Selected aspects of customization of cognitive dimensions for evaluation of visual modeling languages

Abstract

For the successful application of diagrams in software engineering, high quality visual modelling languages (VML) are required. There is a need for new effective methodologies of VML evaluation. This paper discusses selected aspects of applying cognitive dimensions as a basis of the evaluation. Then, it briefly presents CD-VML methodology which integrates the cognitive dimensions with a theory of visual modelling languages. Finally, it summarises results of empirical evaluation of the methodology made with a CD-VML-UC questionnaire - a product of the methodology for use case diagrams.