Investigating qualitative modelling in design – experimental method validation at the Contact and Channel Approach

Qualitative modelling in embodiment design aims to support the gain of system understanding. However, it remains unclear whether using a qualitative modelling method impacts system understanding compared to intuitive approaches.

In this contribution, an experimental study is conducted to investigate the impact of the modelling method based on the Contact and Channel Approach on system understanding. The study is set up with 35 participants, video-based modelling training and two technical systems. The tasks are analyses of causes for system behaviour on two different detail levels of system understanding. The control group solves the task with intuitive approaches, the test group uses the modelling method. On the system level, general relations of embodiment and behaviour are investigated. On the detail level, function-critical system areas, as well as function-relevant system states, are investigated.

The modelling method increases understanding of technical systems at the system level compared to intuitive approaches. In the detail level, no statement about statistically significant differences could be derived. Challenges in identifying critical areas and relevant system states are uncovered, which provide insights for improving the modelling method. ... mehrWith this study design, the modelling process is now observable. It can provide a baseline for investigations of similar modelling methods.