ABSTRACTION IN CONCEPTUAL-MODEL DESIGN

Understanding and supporting conceptual model design is an important i ssue in Model Management System (MMS) research. While there are a broa d range of aspects which affect conceptual design, this study focuses on the use and the support of abstraction in the design process. We cl assify the use of abstraction in design into three categories: vertica l, horizontal and general abstraction techniques. We then propose a th eoretical framework which suggests the completeness of the design, the development of higher level concepts in design, and the design organi zation as the three dimensions of design output that can be enhanced b y effective use of these abstraction techniques. The proposed framewor k was empirically tested on a design problem using non-domain experts, with a software prototype that provided abstraction aids. The finding s indicated significant effects of abstraction aids on the three dimen sions of design output. Specifically, training exercises with comprehe nsive examples of various design strategies significantly improved bot h the number of high level ideas generated and the design organization compared to unaided designs. The completeness of designs was enhanced by both the design environment structure and the examples and analogi es provided during training. The implications of this study are: (a) i t is possible to measure the impact of abstraction support on the conc eptual design process, (b) the proposed measures can be used in the de velopment and evaluation of design support systems, and (c) abstractio n support can significantly improve the quality of design by non-domai n experts. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited