Applying Constructionist Design Methodology To Agent-Based Simulation Systems

Abstract. One of the many benefits of agent-based modeling is the ability to develop modules in parallel, with teams focusing on isolated modules with well-defined interfaces. This also presents a challenge, however: Integrating a system with a large number of modules with complex interactions, developed by many people, is a significant challenge. Constructionist Design Methodology (CDM) is an approach for building highly modular systems of many interacting components. Originally proposed for use in artificial intelligence research, CDM’s strength lies in simplifying the modeling of complex, multifunctional systems that require architectural evolution of tangled data flow and control hierarchies. We have adapted CDM for the creation of agent-based simulations, resulting in a new version called CDM-S, and used it in the development of a family of agent-based market simulations where selected elements of an economy, including employees, companies, banks and consumers, are modeled at multiple levels of abstraction, from specific knowledge of single individuals to monolithic consumer groups. The systems have been built by a total of 15 Master’s students over a period of 10 weeks in two consecutive periods. Here we describe the CDM-S and present data on the application o

Applying Constructionist Design Methodology to Agent-Based Simulation Systems

Abstract. Among the benefits of agent-based modeling is parallel development and implementation of components. Integrating large numbers of agents developed by many is, however, a significant challenge. Further, architectural changes can require significant redesign. We have developed CDM-S, the Constructionist Design Methodology for Simulation, an agent-oriented methodology for developing, implementing and evolving multi-agent systems. CDM-S’s strength lies in simplifying modeling and construction of systems with architectural evolution of complex control hierarchies and data flow. We have applied CDM-S in the development of a family of market simulations where companies, employees, banks and consumers are modeled at multiple abstraction levels. These were designed and built by 14 students over a period of 10 weeks. Experience shows CDM-S to be a promising high-level methodology for constructing large multi-agent systems. Here we describe CDM-S and present data on its application in the development process