Systems Modeling Language viewpoint utilization to facilitate shared mental models among system stakeholders

Abstract

Mental models are a vital part of complex engineered system design and operations and contribute to either success or failure in both system development and operations. This paper examines the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) viewpoints and views to determine whether they can illustrate elements of mental models and serve to increase communication and foster a common system understanding between individual stakeholders holding different perspectives. Two models were created in SysML, the first comparing SysML with established conceptual graphs of mental models and the second was the Lynx X-ray Observatory, a project in concept development at National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This research revealed that shared SysML viewpoints and views can serve as conceptual graphs of shared mental models. It was also found that illustrating Lynx viewpoints and views was a valuable aid in eliciting concerns and desires of stakeholders, leading to a project more in line with desires of the stakeholders.