I think interactive models are fantastic for learning about systems and how they work. The thing is, it's difficult to design and create these types of models, even today (2018). I don't know that we have created tools that empower non-programmers to build such complex models.

Even knowing and understanding programming, you'll have to spend a considerable amount of time to create such interactive media. This might be worth it if you have an online learning company and you're selling educational content for mass audiences. For the one off technical paper or write-up, the dozens to hundreds of hours it might take to produce interactive media (assuming you already have those hard-earned skills) describing your topic is too much for most.