Challenges in Integrating the Analysis of Multiple Non-Functional Properties in Model-Driven Software Engineering

This vision paper discusses the challenges of integrating the analysis of multiple Non-Functional Properties (NFP) in the model-driven software engineering process, where formal analysis models are generated by model transformations from annotated software models. The paper proposes an integration approach based on an ecosystem of inter-related heterogeneous modeling artifacts intended to support consistent co-evolution of the software and analysis models, cross-model traceability, incremental propagation of changes across models and (semi)automated software process steps. Another goal is to investigate new metaheuristics approaches for reducing the size of the design space to be explored in the search for a design solution that will meet all the non-functional requirements.