Web modeling#

What is a web model?#

See model definition in glossary.

A web model allows you to specify web sites from web development components; i.e. IFML.

Web characteristics#

Web models take into account:

• Static and dynamic aspects of content
• hypertext and navigation
• Presentation levels

Web dimensions#

• Content: Information handled by the application.
• Presentation: Visual layout of the elements and their relationships.
• Prototyping: Validation with users and testing.

Why use web models?#

Models are super-powerful development tools.

Eases the development#

• Reduces complexity
• Documents design decisions
• Is a means of communication

Web models usages#

The use of models is increasing in software development.

Web model as a draft:

• Communicates ideas
• Highlights what is most important
• People-oriented
• Informal and incomplete

Web model as a guide:

• Documents design decisions
• Solution-oriented
• Rigorous and consistent

Web model as a program: Model driven development (MDD)

• Isolates the specification of the system from its functionality and the technology used in implementation
• Distinguishes between platform-independent model (PIM) and platform-specific model (PSM)
• The model is converted into code
• Automatic generation of applications
• Transformations are the key element

MDD for web#

MDD is increasingly used because of its great potential.

Advantages#

• Better than traditional ad-hoc development.
• It is a solid starting point for implementation
• Avoids problems such as:
  • Insufficient fulfillment of requirements
  • Wrong specifications
  • Lack of system documentation

Tools#

Tools is what developers need. There are some web model tools:

IFMLEdit:

• Based on IFML standard.
• PIM
• Simple
• Online runable Prototype
• Generate implementation

WebRation

• Web Platform (requires Java 7)
• OMG Specification
• Courses

Figma:

• For UI design
• PSM
• Online runable Prototype