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For the simulations in this post, I wrote just a few simple rules. But the resulting behavior was complex enough that I couldn't always model it in my head. It surprised me. I hope readers have a similar experience. If so, the medium is delivering on its promise.
TL;DR: I'm excited about "show, don't tell" for nonfiction.
Also, I plan to do more of these interactive essays in the future and want to get better at them, so please let me know what you think!
Loved it!
If you haven't seen it, @sfiscience has an intro to complexity course that comes with some software which runs similar simulations -https://www.santafe.edu/engage/learn/courses/introduction-complexity …
I generally prefer text over mediums but I find with complex systems, in particular, there is something that gets lost with text and you need to see it to train your intuition.
This is where books fall short - some topics are better shown visually rather then just explaining with words. If these interactive features can somehow be a standard in books (perhaps only ebooks), books can finally be revolutionized after hundreds of years of stagnation!
Especially textbooks. It would be cool To have interactive parts to understand concepts more easily.
I always found this was the best way to compare sorting algorithms in college!pic.twitter.com/bnpw4jQye1
Can you share more about the stack behind creating interactive essays?
Wow this was neat. Few thoughts:
- the progression was handy (like a video game introducing new elements to thoughtfully ramp up complexity) 
v effective
- the feedback loop on the interactive pieces was v effective to feel out the cause/effect vs reading an explanation
Some things to try? - breaking this up into sections (bkgd, core concepts, discussion) - a better handle on time and it’s impact (thinking specifically of the city model) - would have been fun to be able to play w distance in the knowledge relay
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interactive essay!
How to prevent disease, control nuclear reactions, and encourage the spread of ideas. All with playable simulations.
