On the Pragmatics of Graphical Modeling

Graphical models help to understand complex systems. However, with the user interaction paradigms established today, activities such as creating, maintaining or browsing graphical models can be very tedious. This thesis presents an approach to enhance productivity by focusing on the pragmatics of model-based design. The contribution includes an interpretation of the notion of pragmatics, orthogonal to syntax and semantics in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). A proposal on pragmatics-aware modeling is given, employing sophisticated automated layout algorithms to close the gap between MDE and graph drawing theory. Thus, a view management logic presents customized views on models. These concepts get illustrated with the open source Kiel Integrated Environment for Layout Eclipse Rich Client (KIELER) with multiple applications including editing and simulation and shows how view management helps to tame complexity.

Hauke A. L. Fuhrmann: Hauke A. L. Fuhrmann studied Computer Science at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel until 2005. In an EU Framework Programme 6 research project in the aerospace domain he worked with and experienced the limitations in usability of state-of-the practice graphical modeling tooling. This emerged the enthusiasm for the topic of pragmatics as discussed in this dissertation. Since 2011 he applies modeling in the railway domain.