Partitioning Complex System Design Into Five Views

Abstract

The complexity and sheer magnitude of modern computer based systems require a structured approach for their development. The principal objective of system development is to establish a design which satisfies the system requirements while optimizing the key trade‐offs associated with system functionality, behavior, and implementation. A methodology is presented in this paper for a multi‐domain system design capture approach. The methodology employs five views of the system which address the system design in separate but related domains. The basis for creating an integrated, automated environment for addressing design, capture and analysis of a complex system is discussed by: (1) defining each of the five views and organizing those views into three models of the system, (2) defining the relationships and dependencies between the models of a given system, and (3) identifying opportunities for application of advanced modeling and decision support techniques in the design, capture, and analysis of complex systems.