# Multistability
## MicroSim spec
- **Recommended sim type:** [[Phase_space|phase space]] / [[Attractor|attractor]]
- **Microsimmability score:** 82/100
- **Layout:** drawing region (canvas) on top; control region (sliders/buttons) below.
### Parameters (tunable controls)
- `Drive`
- `Barrier height`
- `Noise`
### What animates
A ball settles into one of several wells and occasionally hops as drive and noise change.
### Learning objective
Show how a system can rest in any of several stable states.
## Links (Wikipedia order)
<!-- injected from _registry/childlinks/Multistability.json (2026-07-30T02:09:12Z) -->
`Bistability` · [[Dynamical_system]] · `Market_share` · `Monopoly` · `Multistable_perception` · `Path_dependence` · [[Science]] · `Stability_theory` · `Vector_space`
> p5.js MicroSim stub · part of Systems Thinking · [Wikipedia source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multistability)
> Relation: subfield of systems thinking.
## Concept summary
In a [[Dynamical_system|dynamical system]], multistability is the property of having multiple stable equilibrium points in the vector space spanned by the states in the [[System|system]]. By mathematical necessity, there must also be unstable equilibrium points between the stable points.
## Build checklist
- [ ] Claim it: set `status: in-progress` + `lease` + `leased_at`
- [ ] Write the child page explaining the concept (tie it back to systems thinking)
- [ ] Finalize parameter ranges and defaults
- [ ] Implement the p5.js sketch (drawing + control regions)
- [ ] Add caption + the learning objective on the page
- [ ] Set `status: done`
## p5.js sketch
```javascript
// MicroSim: Multistability
let controls = {};
function setup() {
// createCanvas(...); create sliders for the parameters above.
}
function draw() {
// background(...); read controls; render phase space / attractor; respond live.
}
```
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Back to Systems Thinking · Wikipedia: [Multistability](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multistability)
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## Semiotic profile
> *The semiotic universals this article invokes, machine-derived from the crossref — **unverified** (born so). Populated 2026-07-06 for the Systems room.*
**Universals (6):** 🟡 system (21) · 🟡 science (5) · 🟢 attractor chaos (4) · 🟢 equilibrium (3) · 🟢 noise (2) · 🟢 stability (1)
**Enter by sign:** Systems Semiotic Gateway · Alphabetum · Icon Registry · ← Systems Portal
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## Wikipedia : Wikitube
**Strict pair:** [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multistability) : [Wikitube](https://en.wikitube.io/wiki/Multistability)
## Previous hub tags
Tree parents: [[Complex_system]] · [[Cybernetics]] · [[Emergence]] · [[Feedback]] · [[Self-organization]] · [[Systems_science]] · [[Systems_theory]].
Legacy hubs: none.
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*Sources: 2 legacy notes. Minted wave 1, 2026-07-30 (v1.6 order).*