Model Communication Patterns

Model Communication Patterns

Chintan Amrit Maria Iacob

8-2-2011

Chintan Amrit

Model Communication Patterns

Scope of the Patterns

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Chintan Amrit

Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Semiotic Clarity Lack of Correspondence between Symbols and Referent concepts.

Perceptual Discriminability Diagrams with symbols that are not discriminable reduce the accuracy of their interpretation. .

Semantic Transparency If the semantic meaning of the symbols is different from their intuitive or natural meaning, then novice readers would not be able to discern its meaning. Designing/Using a modelling language

Context: The current structure of the system giving the context of the problem Forces: Forces that require resolution

Designing/Using a modelling language

Designing/Using a modelling language

Model Symbol redundancy, excess or overload can cause increase in complexity. To limit diagrammatic complexity it is preferable to have a symbol deficit when mapping constructs to the language symbols For a notational system there needs to be a 1-1 correspondence between symbols and referent concepts Decrease in complexity

Shapes and connecting lines that are too similar cannot be easily distinguished by humans. Symbols should be differentiated using visual variables to increase discriminability eg. increasing visual distance, shape, redundant coding, perceptual pop out and text. Research in psychophysics has established discriminability thresholds

It is very hard for novices to understand symbols that are semantically opaque and especially if they are semantically perverse. Symbols should provide clues to their meaning and need to be "intuitive" or "natural"

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

Semantically transparent representations reduce cognitive load because they have built-in mnemonics. The diagramming notation will be more novice friendly Perceptual Discriminability

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

Increased accuracy for diagram interpretation Semantic Transperency

Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Semiotic Clarity Lack of Correspondence between Symbols and Referent concepts.

Perceptual Discriminability Diagrams with symbols that are not discriminable reduce the accuracy of their interpretation. .

Semantic Transparency If the semantic meaning of the symbols is different from their intuitive or natural meaning, then novice readers would not be able to discern its meaning. Designing/Using a modelling language

Context: The current structure of the system giving the context of the problem Forces: Forces that require resolution

Designing/Using a modelling language

Designing/Using a modelling language

Model Symbol redundancy, excess or overload can cause increase in complexity. To limit diagrammatic complexity it is preferable to have a symbol deficit when mapping constructs to the language symbols

Shapes and connecting lines that are too similar cannot be easily distinguished by humans. Symbols should be differentiated using visual variables to increase discriminability eg. increasing visual distance, shape, redundant coding, perceptual pop out and text. Research in psychophysics has established discriminability thresholds

It is very hard for novices to understand symbols that are semantically opaque and especially if they are semantically perverse. Symbols should provide clues to their meaning and need to be "intuitive" or "natural"

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

For a notational system there needs to be a 1-1 correspondence between symbols and referent concepts Decrease in complexity

Semantically transparent representations reduce cognitive load because they have built-in mnemonics. The diagramming notation will be more novice friendly Perceptual Discriminability

Increased accuracy for diagram interpretation Semantic Transperency

Model Communication Patterns

Semiotic clarity: There should be a 1:1 correspondence between semantic constructs and graphical symbols.
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Model Communication Patterns

Symbol redundancy (synographs) in UML: there are alternative graphical symbols for interfaces on Class Diagrams (left) and package relationships on Package Diagrams (right).

Symbol Overload (homographs) in ArchiMate: the same graphical convention can be used to represent different types of relationships: generalisation (left) and composition (right)
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Model Communication Patterns

Symbol Excess in UML: the comment is a useful notational feature but should not be shown using a graphical symbol.

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Chintan Amrit

Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Semiotic Clarity Lack of Correspondence between Symbols and Referent concepts.

Perceptual Discriminability Diagrams with symbols that are not discriminable reduce the accuracy of their interpretation. .

Semantic Transparency If the semantic meaning of the symbols is different from their intuitive or natural meaning, then novice readers would not be able to discern its meaning. Designing/Using a modelling language

Context: The current structure of the system giving the context of the problem Forces: Forces that require resolution

Designing/Using a modelling language

Designing/Using a modelling language

Model Symbol redundancy, excess or overload can cause increase in complexity. To limit diagrammatic complexity it is preferable to have a symbol deficit when mapping constructs to the language symbols

Shapes and connecting lines that are too similar cannot be easily distinguished by humans. Symbols should be differentiated using visual variables to increase discriminability eg. increasing visual distance, shape, redundant coding, perceptual pop out and text.

It is very hard for novices to understand symbols that are semantically opaque and especially if they are semantically perverse. Symbols should provide clues to their meaning and need to be "intuitive" or "natural"

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

For a notational system there needs to be a 1-1 correspondence between symbols and referent concepts Decrease in complexity

Research in psychophysics has established discriminability thresholds

Semantically transparent representations reduce cognitive load because they have built-in mnemonics. The diagramming notation will be more novice friendly Perceptual Discriminability

Increased accuracy for diagram interpretation Semantic Transperency

a)

b)

Graphic excellence versus graphic mediocrity: (a) De Marco DFDs use clearly distinguishable shapes for all constructs, while (b) Gane and Sarson DFDs use rectangle variants.

Redundant coding: Using multiple visual variables (shape + color) to distinguish between symbols.

Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Semiotic Clarity Lack of Correspondence between Symbols and Referent concepts.

Perceptual Discriminability Diagrams with symbols that are not discriminable reduce the accuracy of their interpretation. .

Semantic Transparency If the semantic meaning of the symbols is different from their intuitive or natural meaning, then novice readers would not be able to discern its meaning. Designing/Using a modelling language

Context: The current structure of the system giving the context of the problem Forces: Forces that require resolution

Designing/Using a modelling language

Designing/Using a modelling language

Model Symbol redundancy, excess or overload can cause increase in complexity. To limit diagrammatic complexity it is preferable to have a symbol deficit when mapping constructs to the language symbols

Shapes and connecting lines that are too similar cannot be easily distinguished by humans. Symbols should be differentiated using visual variables to increase discriminability eg. increasing visual distance, shape, redundant coding, perceptual pop out and text. Research in psychophysics has established discriminability thresholds

It is very hard for novices to understand symbols that are semantically opaque and especially if they are semantically perverse. Symbols should provide clues to their meaning and need to be "intuitive" or "natural"

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

For a notational system there needs to be a 1-1 correspondence between symbols and referent concepts Decrease in complexity

Semantically transparent representations reduce cognitive load because they have built-in mnemonics. The diagramming notation will be more novice friendly Perceptual Discriminability

Increased accuracy for diagram interpretation Semantic Transperency

 Semantically Immediate Semantically Opaque Semantically Perverse

Fig. Spatial enclosure and overlap (right) convey the concept of overlapping subtypes in a more semantically transparent way than arrows (left). Both representations convey the same semantics: that a customer can be a person, an organization, or both.

Model Communication Patterns

Fig. Rich pictures: a rare but highly effective example of the use of iconic representations in SE.
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Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Complexity Management Excessive diagrammatic complexity is one of the major barriers to end user understanding of diagrams. Complexity has a major effect on cognitive effectiveness as the amount of information that can be effectively conveyed by a single diagram is limited by human perceptual and cognitive abilities.. Modularisation and hierarchy can significantly reduce the complexity of diagrams.

Cognitive Integration Multi-Diagram representations that lack conceptual and perceptual integration are difficult to understand. .

Visual Expressiveness Using a small range of visual variables reduces the number of communication channels through which a diagram can be understood. The use of few (one) visual variable to encode information results in the possibility of sometimes only representing nominal data and is cognitively inefficient The visual notation should try to match properties of visual variables to the properties of the information to be represented; the power and capacity of the visual variable should be greater than or equal to the measurement level of the information " Using a range of visual variables results in a perceptually enriched representation that exploits multiple visual communication channels and maximises computational offloading.

Forces: Forces that require resolution

For multi-diagram representations to be cognitively effective, they must include explicit mechanisms to support Conceptual and Perceptual Integration.

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Diagramming notations that utilize multi-diagrams must provide mechanisms to assemble information from different diagrams (Concep. Int.) and simplify navigation and transitions between diagrams (Percep. int.). The theory of cognitive integration of diagrams states that for multi-diagram representations to be cognitively effective, they must include explicit mechanisms to support congitive and perceptual integration.

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

Cognitive load theory shows that reducing the amount of information presented at a time to within the limitations of working memory improves speed and accuracy of understanding and facilitates deep understanding of information content Novices and other end users will be able to more easily comprehend the diagrams. Cognitive Integration

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

The readers will be able to more easily mentally integrate information from different diagrams and keep track of where they are. Complexity Management

The readers understanding of the diagrams improves as multiple visual channels are exploited. Perceptual Discriminability

Model Communication Patterns

Fig. In the absence of complexity management mechanisms, ER models must be shown as single monolithic diagrams.

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Model Communication Patterns

Fig. Hierarchical organization allows a system to be represented at multiple levels of abstraction, with complexity manageable at each level.
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Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Complexity Management Excessive diagrammatic complexity is one of the major barriers to end user understanding of diagrams. Complexity has a major effect on cognitive effectiveness as the amount of information that can be effectively conveyed by a single diagram is limited by human perceptual and cognitive abilities.. Modularisation and hierarchy can significantly reduce the complexity of diagrams.

Cognitive Integration Multi-Diagram representations that lack conceptual and perceptual integration are difficult to understand. .

Visual Expressiveness Using a small range of visual variables reduces the number of communication channels through which a diagram can be understood. The use of few (one) visual variable to encode information results in the possibility of sometimes only representing nominal data and is cognitively inefficient The visual notation should try to match properties of visual variables to the properties of the information to be represented; the power and capacity of the visual variable should be greater than or equal to the measurement level of the information " Using a range of visual variables results in a perceptually enriched representation that exploits multiple visual communication channels and maximises computational offloading.

Forces: Forces that require resolution

For multi-diagram representations to be cognitively effective, they must include explicit mechanisms to support Conceptual and Perceptual Integration.

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Diagramming notations that utilize multi-diagrams must provide mechanisms to assemble information from different diagrams (Concep. Int.) and simplify navigation and transitions between diagrams (Percep. int.). The theory of cognitive integration of diagrams states that for multi-diagram representations to be cognitively effective, they must include explicit mechanisms to support congitive and perceptual integration.

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

Cognitive load theory shows that reducing the amount of information presented at a time to within the limitations of working memory improves speed and accuracy of understanding and facilitates deep understanding of information content Novices and other end users will be able to more easily comprehend the diagrams. Cognitive Integration

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

The readers will be able to more easily mentally integrate information from different diagrams and keep track of where they are. Complexity Management

The readers understanding of the diagrams improves as multiple visual channels are exploited. Perceptual Discriminability

Model Communication Patterns

Fig. Cognitive integration: When multiple diagrams are used to represent a domain, explicit mechanisms are needed to support perceptual and conceptual integration.
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Model Communication Patterns

Conceptual integration: Mechanisms to help the reader assemble information from separate diagrams into a coherent mental representation of the system. Perceptual integration: Perceptual cues to simplify navigation and transitions between diagrams.

Fig. Contextualization: Each diagram should include its surrounding context to show how it fits into the system as a whole.

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Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces. Forces: Forces that require resolution

Complexity Management Excessive diagrammatic complexity is one of the major barriers to end user understanding of diagrams. Complexity has a major effect on cognitive effectiveness as the amount of information that can be effectively conveyed by a single diagram is limited by human perceptual and cognitive abilities.. Modularisation and hierarchy can significantly reduce the complexity of diagrams.

Cognitive Integration Multi-Diagram representations that lack conceptual and perceptual integration are difficult to understand. . For multi-diagram representations to be cognitively effective, they must include explicit mechanisms to support Conceptual and Perceptual Integration. Diagramming notations that utilize multi-diagrams must provide mechanisms to assemble information from different diagrams (Concep. Int.) and simplify navigation and transitions between diagrams (Percep. int.). The theory of cognitive integration of diagrams states that for multi-diagram representations to be cognitively effective, they must include explicit mechanisms to support congitive and perceptual integration. The readers will be able to more easily mentally integrate information from different diagrams and keep track of where they are. Complexity Management

Visual Expressiveness Using a small range of visual variables reduces the number of communication channels through which a diagram can be understood. The use of few (one) visual variable to encode information results in the possibility of sometimes only representing nominal data and is cognitively inefficient The visual notation should try to match properties of visual variables to the properties of the information to be represented; the power and capacity of the visual variable should be greater than or equal to the measurement level of the information " Using a range of visual variables results in a perceptually enriched representation that exploits multiple visual communication channels and maximises computational offloading. The readers understanding of the diagrams improves as multiple visual channels are exploited.

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

Cognitive load theory shows that reducing the amount of information presented at a time to within the limitations of working memory improves speed and accuracy of understanding and facilitates deep understanding of information content Novices and other end users will be able to more easily comprehend the diagrams.

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied

Related Patterns

Cognitive Integration

Perceptual Discriminability

Model Communication Patterns

Visual Variables [8]: these define a set of elementary graphical techniques for constructing visual notations

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Figure. Visual Saturation: this cartographic legend uses 6 visual variables to define 38 distinct graphical conventions.

Model Communication Patterns

Different Visual Variables Have Different Capabilities for Encoding Information: Power = Highest Level of Measurement That Can Be Encoded; Capacity = Number of Perceptible Steps

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Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Dual Coding When symbols are used without any text to communicate models, it might be difficult for the entire population to understand. Especially those, who differ in their spatial and visual abilities. Providing textual cues to the meaning of symbols aids interpretation, especially when the symbols are not semantically transparent, and improves retention through interlinked visual and verbal encoding in memory. The visual notation should represent the information both verbally and visually, representations of that information are encoded in separate systems in working memory and referential connections between the two are strengthened. Dual coding theory suggests that using text and graphics together to convey information is more effective than using either on their own. The reader grasps the meaning of the symbols quicker.

Graphic Economy A large number of symbols, that are not mnemonic, reduce cognitive effectiveness.

Cognitive Fit Using one visual representation for various tasks and/or audiences (expert as well as novices), can limit the understanding of the notation.

Forces: Forces that require resolution

Empirical studies show that graphic complexity significantly reduces understanding of SE diagrams by novices

Problem solving performance (which orresponds roughly to cognitive effectiveness) is determined by a three-way fit between the problem representation, task characteristics and problem solver skills Cognitive fit in a notation allows the best of both worlds: a simplified visual dialect for sketching and an enriched notation for final diagrams.

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Simplifying the semantics of a notation provides an obvious way of reducing graphic complexity.

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

The human ability to discriminate between perceptually distinct alternatives (span of absolute judgement) is around 6 categories per visual variable. Novice readers will be less affected by graphical complexity.

Cognitive fit theory states that different representations of information are suitable for different tasks and different audiences. The notation will be understandable by novices and experts, who will be able to use both pen/paper as well as modern graphics software. Perceptual Discriminability

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

Perceptual Discrimibility, Visual Expressiveness

Complexity Management

Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Dual Coding When symbols are used without any text to communicate models, it might be difficult for the entire population to understand. Especially those, who differ in their spatial and visual abilities. Providing textual cues to the meaning of symbols aids interpretation, especially when the symbols are not semantically transparent, and improves retention through interlinked visual and verbal encoding in memory. The visual notation should represent the information both verbally and visually, representations of that information are encoded in separate systems in working memory and referential connections between the two are strengthened. Dual coding theory suggests that using text and graphics together to convey information is more effective than using either on their own. The reader grasps the meaning of the symbols quicker.

Graphic Economy A large number of symbols, that are not mnemonic, reduce cognitive effectiveness.

Cognitive Fit Using one visual representation for various tasks and/or audiences (expert as well as novices), can limit the understanding of the notation.

Forces: Forces that require resolution

Empirical studies show that graphic complexity significantly reduces understanding of SE diagrams by novices

Problem solving performance (which orresponds roughly to cognitive effectiveness) is determined by a three-way fit between the problem representation, task characteristics and problem solver skills Cognitive fit in a notation allows the best of both worlds: a simplified visual dialect for sketching and an enriched notation for final diagrams.

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Simplifying the semantics of a notation provides an obvious way of reducing graphic complexity.

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

The human ability to discriminate between perceptually distinct alternatives (span of absolute judgement) is around 6 categories per visual variable. Novice readers will be less affected by graphical complexity.

Cognitive fit theory states that different representations of information are suitable for different tasks and different audiences. The notation will be understandable by novices and experts, who will be able to use both pen/paper as well as modern graphics software. Perceptual Discriminability

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

Perceptual Discrimibility, Visual Expressiveness

Complexity Management

Model Communication Patterns

Fig. Dual coding: the best of both worlds?

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Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Dual Coding When symbols are used without any text to communicate models, it might be difficult for the entire population to understand. Especially those, who differ in their spatial and visual abilities. Providing textual cues to the meaning of symbols aids interpretation, especially when the symbols are not semantically transparent, and improves retention through interlinked visual and verbal encoding in memory. The visual notation should represent the information both verbally and visually, representations of that information are encoded in separate systems in working memory and referential connections between the two are strengthened. Dual coding theory suggests that using text and graphics together to convey information is more effective than using either on their own. The reader grasps the meaning of the symbols quicker.

Graphic Economy A large number of symbols, that are not mnemonic, reduce cognitive effectiveness.

Cognitive Fit Using one visual representation for various tasks and/or audiences (expert as well as novices), can limit the understanding of the notation.

Forces: Forces that require resolution

Empirical studies show that graphic complexity significantly reduces understanding of SE diagrams by novices

Problem solving performance (which orresponds roughly to cognitive effectiveness) is determined by a three-way fit between the problem representation, task characteristics and problem solver skills Cognitive fit in a notation allows the best of both worlds: a simplified visual dialect for sketching and an enriched notation for final diagrams.

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Simplifying the semantics of a notation provides an obvious way of reducing graphic complexity.

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

The human ability to discriminate between perceptually distinct alternatives (span of absolute judgement) is around 6 categories per visual variable. Novice readers will be less affected by graphical complexity.

Cognitive fit theory states that different representations of information are suitable for different tasks and different audiences. The notation will be understandable by novices and experts, who will be able to use both pen/paper as well as modern graphics software. Perceptual Discriminability

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

Perceptual Discrimibility, Visual Expressiveness

Complexity Management

Model Communication Patterns

A balancing act: To keep graphic (and diagram) complexity manageable, notation designers need to make decisions about what information to encode graphically, what to encode textually, and what to include in supporting definitions.

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Pattern Name Problem: A problem growing from the Forces.

Dual Coding When symbols are used without any text to communicate models, it might be difficult for the entire population to understand. Especially those, who differ in their spatial and visual abilities. Providing textual cues to the meaning of symbols aids interpretation, especially when the symbols are not semantically transparent, and improves retention through interlinked visual and verbal encoding in memory. The visual notation should represent the information both verbally and visually, representations of that information are encoded in separate systems in working memory and referential connections between the two are strengthened. Dual coding theory suggests that using text and graphics together to convey information is more effective than using either on their own. The reader grasps the meaning of the symbols quicker.

Graphic Economy A large number of symbols, that are not mnemonic, reduce cognitive effectiveness.

Cognitive Fit Using one visual representation for various tasks and/or audiences (expert as well as novices), can limit the understanding of the notation.

Forces: Forces that require resolution

Empirical studies show that graphic complexity significantly reduces understanding of SE diagrams by novices

Problem solving performance (which corresponds roughly to cognitive effectiveness) is determined by a three-way fit between the problem representation, task characteristics and problem solver skills Cognitive fit in a notation allows the best of both worlds: a simplified visual dialect for sketching and an enriched notation for final diagrams.

Solution: The solution proposed for the problem

Simplifying the semantics of a notation provides an obvious way of reducing graphic complexity.

Rationale: The reasoning behind the solution

The human ability to discriminate between perceptually distinct alternatives (span of absolute judgement) is around 6 categories per visual variable. Novice readers will be less affected by graphical complexity.

Cognitive fit theory states that different representations of information are suitable for different tasks and different audiences. The notation will be understandable by novices and experts, who will be able to use both pen/paper as well as modern graphics software. Perceptual Discriminability

Consequences: of the result when the pattern is applied Related Patterns

Perceptual Discrimibility, Visual Expressiveness

Complexity Management

Model Communication Patterns

Fig. Cognitive fit is the result of a three-way interaction between the representation, task, and problem solver.

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Model Communication Patterns

Fig. Notational requirements for hand sketching are different from those for drawing tools and tend to limit visual expressiveness.

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Model Communication Patterns

Fig. Interactions between principles: + indicates a positive effect,- indicates a negative effect, and indicates a positive or negative effect depending on the situation.
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Model Communication Patterns

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Model Communication Patterns

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Model Communication Patterns

Applicable for the c-Map Conceptual Model

Pattern

Reason The c-Map tool provides a basic oval shape, with possibilities of colouring it and 2 possible line shapes. Hence there is a major lack of correspondence between symbols and referent concepts The only two distinguishing factors between the different concepts are the size and the colour of the oval. Hence it is not possible to distinguish the concepts As only one oval is used it is not clear what the symbol stands for As the diagrammatic complexity is not because of symbol overload There is only one diagram There is indeed only one symbol which reduces cognitive effectiveness There is no text present to help in the understanding As the number of symbols is not large As there are no two possible sets of notation for experts and novices
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Semiotic Clarity

Yes

Perceptual Discriminability

Yes

Semantic Transparency Complexity Management Cognitive Integration Visual Expressiveness Dual Coding Graphic Economy Cognitive Fit
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Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes

Chintan Amrit

Model Communication Patterns

Pattern Name Semiotic Clarity Metric Description at the Metric Description at the Language Level Sentence Level Number of instances of symbol Number of instances of symbol redundancy, symbol overload and redundancy, symbol overload and symbol excess in the language symbol excess in a diagram Visual Distance: This is Visual Distance in a diagram measured by the number of visual variables on which they differ and the size of these differences (measured by the number of perceptible steps). Number of symbols that are Number of symbols that are semantically opaque and perverse semantically opaque and perverse in a diagram +1 if it doesnt allow either Diagrammatic complexity = No. modularisation or hierarchy of instances/tokens in a diagram +1 if it doesnt allow either Number of Instances of lack of conceptual or perceptual integration conceptual and perceptual integration 8 - # information carrying Instances of: 8 - # information variables carrying variables +1 if there is no dual coding for +1 for Instances of lack of dual variables coding +1 if the # of semantic concepts Number of different symbols are high +1 is there is no symbol deficit +1 if there is no attempt to increase visual expressiveness Dependent Variable Dependent Variable
Chintan Amrit

Perceptual Discriminability

Semantic Transparency Complexity Management Cognitive Integration Visual Expressiveness Dual Coding Graphic Economy

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Cognitive Fit

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Model Communication Patterns

Optimal Sentence level Model Quality (MQ) as:

Where, (nr + no + ne) represents the Semantic Quality, where nr, no, ne represent symbol redundancy, overload and excess respectively vd represents the visual distance nsemOpq represents the number of symbols that are semantically opaque or perverse cmng represents the complexity of the diagram cint represents number of instances of conceptual and perceptual integration vexp represents 8 - number of information carrying variables dcod represents the number of instances of lack of dual coding geco represents the number of different symbols

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