Publication

This report is the technical report for Phase 3 of the Interactive Model-Centric Systems Engineering (IMCSE) research project. Portions of the Phase 1 and 2 reports have been repeated in this report for completeness.  

IMCSE advances the current state of SE knowledge in “non-technical” aspects of model-based engineering. While MBSE and MBE activities are advancing technical aspects of models in the engineering of systems, this topic advances knowledge relevant to human interaction with models and model-generated information. It brings relevant knowledge from other fields (e.g., cognitive science, visual analytics, data science), placing it in context of systems engineering. Additionally, this research generates knowledge impacting human effectiveness in model-centric environments of the future including foundational theory, role of humans in designing/sustaining these environments and mitigating challenges rooted in cognitive and perceptual considerations.

IMCSE research advances knowledge concerning MPTs that enable reasoning, comprehension and collaborative decision making in the face of uncertainty, combining artificial and real data, and effectively utilizing vast amounts of information. New knowledge is created through normative and descriptive research approaches, leading to prescriptive outcomes that can be transitioned into practice, as well as educating the workforce. IMCSE research provides support to SERC’s four thematic research areas, and is most closely aligned with the Systems Engineering and Management Transformation in regard to decision-making capabilities and leveraging the capabilities of computation, visualization, and communication for quick and agile response. Decision-making will be increasingly informed by models, and this research topic strongly supports MPTs to enable this. There are many past and ongoing research topics that have relevance for the future of interactive model-centric environments and provide valuable input to this research.