Cognition‐Based Visualization of the Dynamics of Conceptual Models: The Vivid OPM Scene Player

Abstract

ABSTRACTModeling plays an increasingly important role in the lifecycle of systems. Complex dynamic systems are difficult to model, preventing users from deeply understanding their intricate behavior. Existing conceptual modeling languages contain behavioral diagrams aimed to describe how the modeled system changes over time. However, most of these diagram types are static and do not directly reflect the system's behavior in space and time in a manner that is close to conceived reality. Models that are inherently visual and dynamic can potentially provide system architects and designers, as well as prospective customers, with profound understanding of the behavior of the system under development without requiring knowledge of any specific modeling language. Based on this conjecture, which is supported by cognitive neuroscience, we present Vivid Object‐Process Methodology (OPM), a software module that generates and plays a “video clip” of the system under development from its OPM conceptual model. While requiring relatively little effort on the side of the modeler, this option explicates how the system behaves over time, providing a powerful tool for understanding and communicating complex systems dynamics. Testing Vivid OPM with human subjects, we found that it enhances the understandability of the system under study, especially in complex situations, where interaction is involved. The preliminary animation application we present can evolve into a powerful model‐based 3‐dimensional tool for visualizing systems of increasing complexity and sophistication, serving scientists,systems engineers, and students at all levels.