Visualization Tools for Agent-based Modeling in Netlogo

In the field of agent-based modeling (ABM), visualizations play a key role in conveying, identifying and understanding the relevant behaviors of a model. However, few toolkits provide modelers graphic tools and visual cues for the design of efficient and communicative visualizations. In this paper, we review some technologies in the NetLogo ABM toolkit that improves its design of model visualizations. First, we present the rational for a change in its default colors space. Then, we describe an extension with new graphical primitives and dialogs to improve and expand color handling in NetLogo. After that, we show two feature prototypes, texture and transparency. Finally, we will discuss graphical cues to facilitate visualization tasks to perceive micro behaviors and macro behaviors. These new tools assist the user in the creation of more understandable and compelling visualizations.