Domain-specific customization of modeling languages

Most, if not all, specification approaches are more appropriate for modeling in one domain than in another. At this point, there does not exist an approach for selecting a modeling technique for a specific application scenario, or even to adapt a modeling technique to a specific context. For example, SCR was developed as a specification notation for embedded systems, but the specific modeling concepts that makes it appropriate for that task are not made explicit. Similarly, UML/RT is a special modification of the Unified Modeling Language for real time applications but no systematic adaptation process was performed [Do99]. It would be preferable to be able to systematically derive the required modeling concepts from the characteristics of the domain. In this paper, we introduce a sketch for a systematic approach for customizations of modeling languages and to support the question which modeling notation is applicable for developing a software system within a specific domain. Our long term goal is to provide a structured approach and generic extension mechanism for the development of domain-specific modeling notations, especially UML profiles.