ABSTRACT
This chapter presents research, including subject matter expert (SME) interviews on experts’ use of visual metaphors. No matter how short, the only worthwhile sims are the result of a deep and profound knowledge of the subject matter. In some cases, this knowledge exists in the wild, such as in various online venues. In other more specialized cases, only a few people in the world may have the necessary insight. Research the material as thoroughly as possible, using as many outside sources as is feasible. Find the external world-class thought leaders where they exist. For most sims — such as around computer programming, negotiating, or living a satisfying life—there are several central questions for subject matter experts. These questions assume an action-oriented, “learning to do” perspective. The best SMEs for creating more ambitious Short Sims speak in highly vivid, simple visual metaphors. They use basic examples or abstractions to make complex processes very clear.
