A Comprehensive Overview of Visual Design of Process Model Element Labels

摘要

Process model element labels are critical for an appropriate association between a symbol instance in a model and the corresponding real world meaning. Disciplines, in which an efficient presentation of text labels is crucial (e.g., cartography) have continuously improved their visualization design techniques for labels since they serve as effective cognitive aids in problem solving. Despite the relevance of labels for information exploration, surprisingly little research has been undertaken on the visual design of element labels of business process models. This paper fills this gap and provides a comprehensive overview of visual design options for process model element labels. First, we summarize the findings existing in the diverse areas of literature relevant to visual display of process model element labels. Second, we analyze the status quo of visual design of element labels in common business process modeling tools indicating only little layouting support. Third, we give recommendations regarding the visual design of element labels. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analysis of visual design of process model element labels.