An Empirical Evaluation of UML Notational Elements Using a Concept Mapping Approach

Prior research on diagrammatic representations in system analysis and design has shown that notation details have a significant impact on the interpretation of information conveyed in diagrams. While some research has been conducted on the study of UML diagrams, there has been little focus to date on UML notational elements, defined as UML graphical constructs (i.e., icons, 2-deminsional symbols, paths, and strings) and the combinations of UML graphical constructs. This research empirically evaluated UML notational elements by utilizing the concept mapping approach to investigate the problems, difficulties or concerns in the drawing and interpretation of UML notational elements. The concept maps constructed in this study reveal ontological discrepancies in UML notational elements, highlight issues with UML graphical constructs, especially in lines, arrowheads, combinations of lines and arrowheads, and strings. The results also show that UML notational elements representing relationships and messages are more problematic than those representing things.

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	Siau, Keng L Edwin J. Faulkner Professor Expertise: Systems Analysis and Design Design Science Web 2.0, Virtual World, and 3-D Web Supply Chain Integration and Management Electronic, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Commerce Management CBA 255 P.O. Box 880491 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE 68588-0491, USA Phone: (402) 472-3078 Fax: (402) 472-5855 ksiau@unl.edu	Siau, Keng L	Management