A Vision for Human‐model Interaction in Interactive Model‐centric Systems Engineering

Abstract

The Interactive Model‐Centric Systems Engineering (IMCSE) research program arises from the unique opportunity to investigate the various aspects of humans interacting with models and model‐generated data, in the context of systems engineering practice. This paper explores the dimensions of this interaction and shares findings from a recent workshop organized to seed the initial research agenda. Many open areas of inquiry exist; examples include: use cases for stakeholders interacting with models; how multiple stakeholders interact with each other using models and model generated information; facets of human interaction with visualizations and large data sets; and underlying fundamentals such as model purpose and model handling. Realizing the envisioned future for an interactive model‐centric systems engineering experience will require new knowledge and ways of working, and innovation in constructs and technologies. A shared research agenda is proposed as a means to provide a common frame for alignment and synergies of research across the community. Research needs and progress are discussed and several ongoing research projects are briefly discussed.

Transforming systems engineering through digital engineering

“…Currently, an exploratory study is underway to investigate the three research questions. 28 Interim findings indicate a number of technological and social factors are involved in model-centric decision-making, and several key attributes influencing trust were identified. 29 Findings of the study and related investigations are informing the derivation of a set of preliminary guiding principles for effectiveness of human-model interaction.…”

“…Visualization demonstration prototype. 28 This concept has been socialized through many meetings with industry to explain the concepts for a new type of collaboration and to assess the impacts on the NAVAIR enterprise from both a technical and socio-technical perspective. Through this socialization and continuous research the CONOPS is being refined to incorporate and fulfill the potential of DE transformation.…”

The Decision Arena: A model-centric interactive workspace for Product-Service System design

“…Yet, research contributions in the field of model-centric interactive workspaces are still limited, with the Decision Theatre (DT) at Arizona State University being one of the few exceptions (White et al 2015). While the DT is a remarkable example of how to raise awareness of the macro-scale effect of design decision making, many (e.g., Rhodes & Ross 2016) have expressed the need for more specific model-centric environments for engineering design. Wall et al (2018) recently described the findings from initial work on conceptualizing, developing, and testing physical spaces for collocated collaborative decision making.…”

Exploring the Cyber‐Physical Design Space

“…A routine is defined to optimise the continuous parameters of a CPS to decrease the number of simulations. (Rhodes and Ross, 2016) describe the role of models in trade-off analysis, whereby a design space is evaluated against cost and performance and value models, while (Fitzgerald and Ross, 2016) examine the role of exploration in trade-space analysis more widely. These concepts have much in common with DSE, although not within a specific co-model tool chain.…”