Challenges for Addressing Quality Factors in Model Transformation

Designing a high quality model transformation is critical, because it is the pivotal mechanism in many mission applications for evolving the intellectual design described by models. This paper proposes solution ideas to assist modelers in developing high quality transformation models. We propose to initiate a design pattern movement in the context of model transformation. The resulting catalog of patterns shall satisfy quality attributes identified beforehand. Verification and validation of these patterns allow us to assess whether the cataloged design patterns are sound and complete with respect to the quality criteria. This will lead to techniques and tools that can detect bad designs and propose alternatives based on well-thought design patterns during the development or maintenance of model transformation.