Increasing the semantic transparency of the KAOS goal model concrete syntax

Abstract

Stakeholders without formal training in requirements modelling languages, such as KAOS, struggle to understand requirements specifications. The lack of semantic transparency of the KAOS goal model concrete syntax is perceived as a communication barrier between stakeholders and requirements engineers. We report on a series of related empirical experiments that include the proposal of alternative concrete syntaxes for KAOS by leveraging design contributions from novices and their evaluation with respect to semantic transparency, in contrast with the standard KAOS goal model concrete syntax. We propose an alternative concrete syntax for KAOS that increases its semantic transparency (mean difference of.23, in [−1.00.1.00]) leading to a significantly higher correct symbol identification (mean difference of 19%) by novices. These results may be a stepping stone for reducing the communication gap between stakeholders and requirements engineers.