The Knight Project

Redefining Tool Support for Object-Oriented Modelling

The Knight Project aims at redefining tool support for object-oriented modelling. Current electronic tools for object-oriented modelling are problematic in terms of

• usability,
• collaboration,
• extensibility, and
• mobility.

Usability and learnability of modelling tools are impeded through complex, heavy-weight interaction that works against what modelling is really about, viz., modelling and not mastering a modelling tool.

Collaboration using traditional desktop interfaces employed in modelling tools and the associated hardware is problematic or impossible. At the same time collaborative activities are critical in object-oriented modelling.

Extensibility of current modelling tools is almost non-existent: A single tool tries to support a wide range of object-oriented software development activities while being bound by a fixed, formal notation such as the Unified Modeling Language (UML).

Mobility in time and space is problematic using current modelling tools. Modellers are bound to specific places (desktop computers) whereas modelling activities are mobile in nature.

We work from the basis that these characteristics are the main reasons why adoption and use of object-oriented modelling tools are so low.

The Knight Tool

We experiment with usability, collaboration, extensibility, and mobility in object-oriented modelling through the development of the Knight tool.

Through its support for gesture-based modelling, the Knight tool can be operated using a number of input devices ranging from Tablet PCs over desktop computers to large electronic whiteboards.

Explore the Knight project by reading about our research, taking a closer look at the Knight tool, by reading our papers, or by downloading the Knight tool.