What is visual interactive simulation? (and is there a methodology for doing it right?)

Visual Interactive Simulation (VIS) is the development and application of simulations which produce a dynamic display of the system model, and allow the user to interact with the running simulation. This paper presents the basic ideas behinds VIS, and the methods whereby it can be achieved. The benefits of using VIS, and folklore about the advantages and problems of VIS, are presented. It is concluded that amongst those practicing VIS a number of competing decision aiding methodologies exist, and that a single unifying methodology is necessary for the advancement of VIS.