Communication in Multidisciplinary Systems Architecting

Abstract

Systems architecting is multidisciplinary by nature. It is interesting to note that the methods and tools that are developed and presented in literature are mostly based on one or a very limited number of formalisms. This means that an often large part of the stakeholders involved in the architecting process are hindered in the understanding of, and contributing to the architecture.The paper investigates the architecting process and complexity in combination with knowledge and knowledge creation. Communication is identified as essential. It thus follows that tools that base on one formalism limit this communication in a multidisciplinary setting. Based on experiences from architects, literature and the author, ingredients for successful multidisciplinary architecting are listed, and directions for future research in complex systems architecting are given, based on these ingredients.

Collective understanding of system behavior : incorporating simulations in conceptual systems design

“…Based on the fact that conceptual system design is a fairly informal process, highly formalized tooling is not a prerequisite. In fact, there is an inherent opposition between understandability and formality [Bonnema, 2014]. This supports the conclusion that for example the formal approach used in Model Based Systems Engineering is less suited for communication, and is more suited to ensure re-use, consistency and integration [Woestenenk, 2014].…”

“…However, before simulation is possible, both of the views need to be quantified as well. This is akin to the triad of a functional view, a physical view and a quantification view as recommended in [Bonnema, 2014]. This triad of views supports multidisciplinary communication on complex systems.…”

“…This quote emphasizes that communication cannot be taken for granted. During the conceptual system design stages multidisciplinary communication plays a key role [Bonnema, 2014] and is especially relevant during the conceptual stage. To show the need for the support that [Boardman and Sauser, 2008] mention, this section will first take one step back and consider the communication process from a theoretical perspective and review how this theory is reflected in practice.…”

“…These are the triad of a functional view, a physical view and a quantification view as recommended in [Bonnema, 2014] and the operational view that represents the system's behavior. Within the reference model, several groupings of concepts can be seen.…”

“…However, to be able to communicate a system to stakeholders from multiple disciplines, other views are required as well. As [Bonnema, 2014] argues, a system can be represented well with a functional, physical and quantification view. The assumption is that the same holds for communication of the system's behavior.…”