Simulate the world as an emoji system of rules

We tend to think of life in terms of cause and effect. Do this. That happens. The point of view is often too narrow in scope though, and really what we’re looking at is a small part of a more complex system. Do this, that happens, then this again, then that, and so on.

Nicky Case made a tool that lets you simulate such a system, using emojis and a simple set of rules. See how patterns can emerge from what seems like nothing and how factors can play into another and each other.

Case explains the thought process in the context of trees, plants, and forest fires, but the main point is that you can model a lot of things in life with a simple set of rules that collectively form a more complex system.