06 Enterprise Architecture Modeling Guidelines

Fundamental Guidelines

A model has to provide answers to specific business, application, and/or technology-related questions.

Model

– This is an explicit and intellectual conception of rea-life aspects based on a clearly defined purpose.

Visualization

– This pertains to the form in which a model is presented.

The metaphorical direction in finding relevant elements: 

Inwards

Upwards

Downwards

Sideways

Inwards

Towards the internal composition of the elements.

Upwards

Towards the elements that are supported by it.

Downwards

Towards its realization by other elements

Sideways

Towards peer elements with which it cooperates.

Limiting the visual complexity of a model:

• Reduce the number of concepts in a model.

• Reduce the number of elements in the model.

• Reduce the number of relations depicted in the model.

Gestalt Theory of Human Perception:

Proximity

Similarity

Continuity

Closure

Common Fate

Proximity

People have the tendency to relate objects that are near to each other.

Similarity

People have the tendency to perceive objects that are similar, belong together as a unit.

Continuity

People have the tendency to perceive a line as continuous establishing directions, based on their perspective.

Closure

People have the tendency to perceive incomplete objects as complete and asymmetric objects as symmetric

Common Fate

People have the tendency to perceive different objects that move or function in a similar manner as a unit.

Representation Conventions:

Use of Layouts

Use of Symbols

Use of Colors

Use of Texts

Use of Layouts

aspects of a diagram include basic pattern, horizontal and vertical alignment, above/before positioning, symmetry, distance of objects, distribution and density objects and connectors.

Use of Layouts Rules:

o Properly utilize white space.

o Make a clear distinction between normal proceedings and exceptions.

o Apply symmetry to stress similarities.

o Model time dependencies from left to right.

o Avoid crossing lines.

Use of Symbols

– The shapes of objects in a model usually match the intrinsic properties of the real-life objects.

Use of Symbols Rules:

o Use similar shapes for similar concepts.

o Use line width to stress important relations.

Use of Colors

– is a strong visual signal. It is a visual attribute that is strongly influenced by "prior knowledge." It can also increase the appeal of a diagram, but can also lead to contrary effects, such as confusion and distraction.

Use of Colors Rules:

o Use color for similarity.

o Use color to convey emotions.

o Limit the number of colors.

Use of Texts

suggests proper interpretations, associations, and stimulates thinking. It also speeds up the creation of a proper mental state in modeling, while creating a good starting for the line of reasoning.

Use of Texts Rules:

o Use domain-specific terminologies.

o Use appropriate naming conventions