The identifying of model components i.e the agents, their behaviors, the environments they operate in the spatial and temporal scales of the model and the interactions among agents and with the environment.
Agents represent entities or individuals and their behaviors are determined by internal states, external stimuli, and interactions. Environments can be physical or virtual, influencing agent behavior. The spatial scale defines the extent of interactions, from local to global contexts. The model's dynamics capture how agents and environments change over time. Temporal scales determine the time intervals for updating the model's components. Interactions include defining types, rules, and their impact on agents and the system. By understanding these conceptual aspects, the model's foundation is established for further refinement and implementation.
In the design of an agent-based model, complex systems are hierarchically structured, consisting of sub-systems that can be translated into independent sub models. These sub models can be developed separately, allowing for a modular and iterative approach. Researchers or teams can focus on specific components, leveraging their expertise and promoting collaboration. This hierarchical and independent development process enhances the organization, efficiency, and flexibility of the modeling process, enabling effective representation of complex phenomena