A simplified modelling protocol for synthetic biology

The rapid expansion of synthetic biology has been largely driven by standardized experimental tools, yet the modelling stage of the design cycle remains a bottleneck. Current computational environments for quantitative modelling are powerful but demand specialized expertise, often excluding many researchers from independently assessing design feasibility. We introduce BOOLSYN, a simplified early-design and educational modelling protocol based on boolean representation of molecular networks. BOOLSYN enables the exploration of system behaviours such as transient activation, variable external signals, and the role of topology with minimal mathematical formalism. It is accessible to non-specialists and can be implemented with nothing more than pen and paper. We show that this framework provides a qualitative first-pass assessment of design feasibility and helps guide subsequent modeling or experimental implementation of synthetic biology devices, which typically involve a limited number of components. By lowering the barrier to modelling, BOOLSYN provides a robust, low-complexity tool to support early-stage design and broaden participation in synthetic biology research.