A Pattern for the Integration of Conceptual Models in Support ofMultidisciplinary Efforts to Develop Software

摘要

Conceptual models are an essential part of research, especially wherernmultidisciplinary teams need multiple models to capture and convey the disciplinaryrnviews. Here the authors present a reusable pattern that describes an effective meansrnof operating within a multidisciplinary group to develop software. Patterns forrnrepeatable processes provide savings in time. The quality of resulting products isrnhigher, for the patterns have previously been used and the "bugs" have been "ironedrnout". Examples here are from an active project in which the authors are developingrnsimulation software for social scientists and security experts to analyze buildingrnevacuations. The team is comprised of engineers, computer scientists and socialrnscientists. The paper gives justification for the use of patterns and a description of thisrnprocess pattern in the context of the evacuation project. The process pattern includes:rnproject description, construct identification, diagramming, construct mapping, spiralrnmodel for process iteration, interdisciplinary literacy, and special issues in thernsoftware environment.