Publication

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. IMCSE research aims to develop transformative results through enabling intense human-model interaction, to rapidly conceive of systems and interact with models in order to make rapid trades to decide on what is most effective given present knowledge and future uncertainties, as well as what is practical given available resources and constraints. While model-based engineering initiatives are advancing technical aspects of models in the engineering of systems, this research advances knowledge relevant to human interaction with models and model-generated information. 

This report discusses outcomes of Phase 5 of the IMCSE research program, focusing on three areas: Human-Model Interaction. The empirical study on model-centric decision making, initiated in Phase 4, was completed, and feedback was obtained in several technical exchanges with the practitioner community. The empirical study findings, analogy studies, and other secondary source data were used to develop a set of guiding heuristics. Several validation activities were conducted, towards the final goal of developing a validated set of guiding principles for effective human-model interaction. State-of-the-practice findings were used as a basis for conducting a technical exchange workshop with research stakeholders. The workshop provided research feedback and identified needs for improving the state-of-the-practice for humanmodel interactivity. Report No. SERC-2017-TR-104 Date February 28, 2018 1 Interactive Epoch-Era Analysis. Research matured the approach for evaluating systems under dynamic uncertainty. The extended framework for interactive capability and scaling to big data was completed, including several interactive prototypes for demonstration purposes. Demonstration cases were completed for a space tug multi-mission orbital transfer vehicle and a commercial offshore ship. The framework can be applied for both modular and non-modular solutions for comparison within a tradespace (which helps to assess the lay-in, opportunity, and carrying costs of modularity), and as a means for determining the costs and benefits of having the option to switch between states (e.g. swapping a mission payload or manufacturing line). IEEA involves both visualization and interaction to varying degrees. An experiment to investigate the impacts of visualization and interaction in a decoupled manner, initiated in Phase 4, was completed, with several findings. A set of knowledge assets was completed including the Interactive EEA framework, demonstration prototypes, case-based impact studies, and results of the experiment. Curation of Model-Centric Environments. Prior phase research reinforced the interest and need for organizations to perform a model curation activities. Under the premise that modelcentric environments of the future will necessitate specialized leadership and competencies, a new leadership role for curation was further investigated. Four stages were identified for organizations transforming under the digital paradigm. Specific needs were identified for establishing leadership and practices for model curation through primary and secondary sources. Investigations suggest seven different types of organizations for implementing model curation, based on different needs and organization forms. Research findings were shared with research stakeholders as a preliminary validation of needs and emerging practices. The need for an instrument for organizations to assess their model leadership capabilities and risks was confirmed in a technical exchange workshop and other meetings with research stakeholders. IMCSE research was presented and discussed with practitioners and sponsors in numerous research meetings and workshops throughout Phase 5. These included SERC events, NDIA SE Conference, INCOSE International Workshop, and various meetings at MIT and other research stakeholder locations. These interactions have provided valuable feedback and inputs to the research activities, and served to discover relevant research ongoing in the larger systems community.