Abstract for: Designing for impact: Engaging stakeholders with system dynamics models

System dynamics practitioners and others working in the domain of complex dynamic systems have long developed models and simulations intended to help policymakers make better decisions. However, many such studies do not lead to implementation. A common cause of poor implementation is the failure of the analysts to engage the decision makers and stakeholders needed for implementation in the learning process so that they can learn for themselves. Here we argue that interactive simulations that actively engage people in learning for themselves help them to better understand the underlying structures of wicked problems and lead to better decision-making. Preliminary results show that interactive engagements with the En-ROADS climate simulator lead to substantial learnings and spark action. En-ROADS represents a powerful example for making SD-based simulators attractive for actively engaging users, both individually and in groups to learn about how to tackle a wicked problem. Its transparent, user-friendly design, and interactive engagements have proven effective in motivating informed climate action. The combined approach of rigorous modeling and model transparency, interactive design of the model interface for multiple use-cases, and the interactive engagements with mental simulation is setting standards for more and future simulators that should drive action on other wicked problems. for transcription of related workshops of our team for the System Dynamics Society