2026/01/20 by Guido Wolf Reichert, Simon Glöser‐Chahoud, Andreas Größler · 1 voice
Computer Science · Decision Sciences · Environmental Science · #Chaos, Complexity, and Education #Complex Systems and Decision Making #Sustainability and Ecological Systems Analysis
paper · doi:10.1080/13645579.2025.2606200
openalex publication_date 2026/01/20 · openalex created_date 2026/01/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
This study addresses the gap between causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and stock and flow diagrams (SFDs) in system dynamics modeling. While the ambiguity of standard CLDs eases early stakeholder engagement, it hinders precise simulation model building in later stages. Building on prior link- and node-labeling approaches, we introduce CLD+, an enhanced yet intuitive notation that explicitly marks variable types, distinguishes material from information links, and treats delays/subsystems as first-class nodes. With these annotations, a CLD+ is structurally equivalent to an SFD: it can be transformed automatically into an SFD or quantified directly as a simulation model, making CLD+ not only a bridge but a full-fledged surrogate for SFDs. We discuss implications for tooling that supports round-trip conversion and ‘store-once-use-everywhere’ workflows, reducing transition costs and improving model reliability in practice and education.