"There are many reasons why an analyst or decision maker may wish to model a system (see Epstein 2008 for another perspective). These reasons also impact on the choice of modelling technique, as different approaches are more effective in achieving specific purposes.

A formal modelling task can be useful in extracting information about the system from the various people with knowledge of the system, each with their own perspective. That is, development of a model provides a methodical approach to identify perceptions about the key aspects of the system.

More generally, a model can stimulate two-way or group communication about how a system works. For example, a scale physical model of a proposed building is an efficient way for an architect to convey their vision to prospective clients and facilitate discussion about the features of the building. For a complex system, this communication may be achieved with the design of a model, rather than the model itself. That is, the structure, interaction rules and other aspects that define the model provide a shared understanding of the key relationships and other features of the system. This communication may be achieved regardless of whether the model is actually built, simply by formally participating in the model design."

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