Towards Formalising Stakeholder Context using SysML v2

2026-04-21

AI Summary

This study addresses the semantic gap between stakeholder subjective contexts and formal system architectures by proposing an integrated approach that combines Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) with SysML v2. Leveraging KerML’s precise semantics and SysML v2’s native support for the ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 standard, the authors construct a traceable reference architecture. The method systematically maps SSM outputs—such as stakeholder perspectives and concerns—onto core SysML v2 constructs, enabling a structured transformation from informal contextual understanding to formal architectural representation. Empirical validation through a case study demonstrates that this integration significantly enhances semantic consistency and reduces the risk of requirement misinterpretation. The work thus establishes a novel paradigm for aligning contextual insights with formal architectures in complex systems engineering.

Technology Category

Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Agent ArchitecturesConstraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Satisfiability Modulo TheoriesMultiagent Systems: Agent/AI Theories and Architectures

Application Category

Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactionsSystems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Location- and context-aware Web and WoT applications and servicesUser Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: User modeling and simulation for interactive and conversational systems

Abstract

This paper presents a framework to bridge the gap between subjective stakeholder context and formal system architecture. This is achieved using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and Systems Modelling Language version 2 (SysML v2). The methodology utilises the precision of Kernel Modelling Language (KerML) and the alignment of SysML v2 with ISO 42010 to define a reference architecture for the mapping of SSM outputs to SysML v2 concepts such as stakeholders and concerns. Application of the framework is demonstrated through the use of a case study, highlighting the traceable path from stakeholder context to system architecture. The structured mapping and increased semantic precision of SysML v2 are anticipated to reduce the risk of misinterpretation compared to less formal approaches, though empirical validation across diverse stakeholder contexts remains as future work. The primary identified trade-off is the increased barrier to entry associated with SysML v2's textual notation.

Problem

• stakeholder context
• system architecture
• formalisation
• SysML v2
• misinterpretation

Innovation

• SysML v2
• Soft Systems Methodology
• KerML
• stakeholder context
• reference architecture