Open Access

Florian KapmeierORCiD, Andrew Jones, John Sterman

• System dynamics models offer powerful tools for understanding complex systems and informing policy. Yet, their impact often falls short due to limited stakeholder engagement and poor implementation. Here, we explore how system dynamics models can be designed for real-world impact by integrating analytical rigor, transparent modeling, and interactive stakeholder engagement. We build on the literature on engaging stakeholders through management flight simulators, gamification and storytelling, and utilize the C-ROADS and En-ROADS climate simulators and insights from the MIT Climate Pathways Project. To date, more than 492,000 people in 185 countries, including more than 23,000 leaders in government, business, investing, and civil society, have participated in interactive sessions with these simulators. We present three key design principles: (1) rigorous modeling and model transparency, (2) intuitive model interfaces, and (3) facilitated, interactive simulation-based experiences. These principles enable users—from students to senior policymakers—to challenge mental models, explore trade-offs in a safe, engaging environment, and learn for themselves. We discuss limitations and directions for refinement of these principles. The paper contributes to the system dynamics and broader practice literature by offering actionable insights for designing models and protocols for their use that catalyze learning and informed decision-making in complex policy environments.