What this was

A small observatory for watching simple rules become visible systems.

`agent-models` explores modular visual elements with logic layered onto them. One module asks how collisions create group identity without a controller. The other asks how much orbital character can come from a few editable bodies, labels, and speed changes.

Open particle field Open orbit sandbox

System module

Particles

A canvas-based collision field where bigger bodies convert smaller ones, absorb mass, and gradually turn local contacts into legible dominance patterns.

Watch how local wins accumulate into fronts, isolated survivors, and one leading faction.

System module

Planets

A DOM-rendered orbit study for composing labeled bodies, changing pacing, and persisting the scene so layout changes do not erase the composition.

Watch how orbit spacing, speed, and labels change whether the system reads as calm, crowded, or ceremonial.

What was being tested

Modular visuals become more readable when the behavior is simple but consistent.
Drawer-based controls keep the experiment visible while still exposing tuning knobs.
Canvas and positioned DOM can coexist inside one project without forcing a shared rendering model.
A small set of presets helps users start observing immediately instead of configuring from zero.

Limits and tradeoffs

Particle behavior is intentionally simplified to conversion, absorption, and motion rather than a more physically accurate simulation.
The orbit sandbox favors readability and persistence over astronomical realism.
Diagnostics stay lightweight so the stages read as live systems instead of dashboards first.