Using DiaMODL in a design process: An evaluation of the modelling language

Abstract

Unified Modeling Language (UML) seems not to support the modelling of user interfaces in a satisfactory way. Thus several other modelling techniques aimed at the modelling of the contents and the dynamics in user interfaces have been developed. One of these modelling languages is DiaMODL. This is a relatively new modelling language, and it has not been tried to any wide extent in realistic design processes. This thesis has used DiaMODL in a small design process and evaluated DiaMODL language upon Krogstie's quality framework for modelling languages with the goal of finding the benefits of using DiaMODL in such projects. It was also experimented with different types of models to see if one of the types will be better than the others. The observations in the case study indicate that DiaMODL models become complex and that the model type should be chosen to fit the target audience. To make DiaMODL suited for widespread use it might also be important to create both training material and a reference guide of the modelling language. The DiaMODL editor could also benefit from some improvements, including functionality to create one model and then select the desired type of model. It would also be advantageous to have a closer connection to the Canonical Abstract Prototypes (CAP) diagram for the modelled user interface in the editor.