Short answer

Leverage open digital ecosystems to rapidly prototype and validate new conceptual modeling methods and their supporting tools.

Field
Modelling
Source
Communications of the Association for Information Systems (2019)
Method
Case study and evaluation of a digital ecosystem.
Evidence
Strong effect

An open digital ecosystem, OMiLAB, facilitates the conceptualization, operationalization, and dissemination of conceptual modeling methods through customizable building blocks and agile prototyping. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Communications of the Association for Information Systems. Using Case study and evaluation of a digital ecosystem., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Leverage open digital ecosystems to rapidly prototype and validate new conceptual modeling methods and their supporting tools.

Study
ModellingHigh ImpactStrong effect

OMiLAB: An Open Ecosystem for Agile Conceptual Modeling Method Engineering

An open digital ecosystem, OMiLAB, facilitates the conceptualization, operationalization, and dissemination of conceptual modeling methods through customizable building blocks and agile prototyping.

Communications of the Association for Information Systems · 2019

01

Key Findings

  • 01OMiLAB effectively supports researchers in designing novel modeling methods.
  • 02The ecosystem facilitates the development of agile modeling tools and model-driven digital products.
  • 03OMiLAB has proven capable of addressing the requirements of a wide range of modeling methods.
  • 04The platform aids in the dissemination of methods and prototypes to a global community.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Leverage open digital ecosystems to rapidly prototype and validate new conceptual modeling methods and their supporting tools.

How to apply

Consider building or utilizing similar open platforms for developing and testing new design methodologies or specialized software tools within your design practice.

Project actions

  • 01When developing a new design method, consider how it can be modularized for easier adaptation.
  • 02Explore existing open platforms that support collaborative development and prototyping of design tools.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can an open digital ecosystem support the conceptualization, engineering, and dissemination of novel conceptual modeling methods and associated tools?
MethodCase study and evaluation of a digital ecosystem.
ProcedureThe OMiLAB digital ecosystem was developed based on principles of customizable modeling methods, agile engineering, and model-aware product design. Its effectiveness was demonstrated and evaluated through two application cases, and its impact on satisfying requirements for nearly 50 modeling methods was assessed, alongside its educational impact.
ContextConceptual modeling method development and tool engineering.

Variables

IVThe OMiLAB digital ecosystem (features, principles).
DVEffectiveness in conceptualizing, operationalizing, and disseminating modeling methods; user satisfaction; educational impact.
CVSpecific domain requirements, case-specific needs, existing modeling methods.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Addresses a clear gap in the field of modeling method development.
  • +Provides a comprehensive and integrated solution.
  • +Demonstrated effectiveness across multiple modeling methods.

Limitations

The complexity of building and maintaining such an ecosystem can be a significant challenge. The success of the platform relies heavily on community engagement and contributions.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by demonstrating effectiveness across numerous modeling methods and through application cases. Reliability would be enhanced by longitudinal studies of community engagement and tool development.

Think critically

To what extent does the 'openness' of OMiLAB truly foster innovation versus simply standardizing existing approaches to modeling method development?

05

Design Principles

"Modular and customizable frameworks accelerate the innovation and deployment of specialized modeling methodologies."

This approach allows designers and researchers to rapidly develop and test new modeling methods and tools, fostering innovation in how complex systems and products are conceptualized and designed. It bridges the gap between theoretical method design and practical tool development.

06

What This Means for Your Design

This research shows a digital platform that helps people create and share new ways of thinking about and drawing models, making it easier to build tools for these new methods.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference OMiLAB as an example of a system that supports the iterative development and refinement of design methodologies and tools.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The OMiLAB digital ecosystem demonstrates a powerful approach to conceptualizing and operationalizing modeling methods. By providing a modular framework and agile prototyping capabilities, it enables researchers and practitioners to rapidly develop, test, and disseminate novel modeling techniques and their associated tools, fostering innovation in design practice.

09

Source

Communications of the Association for Information Systems

An Open Platform for Modeling Method Conceptualization: The OMiLAB Digital Ecosystem

journal · 2019

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about omilab: an open ecosystem for agile conceptual modeling method engineering?
Leverage open digital ecosystems to rapidly prototype and validate new conceptual modeling methods and their supporting tools. Evidence: Communications of the Association for Information Systems (2019).
Why does "OMiLAB: An Open Ecosystem for Agile Conceptual Modeling Method Engineering" matter for design?
This approach allows designers and researchers to rapidly develop and test new modeling methods and tools, fostering innovation in how complex systems and products are conceptualized and designed. It bridges the gap between theoretical method design and practical tool development.
How can designers apply this research?
Leverage open digital ecosystems to rapidly prototype and validate new conceptual modeling methods and their supporting tools.
What were the main findings?
OMiLAB effectively supports researchers in designing novel modeling methods.. The ecosystem facilitates the development of agile modeling tools and model-driven digital products.. OMiLAB has proven capable of addressing the requirements of a wide range of modeling methods.. The platform aids in the dissemination of methods and prototypes to a global community.
What research method was used?
Case study and evaluation of a digital ecosystem..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from Communications of the Association for Information Systems.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Consider building or utilizing similar open platforms for developing and testing new design methodologies or specialized software tools within your design practice.
What are the limitations?
The effectiveness of the ecosystem may depend on the adoption and contribution of the community. Specific application cases might not fully represent the breadth of all modeling method requirements.