Abstract for: Developing a Design Framework for Community-Engaged System Dynamics Practice

Community-engaged system dynamics modeling has expanded, but a lack of cohesive frameworks limits the ability to design, assess, and compare community-engaged projects. Existing tools, such as scripts, ScriptMaps, and core modelling teams support design, but the majority of evaluation tools available focus on workshops as the unit of analysis. This work addresses this gap by developing a framework to guide decision-making and strengthen the evidence base for best practices. A Delphi process was used to refine a framework for planning and evaluating community-engaged system dynamics projects. Developed in 2022, the framework was iteratively revised through two survey rounds with 37 practitioners across sectors. Descriptive statistics, thematic analysis of qualitative responses, iterative revisions by the author team, and informal feedback at ISDC 2022, 2023, and 2024 informed revisions. Final refinements will be completed following ISDC 2025. The Delphi process is facilitating an ongoing conversation to develop a framework structuring decision-making at project, session, and activity levels, with considerations for broader influences. The first Delphi round yielded a consolidation in the levels of the framework, further emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, and greater emphasis on contextual factors shaping decisions. The second Delphi round confirmed broad agreement on the framework’s utility, with suggestions for implementation resources. Ongoing refinement continues through ISDC engagement and practitioner feedback. Use of the framework could enhance the design and assessment of community-engaged system dynamics projects, improving methodological rigor and enabling cross-project comparisons. By structuring decision-making, it supports ethical, impactful practice and addresses challenges in participatory modeling accelerated by generative AI. Future work includes developing decision-support tools, applying the framework in case studies, and expanding global engagement.