Type of Publication: Article in Collected Edition

Managing Model Complexity: A Segment-Based Approach

Author(s):

Kühne, Thomas; Maier, Pierre

Publisher:

ACM/IEEE 29th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems (MODELS Companion 2026), October 04--09, 2026, Málaga, Spain

Publication Date:

2026

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

doi:10.1145/3837062.3838697

Fulltext:

MULTI_2026____Managing_Complexity-cr.pdf

Citation:

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Abstract

Multi-level modeling (MLM) is typically characterized as minimizing accidental complexity. We observe that MLM levels also aid in managing essential model complexity by separating and organizing model content based on the domain classification level it represents. Building on this insight, we generalize the notion of a level---and previously recognized pluralities of elements, e.g., those contained in packages---to that of a model segment. In addition to solution-based segments, we recognize domain-induced segments, such as domain diversity, allowing semantic information to be represented in models that was previously lost to mapping different modeler intents to the same modeling constructs. These new, semantically relevant, model segments support better model navigability and aid model understanding by facilitating  the isolation of particular model aspects. Crucially, all model segments are subject to being represented by proxies, thus enabling a significant reduction of first-contact model complexity. We posit that introducing segments for managing model complexity has the potential to lower the threshold of MLM adoption due to its ability to counteract the often-held perception of MLM models being complex.