A Usability Profile for Graphical Formal Modelling Methods

Authors:
Rozilawati Razali;Paul Garratt
Affiliations:
Faculty of Information Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia;Dependable Systems and Software Engineering, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ United Kingdom
Venue:
Proceedings of the 2009 conference on New Trends in Software Methodologies, Tools and Techniques: Proceedings of the Eighth SoMeT_09
Year:
2009

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Abstract

The notation and environment in conceptual modelling transform developers' initial perception about a system to a concrete model. Any usability constraints that the notation and environment impose on the modeling process affect not only the quality of the model but also the quality of the final product. This paper presents a usability profile for designing conceptual modelling methods that integrate graphical notation and formal mathematical notation. The profile was proposed based on a survey conducted on an instance of such methods, which combines the Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Event-B. The instruments used in the survey were the Cognitive Dimensions of Notations (CD) framework and several criteria suggested by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The analysis was conducted using the grounded theory approach. Thirteen participants responded to the survey. The survey suggests that graphical formal modelling requires deep understanding of the notations involved, strong support from the environment, well-organised models and high spatial ability.