Models are generated using a variety of tools and features of a model generation platform. For example, in connection with a project in which a user generates a predictive model based on historical data about a system being modeled, the user is provided through a graphical user interface a structured sequence of model generation activities to be followed, the sequence including dimension reduction, model generation, model process validation, and model re-generation.Historical multi-dimensional data is received representing multiple variables transformed to be maximally predictive for at least one outcome variable to be used as an input to a predictive model of a commercial system, model development process is validated for at one or more sets of such variables and enabling a user of a model generation tool to combine at least two of the variables from the sets of variables.