element at once, click and drag around the
elements you want to add.
To remove an element from the story, click it again to de-select it. Its
highlight will be removed.
To group items as you build the story, press the SHIFT key as you select
the elements you want to group. Release the SHIFT key when you have
selected all elements you want to group together.
To reposition the focus of the story to a certain portion of the diagram,

scroll to the location on the diagram where you want to tell the story,
and then click the
5.
button above the navigation tabs.
When you are finished selecting items to include in the story, click
the navigation tabs to return to the Create Story dialog box.
above
Once you have built the initial story sequence on the diagram, you can edit it,
test it, and continue editing until you have the story you want.
6.
When you have finished creating the story, click OK to close the Create Story
dialog box.
7.
Click OK to close the Button dialog box.
To run a simulation during the story

One very useful feature of storytelling is the ability to simulate portions of the model
during a storytelling sequence. Doing so helps to link the structure of the portion of
the model that is revealed with its behavior. As you unfurl more structure, you can
see the impact of the additional structure on the behavior or simulation results.
Since menus and toolbars are unavailable while in storytelling mode, in order to run
the model during the story, you'll need to incorporate a Menu button assigned to the
Run command in the story sequence.
To help model users clearly the see the results of the simulation, you also might
want to include a pinned graph or table, or a numeric display in the story.
The software's integration methods are modified somewhat when you are running
portions of the model in the midst of a story. For details, see How model equations
are solved during storytelling.
To edit the story

1.
Open the Button dialog box for the Storytelling button.
2.
Click the Edit Story button next to the Storytelling option.

The Create Story dialog box opens.
3.
Use the options in the Create Story dialog box to change the sequencing,
group items together, and add annotations.
4.
When you are finished editing the story the button, click OK to close the
Create Story dialog box
5.
Defining storytelling buttons 67
To reposition the focus of the story

Use this procedure to change the initial focus of the story so that it includes the main
elements of the story. This is particularly useful when you have a large model and
want to make sure the relevant portion of the model is displayed when the story
begins.
1.
Open the Button dialog box for the Storytelling button.
2.
Click the Edit Story button next to the Storytelling option.

The Create Story dialog box opens.
3.
Click the Build Story button. The model appears on the Story Building tab.
4.
Scroll to the location on the diagram that includes the elements you want to
make the focus of the story.
5.
Click the
button above the navigation tabs.
The software will use the associated screen coordinates as the initial location
for the display of the story.
If the story contains elements that are "off screen" from this location, you will
need to include a navigation button in your storytelling sequence, and instruct
the model user to click it.
6.
Click
above the navigation tabs to return to the Create Story dialog box.
7.
To test a story
1.
Close the Create Story and Button dialog boxes.
2.
On the Interface layer, click the Storytelling button you created. The Story
Telling tab appears and the first item (or items, if they are grouped) in the
story appear on the Story Telling tab.
3.
To move to the next step in the story, press the SPACEBAR. The highlighted
elements indicate the new structure in each step of the story sequence.
4.
To move back a step in the story sequence, press the BACKSPACE key
(Windows) or the DELETE key (Mac).
5.
As you test the story, you can re-size and re-position annotation pop-up
windows as needed. The software will retain the positions and sizes you set
during testing.
6.
To reposition the focus of the story to include the main elements of the story,
scroll to the location on the diagram that includes the elements, and then click
the
button above the navigation tabs. The software will use the associated
screen coordinates as the initial location for the display of the story.
If the story contains elements that are "off screen" from this location, you will
need to include a navigation button in your storytelling sequence, and instruct
the model user to click it.
7.
To end a storytelling sequence, click the

return to the Interface layer.
above the navigation tabs to
Tip: You can include a navigation button in your story to take the user back to
the Interface layer.
Storytelling with Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs)

A useful way to explain or communicate your model is to present it as a causal loop
diagram (CLD). A CLD allows you to show only the dominant feedback loops or
selected causal connections between entities in your model.
By using a CLD, others can quickly see the overall causal relationships in the model
without being distracted by the other details that are necessary to simulate the
model. The software allows you to create two types of CLDs:
Hybrid CLDs are used to communicate the feedback loops in an existing stock
and flow model; each feedback loop in the diagrams requires at least one
stock.
High-level CLDs are used to create maps of the high-level causal

relationships by showing words (names) and arrows that indicate the direction
of causality.
The following sections provide an example of a hybrid CLD, and how to create highlevel and hybrid CLDs.
A hybrid CLD example

The following images illustrate how you can transform an existing model into a
hybrid causal loop diagram.
Suppose you have created the following model:
Storytelling with Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) 69
If you have a complex model like this, you might want to simplify it to show only the
dominant feedback loops as a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD). You can do this by first
selecting Name only as the converter type in the Model Preferences dialog. This
simplifies your model to look like this:
You may also want to more clearly indicate the feedback loops by assigning polarity
(+/s or -/o) to the connectors and flows, as shown above. The center of the
balancing feedback loop in the above model is indicated by inserting a text box that
contains a "B" (for "balancing") and clicking the Format for CLD button in the Text
Box dialog box.
For a simple model, just using Name only converters and polarity may be enough to
create a CLD. For a more complex model like the one shown above, however, you
may want to select only the dominant feedback loops to present as a CLD. The first
step to converting a model with multiple feedback loops into a CLD is to create a
storytelling button on the Interface layer and to build a story that contains only the
elements you want to include in the CLD.
The following image shows what the Create Story dialog box looks like for the model
shown above.
Note: Selected elements in the image below are indicated with an asterisk (*).
When you click the storytelling button you've created, the resulting CLD appears on
the Storytelling tab:
Creating CLDs
You can create a high-level causal loop diagram by using the Name Only Modules
feature to map out the high-level causal relationships. You can also create a hybrid
causal loop diagram from an existing model by changing all converters in the model
to Name only converters and then using the storytelling feature to select the
elements that you want to include in the CLD.
Both procedures are described below.
Creating a high-level CLD diagram

1.
Open a new model file.
2.

The Model Preferences dialog box appears.
3.
Under "Options", select the Name Only Modules check box.
4.
Click OK.
5.
On the Model or Map layer, click the Module tool in the toolbar and then click
the diagram surface to place modules. Rename the modules to text that
describes the connections you want to show. Use connectors to link the
modules.
6.
Choose the polarity for connectors and flows in your CLD, by right-clicking
each connector and then selecting the appropriate polarity (+/s or -/o).
7.
Place a text box in the center of the CLD. Open the Text Box dialog box, click
the Format for CLD button to reformat the Text Box appropriately for a CLD,
and then click OK. In the Text Box, type "R" for reinforcing, "B" for balancing,
or any other symbol you want to describe the CLD. If you do not type
anything, the software places a "+" sign in the Text Box.
Creating a hybrid CLD from an existing model

1.
Create or open the model from which you want to create a Causal Loop
Diagram.
2.
Go to the Model or Map layer.
3.

The Model Preferences dialog box appears.
4.
Under "Converters", select Name only.
5.
Click OK. The converter icons disappear and only the names associated with
the converters remain.
6.
Go to the Interface layer.
7.
In the Interface layer toolbar, click the

button and hold the mouse button
down to see the other available button types.
8.
Select the
9.
Click the Interface layer to place the new storytelling button on the layer.
button. The pointer changes to
The Create Story dialog box appears.

10.
Click the Build Story button.

The model appears on the Story Building tab.
11.
Select the elements that you want to include in the CLD by using one of the
following methods:
Click and drag over all element icons in the model to select them
all. Using this method automatically groups the elements into a
single group.
Click the icon for each element that you want to include, one at a
time.
Use SHIFT+click to select multiple elements.
When an icon is selected, it is highlighted in blue.
12.
To deselect any selected element, click its icon again.
13.
When you are finished selecting elements, click

above the navigation tabs.
The Story Building tab disappears, the Create Story dialog box appears again,
and the selected elements appears in the Story Sequence box.
14.
In the Story Sequence box, select all of the listed elements by using
SHIFT+click or CTRL+click.
15.
If you used only the click-and-drag method to select elements, the

elements are already in a single group. Go to step 16.
If you used any of the other methods to select elements, you need to
group them into a single group.
Click the Group button to group the elements. For more information about
using the options in the Create Story dialog box, see Create Story dialog box.
Note: If the Group button does not appear, it means that you have multiple
groups of elements in the story sequence. To create a single group, select all
of the listed elements, click the Ungroup button, select all of the listed
elements again, and then click the Group button.
16.
Click OK to close the Create Story dialog box.
17.
18.
Choose the polarity for connectors and flows in your CLD, by right-clicking
each connector and flow and then selecting the appropriate polarity (+/s or /o).
19.
You can now view and share your CLD by clicking the storytelling button you
created.
Tip: You can also share your CLD by copying and pasting it into a Microsoft Word or
PowerPoint document. To copy a CLD, view the CLD by clicking the storytelling
button, choose Select All from the Edit menu, and then choose Copy from the Edit
menu. You can then paste the copied CLD into another document.
Running models
Running a model allows you to see how your model works and what happens when
you make changes to the model.
This chapter provides an introduction to the high-level process for running models,
describes how to select the run specifications that determine options for the model
run such as run length and unit of time, describes how to run a model both from the
application window and from the command line, and explains how to manage
multiple model runs with the Data Manager dialog box.
In this chapter
The steps for running models ........................................................... 76
Selecting run specs .......................................................................... 77
Running models ............................................................................... 77
Running models using the command line ......................................... 78
Managing model runs ....................................................................... 79
75
The steps for running models

The following procedure is a high-level guide to the steps involved in running a
model.
Steps for running a model

1.
Specify the simulation length and unit of time.

Use the Run Specs dialog box to select the unit of time for the run (for
example, hours, days, weeks, months, etc.), the length of the simulation based
on that unit (for example, 24 hours, 12 months, 4 quarters, 100 years, etc.),
and to slow down the simulation's speed.
2.
Select which modules and/or sectors to include in the run.

If you are using modules or sectors in the model, you can use select to run the
entire model, including all sectors and modules, or to run only selected
modules and/or selected sectors. This allows you to test components of your
model to make sure each is working correctly or to focus your attention on a
subsection of the model.
3.
Make sure all entities are fully defined with equations and/or initial
values.
If you see a "?" in any entity icon, it means that the entity is not full defined.
4.
Set up sensitivity analysis (optional).

Sensitivity analysis allows you to change one or more constants or initial
values over multiple runs. You can then view the results of the change in a
comparative graph or table.
5.
Run the model.

From the Run menu, choose Run (or click the
the bottom-left corner of the window).
76 Running models
button in the run controller in
Selecting run specs

Run specifications define the basic options the software will use when it runs
simulations for a model, including the length of the simulation, the unit of time to be
used, and the time step used between calculations (DT).
To select run specs

1.
From the Run menu, choose Run Specs.

The Run Specs dialog box opens.
2.
Specify the options you want to use for future runs of the current model.
3.
Running models
You can run your model simulation when you have fully defined all of the entities in
the model. Once the simulation is running, you can pause it, resume it, and stop it.
Note: If your model contains modules or sectors, you can run modules or sectors
independently, even if the rest of the model is not completely defined. For more
information, see Running modules and Running sectors in isee Help.
To run a model
1.
From the Run menu, choose Run, or, click

bottom of the window.
in the Run controller at the
The model begins to run and will continue until the end of the simulation
unless you pause or stop it.
2.
Use the commands on the Run menu and the buttons on the Run controller to
control the run:
To pause a running model, from the Run menu, choose Pause, or click
in the Run controller. The simulation pauses at the point where you
chose the command/pressed the button.
To resume a paused model, from the Run menu, choose Resume Run,
or click
in the Run controller. The simulation begins running at the
point where you paused it.
To stop a running model, from the Run menu, choose Stop, or click
the Run controller.
To run the simulation as quickly as possible, click the

button in the
Run controller. This button is available only while the simulation is
running.
in
Selecting run specs 77
To step the model simulation forward by one DT, click the

button in
the Run controller. This button is available only while the simulation is
paused.
To have the model start at the beginning again after it reaches the end
of the simulation (looping), click the
button in the Run controller. The
simulation starts running again as soon as it reaches the end of the
simulation. To turn off looping mode, click the
button again.
To restore all devices in the simulation, click the

controller.
To adjust the speed of the simulation, drag the bar on the slider
in
the Run controller. Drag the bar to the left to slow down the simulation.
Drag the bar to the right to speed up the simulation
button in the Run
Running models using the command line

If you are using a Windows machine, you can run a model from outside of iThink or
STELLA by using command line options. For example, to open a model called
"test.itmx", run it, and then exit from iThink, you would use the following
command:
"iThink.exe" -r test.itmx
The following table lists the available command line options.
Option
Description
-r
Run the model "ballistically" (as quickly as possible, with the simulation
speed set to 0) and then quit without saving.
-rn N Run the model "ballistically" N times and then quit without saving. (N > 0)
-rs
Run sensitivity analysis as defined in the model and then quit without saving.
-rd
Restore all devices after opening the model (before the first run).
-s
Save the model at the end of the last run.
-i
Import Now before each run.
-x
Export Now after each run.
-nq
Do not quit after the last run.
-0 var Force the value of the specified variable (entity) to 0 (zero) after opening the
model (before the first run).
-1 var Force the value of the specified variable (entity) to 1 after opening the model
(before the first run).
Tip: To run comparative runs for difference scenarios, use the -0 and -1 options to
set the proper configuration switches, and use the -s option to save after the run.
78 Running models
Managing model runs

You can save prior model runs so that you can compare the results of one run
against another. Once a run is saved, you can load it at any time to view the data
from that run.
When you load a saved run, you can choose to load just the generated data for the
run, or both the generated data and the parameters (the initial constant values) for
the model's entities. Note that parameters do not include initial values that are
generated by equations or graphical functions.
By default, the software automatically saves the last two model runs for any model.
When you run the model a third time, the data from the first run are overwritten.
You can specify that the software remembers more than two runs. You can also have
the software save one or more runs. Unlike remembered runs, saved runs are
available until you delete them. They are not automatically overwritten by
subsequent runs.
All model run data are saved in a database file (.ISDB) with the same name and in
the same location as your model file.
Note: In order to share saved model runs with other model users, you must include
the model's .ISDB file with the model file when you share the model. For more
information about which files need to be included when sharing models with others,
see Distributing models to users in isee Help.
To manage model runs

1.
From the Run menu, choose Data Manager.

The Data Manager dialog box opens.
2.
Use the options in the Data Manager dialog box to manage the runs:
To rename a run, click the run's name and type a new name.
To change the number of remembered runs, change the value in the

Remember data from the last ___ runs box.
To save a run, in the "Current run data" or "Recent run data" list click the
button to the right of the run that you want to save. The run appears
in the "Saved data" list.
To load just the data for a saved or remembered run, in the "Recent run
data" or "Saved run data" list, click the
that you want to load.
button to the right of the run
To load the data and parameters for a saved or remembered run, in the
"Recent run data" or "Saved run data" list, click the
right of the run that you want to load.
button to the
To delete a saved run, in the "Saved run data" list click the
the right of the run that you want to delete.
button to
Managing model runs 79
3.

If you selected to load a recent or saved run, the model displays the data for
the run you selected.
Notes: If you have comparative or locked tables or graphs in your model, the
data in the tables and graphs do not change when you load a saved run.
80 Running models
Index
closing
.
.ITMX files, 16
.STMX files, 16
models, 15
pads, 37
panels, 11
color palette, undocking, 58
A
annotations, 32
applying panel edits, 13
arrow tool, 54
colors
adding to models, 57
changing for building blocks, 30
changing for objects, 35
changing for pads, 39
B
building blocks
assigning polarity to, 47
editing properties for, 12
overview, 28
selecting, 29, 54
seleting default color for, 58
viewing values for, 48
building models, 26
high-level overview, 25
buttons, 32
storytelling, 66
C
causal loop diagrams
creating, 73
hybrid example, 69
CLDs
creating custom, 59
selecting and applying to model
items, 57
selecting default for items, 58
command line
options, 78
running models with, 78
connectors
assigning polarity to, 48
working with, 28
converters
working with, 28
Copy command, 56
copyight, trademarks, and conditions
of use, 2
copying
model items, 56
Cut command, 56
cutting model items, 56
creating, 73
hybrid example, 69
Clear command, 55
Data Manager command, 79
clicking, 7
Data Manager dialog box, 79
Close command, 15
data, deleting model, 55
81
default settings
model, 61
Equation panel
editing equations on, 41
Default Settings command, 62
Equation Prefs command, 64
Default Settings dialog box, 62
equations
defining
entity equations, 41
storytelling buttons, 66
entity, 41
using found entities in, 19
eye dropper, 57
Delete command, 31, 35, 55

deleting
building blocks, 31
graphical functions, 44
F
files
creating new model, 14
model items and data, 55
Find command, 18
model runs, 79
Find palette, 18
objects, 35
finding entities, 18
pages or data from pads, 40
flows
docking panels, 11
displaying polarity for, 48
double-clicking, 7
working with, 28
dragging, 8
focus, repositioning for stories, 68
dynamite tool, 55
Format for CLD button, 71, 73
E
editing
G
global ranges, defining, 44
building block properties, 30
global scales, defining, 44
entity equations, 41
global settings, 61
object properties, 34
graph pads, 36
entities
defining global scales and ranges
for, 44
equations for, 41
finding, 18
overview, 28
viewing properties for, 12
Equation layer, 8
setting preferences for, 64
Equation Layer command, 17
82 Index
Graphical check box, 42

graphical functions, 42
H
high-level CLDs, 69
creating, 73
hybrid CLDs, 69
creating, 73
message posting, 45
I
input devices, 32
Interface layer
messages, 45
Model default settings, 62
Model layer, 8
laying out model pages on, 52
Model Layer command, 17
model preferences, 63
Interface Layer command, 8, 17
Model Prefs command, 52, 63, 73
Interface preferences
model runs, managing, 79
setting, 63
models
Interface Preferences dialog box, 51
building, 25
Interface Prefs command, 51, 63
building, overview of, 26
interfaces, creating, 49
closing, 15
iThink
creating new, 14
copyright and trademarks for, 2
laying out pages for, 51
iThink window, 6
locking, 61
layers in, 8
opening, 14
using, 7
preferences for, 60
running, 76, 77, 78
L
layers, model, 8
navigating between, 17
saving, 15
setting default settings for, 61
loading model runs, 79
storytelling with, 66
local settings, 61
tutorial for building, 20
Lock Model command, 61
zooming in and out of, 17
locking
models, 61
pad pages, 40
loop pads, 36
modules
working with, 28
moving
building blocks, 29
name plates, 30, 34
M
Map layer, 8
objects, 34
pads, 37

Map Layer command, 17
menu bar
introduction to, 6
N
Name only converter, 70, 73
Name Only Modules check box, 73
Index 83
Name only option, 73
panels
names, building block, 29
introduction to, 6
navigating
working with, 9
between model layers, 17
passwords, setting for models, 61
to entities, 19
Paste command, 56
negative polarity, 47
pasting model items, 56
New command, 14
Pause command, 77
pinning pads, 38
placing
o polarity, 47
building blocks, 28
Object defaault settings, 62
objects, 33
objects
overview, 32
selecting, 54
selecting default color for, 58
Open command, 14, 34, 37
Open Selection command, 34, 37
opening
models, 14
pads, 37
panels, 11
output devices, 32
Polarity command, 48
polarity, assigning to building blocks,
47
polarity, negative, 47
polarity, positive, 47
positive polarity, 47
preferences
overview, 60
setting for Equation layer, 64
setting for Interface layer, 63
setting model, 63
setting model security, 61
Print Equation command, 64
P
pads
overview, 36
Page Size and Runtime Options dialog
box, 51
Print Interface command, 63

Print Model command, 63
printing
equations list, 64
Interface layer, 63
Page Size button, 51
laying out model pages for, 51
pages
Map and Model layers, 63
laying out model, 51

turning in pads, 39
paintbrush tool, 30, 35, 57
pad data, 40
properties
editing building block, 12, 30
editing object, 34
viewing entity, 12
84 Index
R
ranges
defining local, 44
remembered runs, changing number
of, 79
renaming
building blocks, 29
model runs, 79
pads, 38
resizing
scales
defining global, 44
Security options, 61
selecting
building blocks, 29
model items, 7, 54
objects, 33
selelecting
model items, 8
settings, model default, 61
objects, 34
Show Pages check box, 51, 52
pads, 37
showing
panels, 12
Resume Run command, 77
reverting panel edits, 13
right-clicking, 8
Run command, 77
Run Controller, 77
introduction to, 6
run specifications, selecting, 77
pad icons, 39
unpinned pads, 39
STELLA
copyright and trademarks for, 2
STELLA window, 6
layers in, 8
using, 7
Run Specs command, 77
Stock/Flow/Converter default settings,

62
Run Specs default settings, 62
stocks
Run Specs dialog box, 77
working with, 28
run specs, seleting, 77
Stop command, 77
running
stories
models, 77, 78
overview, 76
runs, managing, 79
defining for storytelling button, 66

editing for storytelling button, 67
repositioning focus of, 68
testing, 68
S
s polarity, 47
Save As command, 16
Save command, 15
saving
model runs, 79
models, 15
storytelling
with models, 66
storytelling buttons, 66
defining, 66
T
table pads, 36
Index 85
Table/Graph default settings, 62

tabs, window, 6
testing
stories for storytelling button, 68
Text Block default settings, 62
toolbars
V
values
viewing building block, 48
view, zooming the model, 17
viewing, 48
panels, 12
introduction to, 6
tutorial, 20
U
Z
zoom buttons
introduction to, 6
Undo command, 13
Zoom In command, 17
undocking panels, 11
Zoom Out command, 17
undoing panel edits, 13
zooming in and out
unpinning pads, 38
86 Index
of models, 17

Getting Started With I Think and Stella

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Getting Started with

iThink and STELLA

Copyright, Trademarks, and Conditions of

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

Building models .................................................................... 24

Editing models ...................................................................... 53

Setting model preferences .................................................... 60

Table of Contents iii

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

Setting model preferences ................................................................... 63

Storytelling with models ....................................................... 65

Running models .................................................................... 75

Complete online tutorials, including advanced topics on building models and

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

The iThink/STELLA environment

The iThink/STELLA window

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

Working in the iThink/STELLA window

Clicking Use clicking to select an item in any layer of a model. To select

Double-clicking Use double-clicking as a shortcut to view or edit the

The iThink/STELLA environment 7

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

Right-clicking Right-click any element to see a shortcut menu of commands

Understanding model layers

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

Working with panels

Graphical Function panel Use this panel to define a converter or flow as

The iThink/STELLA environment 9

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

Module Properties panel Use this panel to set module properties.

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

opening and closing them

undocking and docking them

resizing them when they are undocked

viewing entity properties on them

editing entity properties on them

applying edits made on them

undoing edits made on them

To open or close the panels

To close the panels, click the

To open the panels, use one of the following methods:

button on the panel bar (on the left side of the

To undock and dock the panels

To undock the panels, click the

To dock the panels, click the

button in the upper-right corner of the

The iThink/STELLA environment 11

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA

To resize undocked panels

Click and drag the resize area

To select a specific panel

Graphical Function panel

Scales and Ranges panel

Module Properties panel

To view entity properties on a panel

On the Model layer, the default panel is the Equation panel.

On the Map layer, the default panel is the Documentation panel.

If the selected entity has been defined as a graphical function, the

Note: If you closed the panels with the

button, click the

button to open the

To edit building block properties on a panel

Getting Started with iThink and STELLA