On Models in Object-Oriented Methods - Critique and a new Approach to Reversibility

In this paper object-oriented methods are examined, problems are pointed out and a new method is presented. In object-oriented analysis and design methods two types of models can be identified. On one hand, static architecture models are quite similar in all methods and can be considered as very elaborate. For dynamic models, on the other hand, a number of problems are encountered. They are not expressive enough, they are not reversible and dynamic models do not support a seamless development process. We have developed the MODERN method. It reuses known static architecture models. For the dynamic model, though, a new approach is presented: In a task oriented model a delegation relation is examined. This model is fully reversible, strictly object-oriented and highly expressive. In MODERN the entire development process is reversible and seamless.