Table 1.

Framework for assessing a modeling tool’s strengths and weaknesses, with examples of the characteristics that respondents in our study said they valued

Model qualities	Model processes
	Gathering and inputting data	Running the model	Outputting and interpreting results
Usability	▪ Required input data are feasible to gather ▪ Default data are available within the tool	▪ Interface is clear and logical ▪ Software is accessible with minimal operating requirements ▪ Time needed to run model is minimal	▪ Results are well-explained and easily interpretable ▪ Output metrics reflect standard indicators that are meaningful to target audiences ▪ Output products (files, data, images) are available in appropriate formats
Accuracy	▪ Sufficient input options are available for specifying scenarios ▪ Default data are accurate	▪ Assumptions are plausible ▪ Model calculations are correctly executed	▪ Results are sufficiently detailed ▪ Results are appropriate to user’s analysis questions