The physical world around us is composed of atoms that associate with one another in chemical bonds to form molucules, which come together into myriads of different materials. Struck can be used to help visualize and understand these chemical interactions, as well as interactions in higher-level structures. There are, of course, many things that can be done in the software world that can't be done with physical structures. Struck's springs can pass through one another, for example. Struck is a great tool for exploring complex, transforming structures that would be difficult if not impossible to create physically, but there are also many things that can be done with physical structures that can't be done nearly as efficiently in software.
Computer modeling is no replacement for hands-on, kinesthetic experience with physical models .
Floating compression structures are particularly worthwhile to explore and construct as physical models, in addition to studying in software. Struck can even be used to design a tensegrity prior to building it, but it may be easier for some people to work directly with physical materials. To me it's doing things quite in reverse, although it goes without saying that a novice is in need of a picture or a model for starters. Designing in Struck has the benefit that virtual models can be built and modified rapidly. Because Struck uses stereographic viewing and full structure rotatability, the appearance of a structure can be accurately visualized using the program, and rendered into photorealism using another program called POV-Ray .