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The IT Architecture Modeling and Visualization – A Practical Approach
The IT Architecture Modeling and Visualization – A Practical Approach
Marcin Roszczyk, IBM Certified IT Architect, The Open Group Master Certified IT Architect
Abstract
Abstract
This article examines the role of modeling techniques within the IT architecture profession as a discipline of information systems engineering and design. The focus is placed on the practical use of visual modeling rather than on the general applicability of formal modeling languages (such as UML, ER, or Data Flow).
The main argument is that visual modeling is one of the most effective ways to manage system complexity, understand its structure, optimize design, and communicate with stakeholders. As IT systems grow in complexity, the need for accessible, visual methods becomes paramount. Simpler metamodels and more visual notations are typically more effective in practice.
The paper reviews common modeling languages and techniques, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses from a professional perspective, and provides recommendations for improvement.
Introduction
Introduction
Models play a central role in engineering and particularly in information systems engineering. They are used to validate assumptions, detect errors, understand user requirements, optimize solutions, support testing, and enable simulation. In software engineering, this is often referred to as model-driven engineering, where modeling aims to increase productivity by covering both structural and behavioral aspects of systems.
Information systems architecture is unique within systems engineering. Unlike physical systems, IT systems are abstract and invisible to end-users. Only their behavior is observable. This makes conceptual modeling especially critical: without it, communication between architects, designers, business stakeholders, and developers becomes inefficient, leading to higher costs, delays, and potential project failures.
Modeling Concepts and Their Relevance to IT Architecture
Modeling Concepts and Their Relevance to IT Architecture
A model is an external representation of reality, created to understand, change, or manage that reality. In IT architecture, models are primarily conceptual, focusing on abstract structures and behaviors.
Good models share several characteristics:
Simplicity of syntax and metamodel.
Clarity of visualization.
Ability to represent multiple viewpoints for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Scalability across abstraction layers, from high-level enterprise views to detailed application designs.
Integration with other models, ensuring coherence across domains (business, data, applications, infrastructure).
Conceptual modeling is the architect’s core task. Traditional text-based requirement descriptions or use case diagrams are often insufficient. Instead, visual representations help stakeholders align on shared mental models and reduce misunderstandings.
Current Practice in IT Architecture Modeling
Current Practice in IT Architecture Modeling
Architecture Domains
Architecture Domains
The IT architecture profession spans multiple domains:
Enterprise Architecture – holistic, enterprise-wide structures.
Business Architecture – business processes and capabilities.
Application Architecture – application components and interactions.
Infrastructure/Technology Architecture – platforms, networks, and services.
Each domain employs different notations and techniques, though integration is crucial.
Languages and Techniques
Languages and Techniques
While UML is a widely recognized de facto standard, it is often too technical for non-specialists and lacks strong visual expressiveness. ArchiMate offers standardized enterprise modeling, but many practitioners find it insufficiently visual or flexible for complex, modern systems. Proprietary diagrams (created by individual architects or organizations) are still common practice because they are easy to understand and tailored to the audience.
Key Challenges
Key Challenges
Trade-off between detail and clarity: too much detail overwhelms non-technical stakeholders; too little reduces accuracy.
Multiple viewpoints: business users, developers, and infrastructure specialists interpret the same model differently.
Integration across notations: different teams use BPMN, UML, ER models, or custom diagrams, often without a unifying “master model.”
Lack of widely adopted standard: despite frameworks like TOGAF or Zachman, there is still no universally accepted modeling language for IT architecture.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions and Recommendations
Visual modeling remains indispensable for IT architecture practice. It enables communication, reduces complexity, and ensures that stakeholder visions are aligned throughout the lifecycle of IT transformation projects.
However, improvements are needed:
Simpler, more visual notations should be developed and adopted.
Multi-viewpoint integration must be emphasized, allowing business, data, and technical perspectives to align within one overarching model.
Greater standardization would improve communication across organizations and reduce costs.
Architects should act as translators, ensuring that abstract business outcomes and technical system behaviors are connected via clear conceptual models.
Ultimately, the model is the primary vehicle of system engineering in IT. Without a robust conceptual model, communication falters, assumptions are misaligned, and projects risk failure.
References
References
[1] Sokolowski, J.A., & Banks, C.M. Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Wiley, 2009.
[2] Parsons, J., & Cole, L. “Guidelines for evaluation of diagrammatic conceptual modeling techniques.” Data & Knowledge Engineering, 55 (2005): 327–342.
[3] Mylopoulos, J. “Conceptual Modeling and Telos.” In Loucopoulos, P. & Zicari, R. Conceptual Modeling, Databases, and Case. Wiley.
[4] Davies, I., Green, P., Rosemann, M., Indulska, M., & Gallo, S. “How do practitioners use conceptual modeling in practice?” Data & Knowledge Engineering, 58 (2006): 358–380.
Lankhorst, M.M., et al. “Enterprise Architecture Modeling – The Issue of Integration.” Telematica Instituut, 2005.
Long, J. “Relationships between Common Graphical Representations in System Engineering.” Vitech, 2002.
Silverman, L.K. Upside-Down Brilliance: The Visual-Spatial Learner. 2005.
Jeusfeld, M.A., Jarke, M., Nissen, H.W., & Staudt, M. ConceptBase: Managing Conceptual Models about Information Systems. Springer.
(Additional online sources from Wikipedia and IBM developerWorks referenced in the original manuscript.)
Illustrations Picture 1 – Division of Systems Engineering ProfessionsThis diagram illustrates the broader field of systems engineering and shows where software and IT architecture fits within it. It highlights the distinction between physical system engineering (e.g., mechanical, civil) and the abstract, conceptual nature of IT systems engineering, where architecture serves as the unifying practice.
Picture 2 – Architecture vs. DesignThis figure compares architecture with design by drawing an analogy with building construction. Architecture defines structures and overall vision, while design is concerned with detailed engineering and implementation. In IT systems, architecture communicates the high-level vision (modules, components, interactions), while design dives into algorithms and coding.
Picture 3 – The Concept of a Model as a Representation of RealityThis picture explains the fundamental idea of a model: it is a simplified external representation of reality, used to understand and control the system being modeled. In IT, this means abstract representations of structures, behaviors, and interactions that cannot be directly observed by end-users.
Picture 4 – Stakeholders Viewing Different ArchitecturesThis diagram demonstrates how different stakeholders perceive the same system through different lenses. A business architect focuses on processes and outcomes, a data architect sees flows and entities, while an infrastructure architect visualizes platforms and technology. A good architectural model integrates these perspectives while maintaining consistency.
Picture 5 – Examples of System Context and Architecture Overview DiagramsThis illustration shows proprietary diagrams commonly used in practice to depict system boundaries, external interactions, and high-level architecture overviews. They are typically created ad hoc by architects, customized for clarity, and aimed at providing stakeholders with an at-a-glance understanding of the system.
Picture 6 – Phases of Software Delivery and ModelingThis figure depicts the evolution of models across the software delivery lifecycle: from early conceptual and requirement models, through architecture and design, to detailed technical specifications and implementation. It emphasizes the need for consistent modeling across all stages.
Picture 7 – Communication of a ConceptThis diagram shows the communication path of a system concept between business stakeholders and architects. It highlights how a business requirement (e.g., increasing sales) is first expressed as a desired outcome, then translated into a conceptual model (e.g., an e-commerce platform), and finally formalized into a system architecture model. Misalignment at this stage often leads to project failures.
Picture 2 – Architecture vs. DesignThis figure compares architecture with design by drawing an analogy with building construction. Architecture defines structures and overall vision, while design is concerned with detailed engineering and implementation. In IT systems, architecture communicates the high-level vision (modules, components, interactions), while design dives into algorithms and coding.
Picture 3 – The Concept of a Model as a Representation of RealityThis picture explains the fundamental idea of a model: it is a simplified external representation of reality, used to understand and control the system being modeled. In IT, this means abstract representations of structures, behaviors, and interactions that cannot be directly observed by end-users.
Picture 4 – Stakeholders Viewing Different ArchitecturesThis diagram demonstrates how different stakeholders perceive the same system through different lenses. A business architect focuses on processes and outcomes, a data architect sees flows and entities, while an infrastructure architect visualizes platforms and technology. A good architectural model integrates these perspectives while maintaining consistency.
Picture 5 – Examples of System Context and Architecture Overview DiagramsThis illustration shows proprietary diagrams commonly used in practice to depict system boundaries, external interactions, and high-level architecture overviews. They are typically created ad hoc by architects, customized for clarity, and aimed at providing stakeholders with an at-a-glance understanding of the system.
Picture 6 – Phases of Software Delivery and ModelingThis figure depicts the evolution of models across the software delivery lifecycle: from early conceptual and requirement models, through architecture and design, to detailed technical specifications and implementation. It emphasizes the need for consistent modeling across all stages.
Picture 7 – Communication of a ConceptThis diagram shows the communication path of a system concept between business stakeholders and architects. It highlights how a business requirement (e.g., increasing sales) is first expressed as a desired outcome, then translated into a conceptual model (e.g., an e-commerce platform), and finally formalized into a system architecture model. Misalignment at this stage often leads to project failures.
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