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Human Factors in Model-Driven Engineering: Future Research Goals and Initiatives for MDE

Grischa Liebel, Jil Klünder, Regina Hebig, Christopher Lazik, Inês Nunes, Isabella Graßl, Jan-Philipp Steghöfer, Joeri Exelmans, Julian Oertel, Kai Marquardt, Katharina Juhnke, Kurt Schneider, Lucas Gren, Lucia Happe, Marc Herrmann, Marvin Wyrich, Matthias Tichy, Miguel Goulão, Rebekka Wohlrab, Reyhaneh Kalantari, Robert Heinrich, Sandra Greiner, Satrio Adi Rukmono, Shalini Chakraborty, Silvia Abrahão, Vasco Amaral

TL;DR

The paper argues that human factors are central to Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) yet understudied, and reports on a GI-Dagstuhl seminar where 26 researchers and practitioners identified five interrelated topics to advance human-centered MDE. It proposes concrete research goals, questions, and propositions across modeller experience, collaboration, diversity, modelling human factors, and teaching, emphasizing empirical validation and cross-disciplinary approaches. By linking MX factors to practical workflows and proposing tools, pedagogy, and metrics, the work aims to shift MDE research toward inclusive, usable, and human-aware practices with real-world impact. The paper also stresses the need for archetype workflows and collaborative, interdisciplinary methods to quantify and improve the human aspects of MDE adoption and practice.

Abstract

Purpose: Software modelling and Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) is traditionally studied from a technical perspective. However, one of the core motivations behind the use of software models is inherently human-centred. Models aim to enable practitioners to communicate about software designs, make software understandable, or make software easier to write through domain-specific modelling languages. Several recent studies challenge the idea that these aims can always be reached and indicate that human factors play a role in the success of MDE. However, there is an under-representation of research focusing on human factors in modelling. Methods: During a GI-Dagstuhl seminar, topics related to human factors in modelling were discussed by 26 expert participants from research and industry. Results: In breakout groups, five topics were covered in depth, namely modelling human aspects, factors of modeller experience, diversity and inclusion in MDE, collaboration and MDE, and teaching human-aware MDE. Conclusion: We summarise our insights gained during the discussions on the five topics. We formulate research goals, questions, and propositions that support directing future initiatives towards an MDE community that is aware of and supportive of human factors and values.

Human Factors in Model-Driven Engineering: Future Research Goals and Initiatives for MDE

TL;DR

The paper argues that human factors are central to Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) yet understudied, and reports on a GI-Dagstuhl seminar where 26 researchers and practitioners identified five interrelated topics to advance human-centered MDE. It proposes concrete research goals, questions, and propositions across modeller experience, collaboration, diversity, modelling human factors, and teaching, emphasizing empirical validation and cross-disciplinary approaches. By linking MX factors to practical workflows and proposing tools, pedagogy, and metrics, the work aims to shift MDE research toward inclusive, usable, and human-aware practices with real-world impact. The paper also stresses the need for archetype workflows and collaborative, interdisciplinary methods to quantify and improve the human aspects of MDE adoption and practice.

Abstract

Purpose: Software modelling and Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) is traditionally studied from a technical perspective. However, one of the core motivations behind the use of software models is inherently human-centred. Models aim to enable practitioners to communicate about software designs, make software understandable, or make software easier to write through domain-specific modelling languages. Several recent studies challenge the idea that these aims can always be reached and indicate that human factors play a role in the success of MDE. However, there is an under-representation of research focusing on human factors in modelling. Methods: During a GI-Dagstuhl seminar, topics related to human factors in modelling were discussed by 26 expert participants from research and industry. Results: In breakout groups, five topics were covered in depth, namely modelling human aspects, factors of modeller experience, diversity and inclusion in MDE, collaboration and MDE, and teaching human-aware MDE. Conclusion: We summarise our insights gained during the discussions on the five topics. We formulate research goals, questions, and propositions that support directing future initiatives towards an MDE community that is aware of and supportive of human factors and values.
Paper Structure (39 sections, 5 figures)

This paper contains 39 sections, 5 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Overview of Discussed Topics
  3. Topic 1: Factors of Modeller Experience
  4. Inherent factors
  5. Technical factors
  6. Non-technical factors
  7. Topic 2: Collaboration and MDE
  8. Motivation
  9. Motivating Example
  10. Characteristics of Models for Supporting Collaboration
  11. Research Agenda
  12. Topic 3: Diversity and Inclusion in MDE
  13. Universal Design
  14. Awareness of Biases
  15. Effects of Diversity on Modelling
  16. ...and 24 more sections

Figures (5)

  • Figure 1: Factors of modeller experience and their relationships. Inherent factors are shown in orange, technical factors in green, and non-technical ones in blue.
  • Figure 2: Characteristics of models to benefit communication in collaborations
  • Figure 3: Overview of identified dimensions of research topics relevant for diversity in MDE.
  • Figure 4: Circular model of Schwartz's theory of basic human values. (Source: Schwartz et al. schwartz2012overview)
  • Figure 5: Overview of the seminar topics.