Systematic analysis and evaluation of visual conceptual modeling language notations

Abstract

In systems analysis and design it is common to refer to some widely used de-facto industry standards like Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). Albeit the wide adoption of such standard modeling languages, only limited research focuses on the techniques in which these standards are specified and the quality they provide. Most research focuses on case studies of applying standards, ways of extending standards to domain-specific requirements, e.g., by means of profiling, or evaluations of single modeling languages, e.g., using questionnaires or semiotic theories. By contrast, this paper critically reflects on the current state of modeling standards with a focus on their graphical representation (notation). The contribution of this paper is threefold: First, a systematic analysis is performed thereby investigating how different modeling standards specify notational aspects. Second, an evaluation is performed by applying Moody's Physics of Notation theory to the identified standards. Third, based on the findings, recommendations are given to improve modeling standard specifications in the future w.r.t. their notational aspects.