Briefly, IPE allows you to use existing batch programs in a pseudo-interactive manner, complete with buttons and sliders that can be used to change parameter values. While IPE is fine for many purposes, in other cases it is overkill. The X3D graphics system has been upgraded to XView user interface with the additional graphics functionality of illuminated surfaces and transformable raster images. Efficiency, prediction, and explanation. Certainly the first aim seems to be the most important.
Many specialists apply a theory mainly with the purpose to construct effective algorithms.
But I believe the prediction and explanation by no means are less important. Though we do use computers, we ourselves are not computers at all.