A Causal Model for Analyzing the Impact of Graphical Modeling Languages on Usability

Abstract

Today, developing the conceptual design of information systems has become inconceivable without the support of graphical models. Models are developed using graph-based modeling languages such as UML. This study focuses on the impact of metamodel properties on different usability attributes in the domain of graphical modeling languages. The study is based on a model of hypotheses including a structural causal model developed under consideration of cognitive theories and usability theory. Survey data is collected and the causal hypotheses are assessed using a structure equation modeling approach. The study shows important findings for practical and theoretical issues of how differing modeling languages are influencing usability attributes on causal stages in the modeling domain. The main focus of this article is to define differences and similarities of how language metaproperties impact usability attributes in model interpretation scenarios.