Research

In many studies around Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) adoption, usability of tools is very often stressed as one of the key issues for the adoption of MBSE paradigms. 

We need to reduce modeling learning curve and encourage their users to persist with them despite the required initial efforts. 

We present a gamified software modeling environment realized to design games for specific training/learning goals. 

Our approach caters to three principal stakeholders:  

  • Gamification Expert: who designs and develops appropriate gamification artifacts (i.e., game elements, mechanics and dynamics) in line with the learning goals; 
  • Modeling Teaching Expert (e.g., Teacher, Methotodologist, or Tool Vendor) that in collaboration with the gamification expert defines the game including the expected pedagogical principles, the global learning goals and the suitable progression of learning steps with their intermediate learning goals;
  • End-Users (i.e., Student, Language Expert, or Software Developer), that use the gamified version of the software modeling tool to learn modeling with a given tool or even enhance their modeling expertise level while gaming.

There are six subcomponents:

  1. Game Dashboard.
  2. Software Modeling Tool.
  3. Gamification Design Framework.
  4. Game Master.
  5. Gamification Engine.
  6. Model Quality Assessor.

All these components collaborate to go from an initial game definition to a running full-fledged gamified modeling environment executing the game.